Falcons' Calais Campbell Reveals Attraction to Atlanta

Despite being on the backend of his career, Calais Campbell signed with a young Atlanta Falcons team this offseason, which he believes has a "lot of potential."

Heading into his Year 15, many would've guessed that veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell would've been looking to join a team in the immediate hunt for a Super Bowl this offseason. 

At 36 years old, Campbell is undoubtedly on the backstretch of a career that hasn't seen him be a part of a team that captured a Lombardi Trophy. 

Yet, instead of "ring chasing" as many other veterans have when they reached a similar point in their careers, Campbell chose to sign with a young Atlanta Falcons team, hoping to be coming out of the final stages of a rebuild. 

“I know we're going to be well coached," Campbell said about his decision to sign with the Falcons. "We're going to be prepared to play every ball game. You see last year a lot of tough ballgames, a lot of one score ballgames, either way. Sometimes I think that's just youth, that's just something you need some veteran leadership. Guys that go in there and get guys to lock in the critical moments. That's why I think they wanted to bring me here too."

Campbell isn't the only veteran presence that the Falcons brought in via free agency, as they'll team him with fellow defensive tackle David Onyeamata and edge rusher Bud Dupree, all of whom are in addition to already having Grady Jarrett. 

"You see a whole lot of potential," Campbell said. "A team that is armed with the tools to make a big jump this year. It starts with just having good-quality players. I think Jessie Bates is a proven winner; having him come here is, I think it's huge. David Onyemata is a proven winner; having him come here is huge. You see other guys stepping up and having opportunities, getting chips on their shoulders. Guys that are eager to put their head in the pile and fight for the opportunity to be a champion."

After a season where the Falcons were near the bottom of the league in sacks, they hope Campbell can improve their pass rush. And while many may be concerned that he hasn't had 10 sacks in a season since 2018, having Campbell's presence on the field will be enough to draw attention away from others along the defensive line.

If Campbell and his other veterans can boost the Falcons pass-rush, then many believe it could be the improvement the defense needs to break Atlanta's playoff drought. 

The Falcons will be in action next against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 10 for the season opener inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m.

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