As Kyler Murray looks to make the Arizona Cardinals offense a powerhouse, one of his teammates is taking another approach. Lasting 18 years in the NFL is no easy feat but if you do, defensive end Calais Campbell thinks it’s his duty to mentor the young ones and pass along his advise.
Drafted by the Cardinals back in 2008, Calais Campbell has seen it all in the NFL. He spent his first nine seasons in the league at Arizona, before signing for Jacksonville for three years. At 34 years of age, he went to Baltimore, where he spent another three seasons. In 2023, he played for Atlanta and last season he deployed a Miami jersey. Now, he is back to where it all started.
The 6-time Pro-Bowler gave an interview to ‘The Insiders’ where he discussed all things football. “I enjoy passing knowledge”, he said. “I feel there is no point for me to die with all this knowledge… I have to share with as many people as possible, especially people that are going to help us win ballgames.”
Calais Campbell has been close to winning a Super Bowl
When thinking if winning the Super Bowl is hard, just ask Calais Campbell. He has grasped the Lombardy many times but hasn’t been able to get the ultimate achievement.
Defensive end Calais Campbell #93 of the Arizona Cardinals holds up a fist in the first quarter of the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 21, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona.
Campbell played in a Super Bowl in his rookie season. Arizona lost to the Steelers with the infamous Santonio Holmes catch. After that, he got close by getting to consecutive Conference Championship games. First in 2016, his last year as a Cardinal, where they lost against Cam Newton and the Panthers. Then, in 2017, when playing for the Jaguars, they lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. He has a career 8-7 playoff record.
see also
Brock Purdy’s key 49ers teammate delivers bold message about his NFL future
Are the Cardinals fulfilling Campbell’s Super Bowl dreams?
While some might say the NFC is wide open, others will have to fight for the chance to be included in that ‘wide open’ argument. The Super Bowl champions are the Philadelphia Eagles and it’s safe to say they are going back with full-force. Then you have teams like the L.A. Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings ready to challenge them.
A tier below, but with chances of pulling upsets, the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers can dream big. As you can see, Arizona is not there.
The Cardinals have talent, but questions surrounding their coaching staff and Kyler Murray not being able to become an elite QB (he is very good, but not top-tier yet) do not play in Arizona’s favor. As Campbell’s career is nearing the end, it’s tough to see the Cardinals helping him win a Lombardy. It’s time to mentor and pass the torch.
