TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell never wanted to leave in 2017.
But as he said Thursday, “everything happens for a reason,” making his return to the franchise that drafted him 19 years ago truly that much more fitting in 2025.
And although the full brunt of emotions hasn’t quite hit the longtime defensive lineman with minicamp officially wrapped, they’re definitely in there somewhere.
Calais Campbell: “Its cool that I get to have a chance to come back and do something great here.” pic.twitter.com/fzrwQiRgMp
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) June 12, 2025
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“I’m sure that first week, especially that first home game coming out of the tunnel, it’s going to be a lot more emotional,” Campbell said. “I can feel it already. … 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. … Everything happened the way it was supposed to but coming back is definitely going to be very emotional for sure.”
“I never really wanted to retire anywhere or like sign a contract or do anything like that,” he added. “I just was going to ride off in the sunset, kind of pull like a Larry Fitzgerald type thing. … So, it’s cool to have a chance to come back.”
Calais Campbell already seeing Cardinals’ potential
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.
He’s also not one to join a franchise that doesn’t at least have a clear path forward.
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.
“Every team has high aspirations going into the season. This team’s no different … I think that everything is on the table for us,” Campbell said. “It’s a lot of work. You got to do everything you’re supposed to do … but this team is special. I believe it has all the tools to make a run.
“It could be a great story, being here and coming back, it would be an incredible story. We all have dreams and we’ll see if it comes to fruition or not, but I’m eager for that opportunity.”
Just feels right seeing Calais Campbell back in a Cardinals jersey. pic.twitter.com/OImsIfBnR6
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) June 10, 2025
Little Calais Campbells on the roster?
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.
It’s 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 — as well as a little bit of himself in the duo.
“One 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,” Campbell said of the rookie. His quickness is different level. He has good instincts.
“You could tell (Robinson’s) a guy who loves football, reminds me of myself just a little bit,” Campbell added of the second-year pro. “I 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’s a joy to see. … Very few people love (the game) the way I love it.”
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