Falcon Report

Falcons DE Calais Campbell Excited For 'New Beginnings'

Calais Campbell is entering his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, viewing this opportunity as a fresh start.

Riley Sheppard

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Since the Atlanta Falcons signed defensive end Calais Campbell, the longtime NFL veteran has brought a spark. 

From projecting the Falcons to win 13 games this season, to praising new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the six-time Pro Bowler is proving that he's here for all the right reasons. 

And while Campbell's best days of sacking opposing quarterbacks could be behind him, that doesn't mean he can't make an impact entering year No. 16. 

"It's like new beginnings," Campbell said. "It's exciting when you go to a new team, new environment, you're kinda learning everything. It gives you a that burst of energy that 'I want to prove myself'. I want to be out there and be great for my teammates, for the coaches and for the front office that believed in me and gave me an opportunity."

After ranking second-worst in the NFL in total sacks (21), Atlanta signed the 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year to a one-year, $7 million contract last April. And on the doorstep of 100 career sacks, the addition of Campbell shouldn't only bring high levels of leadership to this young roster, but highly skilled pass-rushing abilities as well. 

While it would unrealistic to expect the 36-year-old to contend for a Defensive Player of the Year, that doesn't mean Campbell doesn't have something to prove on his fourth team in eight years. 

Despite currently being on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) List, it should only be a matter of time before Campbell proves to everybody what he can on the field. 

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Riley Sheppard
RILEY SHEPPARD

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