Calais Campbell is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He was born on September 1, 1986, in Denver, Colorado, and attended the University of Miami, where he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.
Campbell was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cardinals, where he established himself as one of the best defensive linemen in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times (2014, 2015, 2017) and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2017.
In 2017, Campbell signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played three seasons with the Jaguars, where he continued to be a dominant force on the defensive line. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and 2019 and was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2018.
In 2020, Campbell was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. He played one season with the Ravens, where he recorded four sacks and 28 tackles in 12 games.
Throughout his career, Campbell was known for his size, strength, and versatility on the defensive line. He was equally effective as a pass rusher and run stopper and was often double-teamed by opposing offensive lines. He finished his career with 91.5 sacks, 712 tackles, and 14 forced fumbles.
Off the field, Campbell was known for his philanthropic work. He established the CRC Foundation in 2019, which focuses on improving the lives of young people through education, health, and community initiatives. He was also named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019, which recognizes players for their excellence on and off the field.
In March 2021, Campbell announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons. He cited his desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests as the reasons for his decision. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the best defensive linemen of his generation and a role model for his work off the field.
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