Calais Campbell facts for kids
![]() Campbell with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023
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No. 93 – Miami Dolphins | |||||||||||||||
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Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||||
Born: | Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
September 1, 1986 ||||||||||||||
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 | |||||||||||||||
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Roster status: | Active | ||||||||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
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Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
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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.
Contents
- Early Life and Sports Talents
- College Football Journey
- Professional NFL Career
- NFL Career Statistics
- Awards and Achievements
- Personal Life
- See also
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 |
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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.
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:
Year | Team | Games Played | Total Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries | Defensive Touchdowns |
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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)
- 6× 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
In Spanish: Calais Campbell para niños