CALAIS CAMPBELL’S RETURN TO THE FIELD FEELS LIKE A FAIRYTALE ENDING
Thomas Wolfe once said, “You can’t go home again,” but in sports, that doesn’t always apply. Usually, athletes don’t return to their old teams because it doesn’t benefit them or the team. But Karlos Dansby did it twice, and his return was impressive.
Now, Calais Campbell coming back to possibly end his career with the Ravens feels like a perfect story.
For this to make sense, Campbell has to still be able to play. At 39 years old and heading into his 18th season, he can still play. While he’s now a part-time player, last year he showed he still has the skills to perform at a high level, something even younger players would envy.
There are many Dolphins fans and media members who are upset that Miami let Campbell leave.
When the Jaguars traded Campbell to the Ravens in 2020 for a fifth-round pick, fans wondered why the Cardinals didn’t make that move. Then, when Campbell left Baltimore to sign with the Falcons, people asked why the Cardinals didn’t go after him. Again, when he left Atlanta for the Dolphins, the same question came up. This time, Campbell is returning to where it all started.
It’s hard to fully measure how much Campbell, a great person and the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, will add to the Ravens’ locker room. His presence alone will help, but he can still make an impact on the field. If you split his career into two halves — his nine years with the Cardinals and his eight seasons after — both would be considered incredible careers.
Campbell’s career speaks for itself.
As a reporter, you meet players you get to know and others who you become close with. Campbell is one of those rare people who makes you feel like he knows you well. He has a warm smile off the field and a fierce energy on it. It’s almost funny to think that, when he was in college, people questioned his drive, given that he’s now 18 years into his NFL career.
Calais coming back to the Ravens definitely feels like a happy ending.
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