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The 2021 season could be a farewell run for Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
At 35 in September, Campbell said Tuesday that he’s taking it year after year and still considering whether to retire after his 14th season in the NFL.
“That’s something I’m still thinking about, I think,” Campbell said on the team’s official website. “I kind of take it one year at a time. I know I’ve definitely got this year inside of me. I’ll give what I have this year and then we’ll reevaluate once the season is over.
“It’s definitely something you think about. I used to say when I was younger, I wanted to play for 15[years]. I didn’t realize how hard 15 was. That’s 14 for me. I know I definitely got this inside of me. I still want to.” Play 15. I hope I have another one. We’ll see.”
Even at a rising age, a 6-foot-8 engine can be a difference maker. In his first year in Baltimore, Campbell earned his sixth Pro Bowl nod last season, his fourth consecutive honor. He played only 12 matches, played 4 bags and 28 tackles.
Campbell dealt with a calf injury that sidelined him, then missed Week 12 while dealing with COVID-19. The veteran said he has made a full recovery, but will not forget his bout with the coronavirus.
“Sometimes I feel like it comes and goes, I think I can’t be sure until we get into the thick of things,” Campbell said. “I’ve been really good for the last couple of months. I haven’t had any real issues. It’s been on for a while. I still wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it’s just too hard. I don’t feel like yourself, even when you get past the symptoms everyone has. I definitely feel a lot better. I feel ready to go out there and take control, and have some fun. And I hope it stays that way.”
Before he eventually rides to sunset — whether in 2022 or later — Campbell wants to get a taste of the Super Bowl.
“There is one happy team at the end of the year,” Campbell said. “Last year we feel we had a good chance but we didn’t get it done. I think the mentality this year is to try to make the most of this. We know what we have as a team as much as talent, as much as planned. We know we can be very good, special.” Very, really.
“It’s a new year, 17 games, this year it’s going to be a little different than past years. Someone has to set a standard for that. Why don’t we do that?”
Perhaps the Lombardi Cup makes Campbell’s retirement decision a little easier.
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