'Hell of an Accomplishment!' Falcons DL Calais Campbell Nears Milestone
Calais Campbell is nearing the century mark.
No, it's not with age - although the Atlanta Falcons' 37-year-old defensive lineman has certainly seen his fair share of action across 16 professional seasons.
Instead, the topic of conversation surrounding Campbell is his career sack total, which currently sits at 99. He's on the verge of becoming just the 63rd player in league history to reach that mark.
As such, every snap Campbell takes is an opportunity for Falcons coach Arthur Smith to witness something special - and he's eager to see it play out.
“Hell of an accomplishment," Smith said. "He’s played a long time at a high level. Still effects the game in a lot of ways. Physical player. There’s some stats that people come up with ... but that one matters to me. When you talk about history of the game – hopefully we get that and get it in a win.
"That’ll be a pretty cool moment.”
Campbell recorded five and a half sacks last season with the Baltimore Ravens, and already has four tackles and a quarterback hit through two games this season, even though he admitted to pressing in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
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Joining the 100-sack club is a big deal. It speaks to the consistency high level of play that Campbell has embodied since entering the league in 2008 and adds another accolade to his illustrious career that includes six Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections.
Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen believes it's particularly impressive that Campbell has managed to put himself in this position considering the era of football he's playing in.
There aren't many seven-stop drops or deep routes that are long-developing; instead, it's a lot of quick passes, and even when deep shots are taken, there's often max protection.
Thus, even with an increase in pass attempts, the ball is coming out faster, which only makes it more challenging to get after the passer ... and more impressive that Campbell's staring down history.
“It’s a big accomplishment," Nielsen said. "100 sacks and the career that he’s had, it’s a huge deal, it really is. It’s extremely impressive and it’s not just one year. The number is just to magnify the entire career of him playing at such a high level. Just to be around him and hear his thoughts, what he says, and how he plays, it is very impressive.”
Nielsen added that what's particularly impressive is how long Campbell has been able to maintain his high level of play; he's recorded at least five sacks in all but three of his 15 seasons entering this year.
This speaks mostly to Campbell's offseason process of preparation. He's never played in fewer than 12 games in a season. Physically and mentally, he's been as steady and reliable as they come - and Smith shared that's been the biggest thing he's learned about Campbell since arriving in early April.
“Guys that play a long time and at a high level, the discipline they have to take care of themselves to stay motivated and what drives them," Smith said. "That’s a long drive, not just physically but mentally. I think that’s a rare persistence. I think that’s a rare skillset.”
The Falcons, who currently sit at 2-0 for the first time since 2017, boast the league's fourth-youngest team. Having a veteran like Campbell to be a sounding board and role model is invaluable for a team still early in its ascent.
Smith knew when the Falcons signed Campbell that he'd bring tremendous value both on and off the field; after all, his title as 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year spoke volumes about just how special he is as an individual.
Campbell's trying to check the biggest box of his career - a Super Bowl trophy - and turned to Atlanta to do so in what may be his final season. It's an indication of just how far the Falcons have come, and how bright the future may be.
It's important to recognize that even though it's possible Campbell's tenure in Atlanta will last only one season, his imprint within the building will stand for much longer.
Just ask Nielsen, who, through consistent dialogue with Campbell, has implemented additional coaching points on pass rushing and run stunts, which has helped elevate his unit.
The Falcons preach being player-led, and it feels like Campbell provides the best of both worlds - a player with so much knowledge and experience that he's effectively a coach off the field, but on it, he can still pressure opposing quarterbacks.
And best of all, Campbell's conversations with Nielsen ensure that his mark will be left all over Atlanta's defense for years to come.
“You may see things one way and he’ll say ‘Well, I see it like this’ and then we’ll have a conversation like ‘Well, why did you see it like this,’" Nielsen said. "Then, he’ll explain himself and I’ll be like ‘Okay, I see what you're talking about.’ Players respect him.”
Campbell already has a plan for what he's going to do when sack No. 100 happens - he'll break out into the "Dirty Bird" dance, paying homage to Falcons teams of the past, and then expand his involvement within the community.
These aspirations have led to Campbell playing just a little bit harder - perhaps too hard - but he's cognizant of it, and has already made the corrections.
This is the value of having 16 years of wisdom; he knows what works and what doesn't, and he's well aware of when he's trying to do things beyond his abilities.
Since arriving in Atlanta, Campbell has eyed that sack. It's occupied his mind. He's pondered about what would happen thereafter ... but he's moved beyond thinking and is now resorting to what's always worked: being himself.
"I know it's going to come eventually," Campbell said. "As long as I stay healthy, I'll be out there, it's going to come. It's like 'don't press too hard, just play football, and let it come to you.'"
Campbell's next opportunity to etch his name into the history books comes Sunday in Detroit, where the Falcons will take on the Lions at 1 p.m. in their first road matchup this season.
And maybe, just maybe, the Dirty Bird will make an appearance inside Ford Field.
