At 38 years old, Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell is preparing for the end of his NFL career. Despite the possibility of his last game being on Sunday against the New York Jets, Campbell remains fatalistic about his future. “I will say that I’ve felt that way before, too, so this is not my first time feeling that way,” he said. “So it doesn’t mean I’m definitely going to retire, but you have to have that mindset, because…I don’t know. And I want to make sure that, if this is my last game, I make it worthwhile.”
Campbell, a 17-year veteran, has never appeared in the Super Bowl, despite making it as a rookie with the Cardinals in 2008. He has been with the Dolphins since 2021, and has been a key player on their defensive line. With a potential playoff spot on the line, Campbell is focused on the present, not scoreboard watching. “We just got to do our part,” he said. “Winning is all we can control.”
Whether or not the Dolphins make the playoffs, Campbell will evaluate his future after the season. His defensive line coach, Anthony Weaver, believes Campbell’s veteran presence can make a difference in the playoffs. “Just to get in and to get a ticket to the dance is what we’re looking for…I’d give anything for that (opportunity).”
Ultimately, Campbell’s decision to retire or continue playing will depend on how he feels after the season. “If this is my last game, I make it worthwhile,” he emphasized. The question remains whether Sunday’s game against the Jets will be his last in the NFL.