Revenge of the Birds
Calais Campbell’s 18-year NFL odyssey comes to fruition
Back in 2008 when the Arizona Cardinals drafted Calais Campbell in the 2nd round at pick #50, they essentially acquired the prototypical epitome of a 34 defensive end. Coming out of the University of Miami at 6’8”, 290 pounds, 35 3/4” arms, posting a 5.0 40. 1.72 10-yard split, 7.19 3-cone and 34.” vertical after garnering 129 tackles, 39 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks during his three years as an 1st Team ACC All-Star, Calais Campbell was an utter force to be reckoned with.
During the Cardinals’ 2008 run to its first and only Super Bowl, Calais, as a rookie, backed up Darnell Dockett and Antonio Smith. He played his best football down the stretch during the Cardinals’ exciting playoff run, popping for 7 solo tackles, 1 assist and a pass deflection.
Heave a gander at Calais Campbell’s career stints and highlights: (per Wikipedia)
Jaguars franchise records
Career highlights and awards
NFL Career Statistics (regular season):
Postseason:
PFF Overall Grades (last 10 years):
Commentary:
Earlier in the week I was reading a tweet that said Calais Campbell was mulling over offers from the Dolphins and Falcons amidst the question as to whether it was, after 17 NFL seasons, a good time to retire. After reading the tweet I mistakenly thought, “don’t get your hopes up that Calais would return to the Cardinals.”
Then when I saw this tweet about the salary agreement, I was flabbergasted. Not only that the Cardinals were able to win his services, but that they were able to do so at such a...
