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The Trey Hendrickson signing dominated headlines. Jesse Minter's arrival generated even more discussion. Somewhere beneath those conversations sits another reunion that could quietly become just as invaluable. The Baltimore Ravens turned heads when they brought Calais Campbell home.
Yes, he's 39 years old. Yes, he's turning 40 on September 1. That alone is mind-boggling. So is the knowledge that this isn't just any 40-year-old.
Think about something for a second. Yes, Trey Hendrickson is a leader. Imagine having that type of talent and leadership on a defensive roster. Then, think about adding Calais Campbell to the same meeting room.
Think of the conversations that might go on there. Between the two, that's a combined two First-Team All-Pro nods, three Second-Team All-Pro mentions, ten Pro Bowls, a Deacon Jones Award, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Now think about Campbell singularly. He earned Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honors in 2016. How lucky are Zion Young and Mike Smith? They aren't just learning from a great football player. They're learning tips about how to be a professional from a great man.
For many Ravens players, the 40-year-old plateau would immediately end any meaningful expectations. Campbell isn't like most players. Even in the later stages of his career, he continues contributing as both a rotational defensive lineman and one of football's most respected locker-room leaders. Baltimore knows exactly what it's getting. The Ravens don't need Campbell playing 70 snaps every Sunday. They need him to strengthen the rotation, mentor younger defensive linemen, and help stabilize one of the NFL's deepest defensive fronts.
This is his swan song, but his role may ultimately prove more valuable than many realize. This is what this organization does. One Raven pours into another.
Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson poured into Ray Lewis before Lewis poured into Ed Reed. They both poured into Terrell Suggs. Eric DeCosta, once upon a time, learned the business from Ozzie Newsome, and yes, Jesse Minter learned so much from John Harbaugh.
Calais Campbell has already proven he can be exactly that in Baltimore, and this second stint may wind up being just as meaningful as the first. He isn't being asked to turn the clock back. Sacks and tackles won't measure his impact. This is so much more than a feel-good story. It's another reminder of why the Ravens set so many standards
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Calais Campbell’s return is a massive Ravens storyline
Continue reading...
Yes, he's 39 years old. Yes, he's turning 40 on September 1. That alone is mind-boggling. So is the knowledge that this isn't just any 40-year-old.
Calais Campbell still has something left in the tank
Think about something for a second. Yes, Trey Hendrickson is a leader. Imagine having that type of talent and leadership on a defensive roster. Then, think about adding Calais Campbell to the same meeting room.
Think of the conversations that might go on there. Between the two, that's a combined two First-Team All-Pro nods, three Second-Team All-Pro mentions, ten Pro Bowls, a Deacon Jones Award, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Now think about Campbell singularly. He earned Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honors in 2016. How lucky are Zion Young and Mike Smith? They aren't just learning from a great football player. They're learning tips about how to be a professional from a great man.
For many Ravens players, the 40-year-old plateau would immediately end any meaningful expectations. Campbell isn't like most players. Even in the later stages of his career, he continues contributing as both a rotational defensive lineman and one of football's most respected locker-room leaders. Baltimore knows exactly what it's getting. The Ravens don't need Campbell playing 70 snaps every Sunday. They need him to strengthen the rotation, mentor younger defensive linemen, and help stabilize one of the NFL's deepest defensive fronts.
This is his swan song, but his role may ultimately prove more valuable than many realize. This is what this organization does. One Raven pours into another.
Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson poured into Ray Lewis before Lewis poured into Ed Reed. They both poured into Terrell Suggs. Eric DeCosta, once upon a time, learned the business from Ozzie Newsome, and yes, Jesse Minter learned so much from John Harbaugh.
Calais Campbell has already proven he can be exactly that in Baltimore, and this second stint may wind up being just as meaningful as the first. He isn't being asked to turn the clock back. Sacks and tackles won't measure his impact. This is so much more than a feel-good story. It's another reminder of why the Ravens set so many standards
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Why Calais Campbell’s return is a massive Ravens storyline
Continue reading...
