Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell has a decision to make this offseason. Will he return to the field in 2024? Or will he hang up his cleats?
Now 37 years old, Campbell has had a long—and productive—NFL career and is slated to hit free agency this spring if he so pleases.
Based on his comments after the Falcons’ season-ending loss to the New Orleans Saints, Campbell seems to be in favor of playing another year.
“I’m gonna go through my process, but I’m leaning toward playing again,” Campbell said, via Kelly Price of Fox 5 Atlanta. “I mean, there’s no guarantees once I go through that process. But the way I feel right now, my body and stuff, I feel like if were were playing this week in a playoff game, I’d be dominant and feel really good. And so, I mean, I’m sure I’m going to feel good in a few weeks … I don’t see myself just wanting to walk away.”
Barring long-term health concerns, why would he?
Campbell remains a legitimate force in the trenches, as he registered 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. Not only that, but he played in every game.
The fact that he is still productive seems to be pushing Campbell toward making a 2024 return.
“There’s a part of me thinking like, ‘Could this game have been good enough to be the last one?’ You hate losing, going out like that,” added Campbell. “But I also still feel like, I mean, if it was my last game, it was a game I could feel good about walking away on. But, I still love the game. I’m still healthy and I think I can still be dominant at it. So, we’ll see what happens.”
Calais Campbell has spent 16 years in the NFL, making six trips to the Pro Bowl and earning a First-Team All-Pro selection. In addition to the Falcons, he has suited up for the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens.
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