kids encyclopedia robot

Calais Campbell facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Calais Campbell
refer to caption
Campbell with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023
No. 93 – Miami Dolphins
Position: Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1986-09-01) September 1, 1986 (age 38)
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight: 307 lb (139 kg)
Career information
High school: South (Denver)
College: Miami (FL) (2004–2007)
NFL Draft: 2008 / Round: 2 / Pick: 50
Career history
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
  • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2019)
  • PFWA NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
  • First-team All-Pro (2017)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2016)
  • Pro Bowl (2014, 2015, 2017–2020)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • NFLPA Alan Page Community Award (2024)
  • Bart Starr Award (2019)
  • Art Rooney Award (2022)
  • First-team All-ACC (2006)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024
Total tackles: 917
Sacks: 110.5
Pass deflections: 63
Forced fumbles: 18
Fumble recoveries: 13
Interceptions: 3
Defensive touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR

Calais Malik Campbell (born September 1, 1986) is a famous American football player. He plays as a defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the Dolphins, he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. The Arizona Cardinals picked him in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.

Early Life and Sports Talents

Calais Campbell grew up in Denver, Colorado. He played high school football at South High School. He was known as one of the best defensive players in the country. He set a state record with 57 sacks during his high school career.

Beyond Football: Basketball and Track

Calais wasn't just a football star. He was also amazing at basketball. He led his state in rebounds and was an All-State player. He also competed in track & field, throwing the discus and shot put. He was truly a multi-taltalented athlete!

College Football Journey

After high school, Campbell chose to play college football at the University of Miami. He started playing in 2005 after a "redshirt" year (meaning he practiced but didn't play in games).

Making an Impact at Miami

In 2005, he had 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks. By 2006, he really shined, getting 55 tackles and 10.5 sacks. He even had three games with at least three sacks! In his last season in 2007, he continued to play well, making 50 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He even caught his first college interception.

College Statistics Overview

Here's a quick look at his college stats:

Season Team Games Played Total Tackles Sacks Interceptions Forced Fumbles
2005 Miami 11 24 2.5 0 0
2006 Miami 13 55 10.5 0 3
2007 Miami 12 50 6.5 1 0
Total 36 129 19.5 1 3

Professional NFL Career

Calais Campbell was picked by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was the 50th player chosen overall.

Arizona Cardinals: Starting Strong (2008-2016)

Campbell signed a four-year contract with the Cardinals. He started as a backup but quickly showed his skills.

Rookie Season and Super Bowl Appearance (2008)

In his first year, Campbell played in all 16 games. He made 28 tackles. The Cardinals had a great season, making it all the way to Super Bowl XLIII. Campbell played in the Super Bowl, where the Cardinals narrowly lost.

Becoming a Starter and Key Player (2009-2011)

In 2009, Campbell became a full-time starter. He recorded 45 tackles and seven sacks. He got his first solo sack against the Seattle Seahawks. In 2011, he had his best season yet with the Cardinals, making 72 tackles and eight sacks. He also blocked three field goals!

Big Contract and Continued Success (2012-2016)

In 2012, Campbell signed a big five-year contract with the Cardinals. He continued to be a strong force on the defensive line.

Calais Campbell picture
Campbell playing for the Cardinals in 2013

In 2013, he had 58 tackles and nine sacks. He even scored his first career safety by tackling the quarterback in the end zone.

In 2014, Campbell was chosen for his first Pro Bowl, which is a huge honor for NFL players. He had 58 tackles and seven sacks that year. He was also named to the Second-team All-Pro.

In 2015, his position was officially changed to defensive tackle, where he played inside the defensive line more often. He was selected for his second Pro Bowl.

In 2016, Campbell had another amazing year. He made 53 tackles, eight sacks, and scored his first career touchdown by recovering a fumble and running it into the end zone! He also had another safety and an interception.

Jacksonville Jaguars: "Sacksonville" Leader (2017-2019)

After nine seasons with the Cardinals, Campbell signed a four-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017.

Record-Breaking Season (2017)

In his first game with the Jaguars, Campbell set a team record with four sacks! The Jaguars' defense became known as "Sacksonville" because they got so many sacks. Campbell set a new Jaguars franchise record with 14.5 sacks in one season. He was chosen for his third Pro Bowl and was named First-team All-Pro.

More Pro Bowls and All-Decade Team (2018-2019)

Campbell continued his strong play in 2018, getting 10.5 sacks and earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection. In 2019, he had three sacks in one game and scored another touchdown by recovering a fumble. He was named to the Pro Bowl again and was also chosen for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, which means he was one of the best players of the entire decade!

Baltimore Ravens: Veteran Presence (2020-2022)

In 2020, Campbell was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. He quickly made an impact, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 6 with three sacks. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time.

In 2021, he continued to be a key player, even blocking a field goal that helped the Ravens win a close game. In 2022, he re-signed with the Ravens and blocked another field goal, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins (2023-Present)

In 2023, Campbell signed with the Atlanta Falcons. He reached a huge milestone by recording his 100th career sack! He also scored another safety.

In 2024, Campbell joined the Miami Dolphins.

NFL Career Statistics

Here are some of Calais Campbell's career statistics in the NFL:

Regular season statistics
Year Team Games Played Total Tackles Sacks Interceptions Forced Fumbles Fumble Recoveries Defensive Touchdowns
2008 ARI 16 28 0.0 0 1 0 0
2009 ARI 16 48 7.0 0 1 0 0
2010 ARI 15 60 6.0 0 0 1 0
2011 ARI 16 72 8.0 1 2 1 0
2012 ARI 13 63 6.5 0 0 0 0
2013 ARI 16 58 9.0 0 1 2 0
2014 ARI 14 58 7.0 1 1 0 0
2015 ARI 16 61 5.0 0 0 1 0
2016 ARI 16 53 8.0 1 2 3 1
2017 JAX 16 67 14.5 0 3 1 1
2018 JAX 16 72 10.5 0 1 1 0
2019 JAX 16 56 6.5 0 2 1 1
2020 BAL 12 28 4.0 0 0 0 0
2021 BAL 15 49 1.5 0 0 1 0
2022 BAL 14 36 5.5 0 2 0 0
2023 ATL 17 56 6.5 0 1 1 0
2024 MIA 17 52 5.0 0 1 0 0
Career Total 261 917 110.5 3 18 13 3

Awards and Achievements

Calais Campbell has won many awards during his NFL career:

  • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2019) - This award is for players who do great things on the field and in their communities.
  • PFWA NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
  • First-team All-Pro (2017)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2016)
  • Pro Bowl (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • NFLPA Alan Page Community Award (2024)
  • Art Rooney Award (2022)
  • Bart Starr Award (2019)
  • 3× AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Personal Life

Calais Campbell was born in Denver, Colorado. He has seven brothers and sisters. His father, Charles Campbell, passed away in 2003. Calais graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in sociology. He has also given back to his college, donating money to create a scholarship for defensive linemen.

A Teammate Moment (2024)

In September 2024, before a game, Calais Campbell was driving to the stadium when he saw his teammate, Tyreek Hill, stopped by police. Campbell got out of his car to see if he could help. He stayed to support his teammate. Police later asked him to leave, and when he didn't, he was briefly put in handcuffs. Campbell later shared that he felt his teammate was being treated unfairly. Both players were able to play in the game that afternoon.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Calais Campbell para niños

kids search engine
Calais Campbell Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.