WATCH: Atlanta Falcons DL Calais Campbell Gets Career Sack No. 100 vs. Washington Commanders

Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell etched his name into the history books Sunday against the Washington Commanders.

Trailing the Washington Commanders 17-10 late in the first half of Sunday's game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons defense was in need of a big play - and defensive lineman Calais Campbell delivered.

Facing 2nd and 14 with just over a minute remaining, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell dropped back to pass ... and moments later, was on the ground and in the history books.

Howell was sacked for a six-yard loss by Campbell, giving the 37-year-old his 100th career sack. He's just the 63rd player in league history to accomplish that feature.

Here's how it went down ...

HISTORY, @CalaisCampbell 💯

📺 CBS | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/nvKOBwO703

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 15, 2023

Campbell said earlier this year that he would do the patented Dirty Bird dance upon getting sack No. 100, and he held true to his word.

.@CalaisCampbell has now sacked:

Aaron Rodgers
Alex Smith
Andrew Luck
Andy Dalton
Austin Davis
Baker Mayfield
Ben Roethlisberger
Blaine Gabbert
Brett Favre
Cam Newton
Carson Wentz
Chad Henne
Colin Kaepernick
Dak Prescott
Daniel Jones
David Garrard
Deshaun Watson
DeShone Kizer… pic.twitter.com/VOa3s7AGco

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 15, 2023

Joining the 100-sack club is a big deal. It speaks to the consistency high level of play that Campbell has embodied since entering the league in 2008 and adds another accolade to his illustrious career that includes six Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections.

Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen believes it's particularly impressive that Campbell has managed to put himself in this position considering the era of football he's playing in.

There aren't many seven-stop drops or deep routes that are long-developing; instead, it's a lot of quick passes, and even when deep shots are taken, there's often max protection.

Thus, even with an increase in pass attempts, the ball is coming out faster, which only makes it more challenging to get after the passer ... and more impressive that Campbell's achieved history.

“It’s a big accomplishment," Nielsen said. "100 sacks and the career that he’s had, it’s a huge deal, it really is. It’s extremely impressive and it’s not just one year. The number is just to magnify the entire career of him playing at such a high level. Just to be around him and hear his thoughts, what he says, and how he plays, it is very impressive.”

Calais Campbell has been a valued addition to the Atlanta Falcons' defense / USA Today Sports

Nielsen added that what's particularly impressive is how long Campbell has been able to maintain his high level of play; he's recorded at least five sacks in all but three of his 15 seasons entering this year.

This speaks mostly to Campbell's offseason process of preparation. He's never played in fewer than 12 games in a season. Physically and mentally, he's been as steady and reliable as they come - and Falcons coach Arthur Smith shared that's been the biggest thing he's learned about Campbell since arriving in early April.

“Guys that play a long time and at a high level, the discipline they have to take care of themselves to stay motivated and what drives them," Smith said. "That’s a long drive, not just physically but mentally. I think that’s a rare persistence. I think that’s a rare skillset.”

The Falcons, who currently sit at 2-0 for the first time since 2017, boast the league's fourth-youngest team. Having a veteran like Campbell to be a sounding board and role model is invaluable for a team still early in its ascent.

Smith knew when the Falcons signed Campbell that he'd bring tremendous value both on and off the field; after all, his title as 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year spoke volumes about just how special he is as an individual.

Campbell's trying to check the biggest box of his career - a Super Bowl trophy - and turned to Atlanta to do so in what may be his final season. It's an indication of just how far the Falcons have come, and how bright the future may be.

It's important to recognize that even though it's possible Campbell's tenure in Atlanta will last only one season, his imprint within the building will stand for much longer.

Just ask Nielsen, who, through consistent dialogue with Campbell, has implemented additional coaching points on pass rushing and run stunts, which has helped elevate his unit.

The Falcons preach being player-led, and it feels like Campbell provides the best of both worlds - a player with so much knowledge and experience that he's effectively a coach off the field, but on it, he can still pressure opposing quarterbacks.

And best of all, Campbell's conversations with Nielsen ensure that his mark will be left all over Atlanta's defense for years to come.

“You may see things one way and he’ll say ‘Well, I see it like this’ and then we’ll have a conversation like ‘Well, why did you see it like this,’" Nielsen said. "Then, he’ll explain himself and I’ll be like ‘Okay, I see what you're talking about.’ Players respect him.”

Now, the weight is off Campbell's back - and his name is forever attached to history.