Calais Campbell’s Bold Return: What His Homecoming Means for the Cardinals in 2025

TEMPE, Ariz. — Calais Campbell, a notable figure in Arizona Cardinals’ history, has officially returned to the team that drafted him. On April 1, Campbell agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal, marking a significant moment in his celebrated career.

The defensive end, who began his NFL journey with the Cardinals in the 2008 draft, spent his early career making a mark on the franchise. He was part of a team that reached the Super Bowl in his rookie season and secured a spot in the NFC Championship Game in 2015. His early years in Arizona set a foundation for what many anticipate could lead to a Hall of Fame career.

After leaving in 2016, Campbell played for teams on the East Coast, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins. His return was filled with emotion. “Bringing back a lot of memories, that’s for sure,” he told reporters during an introductory press conference. “This is where I got my start. They still believe in me.”

Campbell shared that the idea of returning to Arizona didn’t fully resonate until last year’s trade deadline when discussions about reuniting began. “I thought, ‘that would be cool to go back to Arizona,’” he said. His decision was influenced by the Cardinals’ current leadership under general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.

He expressed confidence in the team’s potential. “There’s a lot of factors that go into that, but I believe this team can make a run,” he affirmed. Campbell emphasized his desire to contribute positively, stating he aims to enhance camaraderie among teammates without causing disruption.

“I take a lot of pride in being a value adder,” Campbell remarked, noting that team synergy plays a crucial role in success. His leadership philosophy revolves around uplifting those around him, fostering growth and teamwork.

In a heartfelt message to Cardinal fans, Campbell expressed gratitude for their support. “Thank you for making me feel loved. This is a special place,” he shared, emphasizing a commitment to creating a formidable home-field advantage for opponents.

The Arizona Cardinals will resume practice later this month in preparation for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Their offseason schedule features strength and conditioning programs alongside a rookie minicamp.

The Arizona sports scene remains vibrant, with multiple professional teams and significant annual sporting events, further highlighting the region’s rich athletic culture.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the Cardinals’ full schedule will be unveiled in May.