Long-time veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell experienced an unspeakable family tragedy in June, when his brother allegedly killed their mother. Campbell addressed the situation with reporters for the first time on Tuesday.
Asked if he considered not playing in what will be his 19th NFL season, Campbell made clear the importance of football to his overall well-being.
“I love the game of football a lot and it is a place [that] brings me joy,” Campbell said, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN. “This is a very fun place for me to be. And so playing football has been great for me.”
Before that, Campbell expressed appreciation for the support he has received.
“I just wanted to say these last couple months have been pretty tough for me and my family,” Campbell said. “But [I’ve] been working through it and I really appreciate all the love and support and the prayers that have been coming from all over, really from all the NFL community, all the fan bases. So I appreciate the prayers. Continue praying for us because we need it.”
Campbell has practiced on a reduced basis during training camp with the Ravens.
“I feel really good about where I am at,” Campbell said. “The coaches did a really good job of letting me kind of ease in and really kind of get myself where I need to be. September cannot come soon enough.”
Campbell turns 40 on September 1. It’s a remarkable run, given the intense physical demands of the position he plays. He has absorbed and/or initiated contact on every single play — for 278 regular-season games.
A six-time Pro Bowler and a former Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, Campbell is likely putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame career. And who knows? Even though he has said he expects 2026 to be his final year, Campbell may decide to make it to an even 20 seasons.
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