It’s been nearly three years since the Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive lineman Calais Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens.
In the 32 months since that March 2020 deal, the Jaguars roster has dramatically changed top to bottom. Very few players were around to play with Campbell during the 2019 season, but that small list includes Josh Allen and Dawuane Smoot.
“He’s definitely one of the most influential guys in both of our careers,” Smoot said Tuesday of Campbell’s influence on he and Allen, via Jaguars.com. “He taught me, more than anything, about how to take care of my body. Now into my sixth or seventh year, I’m seeing what he was talking about my rookie year.
“We definitely miss him. It’s kind of sad he was let go a couple years ago, but he’s showing that he can still play. He’s one of the oldest in the league and he’s still balling.”
Campbell, 36, is set to make his return to TIAA Bank Field on Sunday for the first time since getting traded. This season, he’s second on the Ravens in sacks with 4.5 in nine games played.
During his three-year stint with the Jaguars, Campbell racked up 31.5 sacks, 44 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles. He earned a Pro Bowl nod all three seasons he was with the team.
In August, Campbell told NFL Network that he hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll retire after the 2022 season, but said he was “preparing like this is my last year.”
