The Baltimore Ravens got a key piece on their defensive line back during the 2022 offseason when they re-signed Calais Campbell to a two-year deal, $12.5 million contract. There were questions about whether Campbell would return for his 15th NFL season, but he decided to do just that and play it out in Baltimore, where he’s spent the last few seasons.
After one of the Ravens’ mandatory minicamp sessions, Campbell spoke with the Baltimore media about how he’s been able to keep his love for the game of football strong through the daily grind of a long career. He talked about how he appreciates the game more now that he’s getting closer to the end of his career, and he enjoys every day.
“I think it’s just a love for the game. God just gave me a pure love for the game. Ever since I was a kid, I [have] loved football. People always ask me all the time, ‘Why not play basketball?’ I was like, ‘Basketball wasn’t even a thought.’ I was really good at it, but it was always football since I could remember. I started playing football at six [years old], and I had to beg my dad to play. It wasn’t like he signed me up; I begged him to play. So, it’s always been football. I don’t know why. He’s the brotherhood, knowing that everybody’s counting on me, and I have to sacrifice myself for the greater good of the team. I grew up with a bunch of brothers so that really resonated with me. I don’t know, but I love the game. I enjoy every day that I get to be in here. I feel like when I was younger, I used to dread it a little bit here. When you’re young, it’s just a grind. The closer I get to the end, the more I’m like, ‘I just have to appreciate being [here].’ I’m only going to be allowed in these doors for a little bit longer so I have to appreciate every moment I get.”
