As NFL fans, we can often become so focused on the product on the football field that we fail to recognize the stories of the individual players. Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell is not only one of the best players in Cardinals history, he's one of the team's best stories.
After returning to the Cardinals via free agency this offseason, Campbell is set to finish his career where he started it. If Arizona can live up to fan expectations this season, Calais Campbell could have the perfect ending to his storied career.
Calais Campbell set for a big finale with the Arizona Cardinals
At 38 years old, Calais Campbell is the oldest active defender in the NFL. He's had a career full of big moments, and he's set to finish it with the team that drafted him.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Calais Campbell out of Miami in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. At 6'8" and over 270 pounds, Campbell was viewed as a dominant but raw defensive prospect with the potential to grow into an impact role.
Prior to Campbell's arrival, the Cardinals had struggled to find any form of success. They hadn't won more than eight games in a decade. In Calais Campbell's first season with the team, they went to the Super Bowl and were a play away from being crowned champions.
Of course, Calais Campbell shouldn't get all of the credit for the Cardinals' turnaround (Kurt Warner helped a bit). He didn't even earn a full-time starting role until his second year. But his arrival marked a shift in the culture and expectations around the team.
Campbell would play nine seasons with the Cardinals before moving on in free agency to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. In those nine seasons, Campbell posted 54 sacks and over 300 tackles. He made two All-Pro teams with the Cardinals, becoming one of the best defensive linemen in football.
Regrettably, Arizona let Campbell walk in free agency. Over the span of eight seasons, Campbell played for the Jaguars, Ravens, Falcons, and Dolphins. Now, he has returned to presumably finish his career where it started.
Even at his age, Calais Campbell is still an impactful player. His snap counts may be limited, but he should play a starting role in Jonathan Gannon's defense. He's part of a defensive overhaul that has included moves for Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, Walter Nolen, and Will Johnson. The Cardinals defense is as talented as it has been in years and should be a key factor in their hopeful return to the postseason.
Calais Campbell will be crucial to the Cardinals' success this season, both on and off the field. If he can help the team meet their goal of reaching the playoffs, Campbell will go down as one of the best Arizona Cardinals players of all time.