Calais Campbell was officially traded to the Baltimore Ravens on March 19th. News broke early last week that the Jacksonville Jaguars would be trading the beloved defensive end for a fifth-round pick. The Ravens acquired Campbell for practically nothing compared to his accomplishments. Campbell is a five-time pro bowler. He made the pro bowl each of the last three seasons with the Jaguars. Though Campbell was with the Jags for just three seasons, he will go down in team history as one of the most beloved players. Campbell is a fixture of the Jacksonville Jaguars and should one day be a member of the Pride of the Jaguars.
Calais Campbell: A Jacksonville Jaguars Fixture
A Leader on the Field
Campbell was a much needed veteran presence for the Jaguars for the three years that he was on the team. In fact, he was so good that the Mayor of Jacksonville proclaimed him “Mayor of Sacksonville” in 2017.
In his first year with the team, the Jags made an AFC Championship run. The 2017 season was a stand out year for Campbell. Campbell registered 14.5 sacks that year along with three forced fumbles, 67 total tackles (47 solo), one fumble recovery, and one touchdown. He also had seven solo tackles in the 2017 playoffs. Over the course of Campbell’s time with the Jaguars, he compiled 31.5 sacks and scored two defensive touchdowns.
Campbell wasn’t quite as dominant in the 2019 season. Last year, he made 6.5 sacks with 37 solo tackles, with two forced fumbles, and one touchdown. He was still disruptive, but an aging veteran nonetheless. The Jaguars are going through a rebuild, even if they won’t admit it. With rebuilds come an infusion of youth and an expulsion of many veterans. Regardless, Campbell’s leadership will be sorely missed and there will be big shoes to fill.
A Leader off the Field
Campbell’s influence stretches far beyond the hash-marks and sidelines of a football field. He’s a great player, but even more than that, he’s a great man. Campbell and his family have a foundation named after his late father, Charles Richard Campbell. The CRC foundation‘s mission is:
“The CRC Foundation is committed to the enhancement of our community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills, and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps develop young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.”
Campbell’s foundation is based out of Denver, Colorado but he also made roots in Jacksonville. His foundation does a lot for local communities. From “Christmas with Calais” to reading programs and even a scholarship, Campbell leaves a positive impact on everyone he comes into contact with.
Members of the media, NFL, and fans have taken notice of Campbell’s impact the past few seasons. At the end of the 2018 season, Campbell received the Bart Starr award for outstanding character and leadership. During the NFL Honors at the end of the 2019 season, Campbell accomplished perhaps his most crowning achievement to date. He was named the 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. Throughout his 12 year NFL career, Campbell has been a living example of excellence in football and in life.
Calais Campbell: Pride of the Jaguars
Campbell was a member of the Jaguars for just three seasons. But it doesn’t always take a long time to have a lasting impact. Campbell should one day be recognized as a member of the Pride of the Jaguars. Currently, there are four former Jaguars players that are a part of this exclusive group. They are Mark Brunell, Tony Boselli, Fred Taylor, and Jimmy Smith. Smith was the most recent inductee (2016).
Campbell’s storied NFL career is not yet complete. The Ravens will have time to see the impact Campbell makes on and off the field. The fans in Duval will always be grateful for the time number 93 spent with the Jaguars.
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