{"id":125557,"date":"2025-06-13T02:54:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-13T02:54:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/125557\/"},"modified":"2025-06-13T02:54:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T02:54:12","slug":"calais-campbell-low-on-emotions-high-on-cardinals-potential","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/125557\/","title":{"rendered":"Calais Campbell low on emotions, high on Cardinals potential"},"content":{"rendered":"

TEMPE \u2014 Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell never wanted to leave in 2017.<\/p>\n

But as he said Thursday, \u201ceverything happens for a reason,\u201d making his return<\/a> to the franchise that drafted him 19 years ago truly that much more fitting in 2025.<\/p>\n

And although the full brunt of emotions hasn\u2019t quite hit the longtime defensive lineman with minicamp officially wrapped, they\u2019re definitely in there somewhere.<\/p>\n

Calais Campbell: \u201cIts cool that I get to have a chance to come back and do something great here.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/fzrwQiRgMp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Arizona Sports (@AZSports) June 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure that first week, especially that first home game coming out of the tunnel, it\u2019s going to be a lot more emotional,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cI can feel it already. \u2026 I never really wanted to leave, although I feel like everything happens for reason and I had a lot of great experiences a lot of other places. \u2026 Everything happened the way it was supposed to but coming back is definitely going to be very emotional for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never really wanted to retire anywhere or like sign a contract or do anything like that,\u201d he added. \u201cI just was going to ride off in the sunset, kind of pull like a Larry Fitzgerald type thing. \u2026 So, it\u2019s cool to have a chance to come back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calais Campbell already seeing Cardinals\u2019 potential<\/p>\n

Campbell is far from being one of those end-of-the-career signings looking for one last cash out. The ones that are paid more for their names than production and who are more focused on individual growth than team success.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also not one to join a franchise that doesn\u2019t at least have a clear path forward.<\/p>\n

After seeing the vision head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis had for the team upon signing his deal, Campbell is now seeing it in motion firsthand.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery team has high aspirations going into the season. This team\u2019s no different \u2026 I think that everything is on the table for us,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work. You got to do everything you\u2019re supposed to do \u2026 but this team is special. I believe it has all the tools to make a run.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be a great story, being here and coming back, it would be an incredible story. We all have dreams and we\u2019ll see if it comes to fruition or not, but I\u2019m eager for that opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just feels right seeing Calais Campbell back in a Cardinals jersey. pic.twitter.com\/OImsIfBnR6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 10, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Little Calais Campbells on the roster?<\/p>\n

Getting to work alongside his teammates this minicamp gave Campbell a good first impression of those inside the room, specifically Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s early with no pad work as the Cardinals break ahead of training camp, but Campbell sees the potential the pair of first-rounders can bring to the trenches \u2014 as well as a little bit of himself in the duo.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the best parts about my game is my ability to go down the line really fast, just that lateral quickness. (Nolen) has unbelievable lateral quickness,\u201d Campbell said of the rookie. His quickness is different level. He has good instincts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could tell (Robinson\u2019s) a guy who loves football, reminds me of myself just a little bit,\u201d Campbell added of the second-year pro. \u201cI was that happy-go-lucky kid that all the vets would tease because I was talking too much. The guy comes in the building with great energy and is just happy to be here. That\u2019s a joy to see. \u2026 Very few people love (the game) the way I love it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow @Tdrake4sports<\/a><\/p>\n

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