When Calais Campbell was presented with the Bart Starr Award in 2019, he thanked his mother, Nateal, for teaching him and his siblings about the Lord.
“Mom, I just appreciate you making sure that we knew Jesus,” he said. “I remember being a little kid and being scared of the dark, or whatever, my mom just told me, ‘Nothing can ever happen to you as long as you’re covered in the blood of Jesus.’ That was real and it’s been with me ever since.”
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This week, the longtime NFL veteran spoke with the media for the first time since his mother was murdered on June 30. His brother, Ciarre Campbell, was arrested and charged for the crime. Understandably, the past couple of months have been “pretty tough,” Calais said, as his family navigates the emotions of the tragedy.
“We appreciate all the love and support and prayers that have come from all over the NFL community (and) all the fan bases,” Campbell told reporters. “Continue praying for us because we need it.”
A six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman, Campbell turns 40 in September and is entering his 19th NFL season after signing with the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year contract. He was asked this week if he considered skipping this season to deal with the tragedy, but instead he decided to play and said this will most likely be his final season.
“I love the game of football a lot. It’s a place (that) brings me joy,” Campbell told reporters. “The training was adjusted a little bit. It was a little harder to train. … I work really hard (and) I feel really good where I’m at. Practices have been going well. I really like where I’m at right now. The coaches did a really good job of letting me ease in and get myself where I need to be.”
The Bart Starr Award is presented annually by Athletes In Action at the Super Bowl Breakfast to “the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.” Campbell was recognized as the winner in 2019 for his community work through running the CRC Foundation, named after his late father, Charles Richard Campbell. The organization’s mission is to teach critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps young people develop into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.
In addition to thanking his mother that day, Campbell also thanked his father, who died when Campbell was 17 and taught his son about the value of integrity.
“I believe that integrity really is having faith because a lot of times, people really get in trouble when they start trying to do things for themselves, they feel like they’re missing out on their blessings so they start trying to cut corners and do things to get ahead,” Campbell told the Super Bowl Breakfast audience. “And you lose your integrity and it really just crumbles your foundation.
“So for me, I think that integrity really is just having faith that if you keep doing the little things right and keep working hard and take your time and doing things with love and passion and hope, good things will happen when it’s your time.”
This was one of the proudest moments of my life! Even more special to share it with most of my family. #BartStarrAward #AthletesInAction #SuperBowlBreakfast pic.twitter.com/haPPhQDtW5
— Calais Campbell (@CalaisCampbell) February 2, 2019
The Bart Starr Award held special significance for him because of the role AIA played in his faith journey during his time in college at Miami.
“For a tall, 6-8, gangly freshman coming all the way across the country from Denver, Colorado, Athletes in Action was at the school. I started going to everywhere they were holding meetings and found myself a home,” Campbell told the 1,400 attendees when accepting the award. “Growing up, my mom made sure that we understood and knew Jesus, and that was a big deal too. You go to college, you’re on your own for the first time, you don’t have your parents to take you to church or nobody to tell you what to do. You have to make a decision for yourself.
“I was trying to find my way and Athletes in Action being there really gave me an opportunity. I don’t even know how many people they affect, but I know it’s a whole lot. I’m just honored to be here and accept the award.”
His work with the CRC Foundation also led to him being named the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year, arguably the most prestigious character-related award in the NFL, given to a player who exhibits commitment to philanthropy and community impact as well as excellence on the field.
“My goal when I give back is to inspire people, to encourage people to believe that dreams are achievable if you put the work in,” Campbell said at the NFL Honors that year. “Everybody, and I mean everybody, can give back. Wherever you are in your life, it doesn’t matter where you are in your life, but reach back and help someone. It’s our duty to help our neighbors. Even if you can only give five minutes to someone in need, give it to them. That one-on-one quality time, that little bit of extra time can make a world of difference. Those five minutes can change a life.”
In his present time of difficulty, Campbell is experiencing the impact of others’ prayers and support.
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