Veterans from the 2008 NFL Draft
Years after entering the league, veterans Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, and Calais Campbell continue to make their presence felt in the NFL.
Joe Flacco: The Comeback Kid
Joe Flacco has been named the 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, a testament to his resilience and enduring talent. Flacco, who currently plays quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, has overcome numerous challenges throughout his career to reach this pinnacle.
Josh Johnson: A Steady Hand in Baltimore
Josh Johnson serves as a quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. Known for his steady and reliable performance, Johnson has played for multiple teams throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and adaptability on the field.
Calais Campbell: A Veteran for the Dolphins
Calais Campbell, a formidable defensive tackle, now brings his extensive experience to the Miami Dolphins. With six Pro Bowl appearances and a selection to the 2010s All-Decade team, Campbell has consistently proven his worth.
Campbell had a productive 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons, demonstrating that age has not diminished his impact. Starting all 17 games, he recorded 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and an impressive 42 quarterback pressures.
The Decision to Continue
As Campbell contemplated retirement, his love for the game played a pivotal role in his decision to return for another season. Conversations with his family, especially his wife and kids, were crucial in this process.
"I thought about [retiring]. It really came down to just with the family, talking to the wife and kids. Because physically, and the desire and love for the game, has never left, not even a little bit," Campbell shared.
He acknowledges the evolution in his game due to age but emphasizes the importance of strength and finesse. "I have to learn how to use other parts of my game, bring a lot more of the strength part but I still have enough finesse and everything else, I got a full box of little tools."
A New Opportunity with the Dolphins
Joining the Miami Dolphins, Campbell aims to chase the elusive Super Bowl ring. The Dolphins' roster, featuring six Pro Bowl players and the addition of new talent, offers a promising opportunity for success.
For Campbell, team chemistry is paramount. "I feel like there's a really good opportunity here. Very talented team all over the field, both offense and defense. When you go through the roster and who you have, I just see so many people that I feel like we can really play together and really build that team chemistry you need and be a force to reckon with," he said.
Reuniting with Anthony Weaver
A significant factor in Campbell’s decision to join the Dolphins was the chance to reunite with coach Anthony Weaver. Weaver, who served as Campbell’s position coach for two seasons, has a deep understanding of Campbell's abilities and mindset.
"The main reason I wanted to come here was because I really believe in who Anthony Weaver is as a coach and our relationship. We talked a lot during the process, and he knows what I'm capable of doing. He understands my mind and how I see the game, and he trusts it," Campbell explained.
The Pursuit of the Vince Lombardi Trophy
Campbell’s ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl, a title that has eluded him thus far. Despite his illustrious career, which includes playing in Super Bowl XLIII with the Arizona Cardinals, a championship ring remains a missing piece.
"But what keeps me going though is a love for the game," Campbell emphasized. His determination and passion are clear as he embarks on this new chapter with the Dolphins, driven by the aspiration to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.