Calais Campbell: Coach Ryan Nielsen a 'Big Part' in Falcons Signing
Much like Farmers Insurance, Calais Campbell knows a thing or two because he's seen a thing or two.
But the 36-year-old veteran defensive end who's been an anchor up front for 15 professional seasons didn't sign with the Atlanta Falcons to pursue insurance.
Campbell has made it clear his primary motives behind joining the Falcons have to do with winning and trusting the vision of coach Arthur Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot - with another figure mixed in.
That "figure" is defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, whom Atlanta hired away from the New Orleans Saints earlier this offseason after Dean Pees announced his retirement.
Lauded for his intensity, Nielsen quickly stood out to Campbell and formed a strong relationship that ultimately led to the latter agreeing to a one-year contract.
"A big part of this is Ryan Nielsen," Campbell said on CBS Sports' podcast The Crew. "My first conversation with him, I was really impressed. The guy is a football mind."
Nielsen is highly thought of around the league for his ability to develop defensive lineman, which he did to great effect in New Orleans, where he spent six seasons.
A former standout defensive tackle in his own right, Nielsen spent time in an NFL training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles and later saw action in the Arena Football League before starting his coaching journey.
After ascending through the college ranks and making a name for himself with the Saints, the 44-year-old Nielsen is primed for his first run as the lone defensive play caller at the professional level.
But this lack of experience didn't deter Campbell. Instead, if anything, the presence of Nielsen pushed the Falcons over the top during the six-time Pro Bowler's free agency process.
"I know when it feels right, and Ryan Nielsen, our conversation was really good," Campbell said. "The way he sees the game, the way he wants to do things is the same way I want to do things."
Campbell, who also seriously considered the New York Jets, made sure he meant no disrespect to any other defensive coordinator - he just genuinely valued the relationship formed with Nielsen.
The topic of that "really good" conversation? Schematic ideologies ... of which the two shared the same vision.
"We talked passing schemes, pass rushing, run defense - we talked everything, and it just made sense," Campbell said. "The way he sees the game and the way I see the game were aligning."
Nielsen has earned a reputation for being a quality communicator and conceptual teacher, something Campbell seemingly experienced firsthand.
And it appears that he enjoyed it so much that he's committed to help lay the foundation for Nielsen's defense moving forward, all with the aim of getting the Falcons back to the postseason for the first time since 2017.
While the hire of Nielsen was initially met with skepticism from some, getting Campbell on board is a considerable free agency win for Atlanta - and a promising sign that it added the right guy to fill Pees' shoes.
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