You will be hard-pressed to find an Arizona Cardinals fan who does not like former defensive tackle Calais Campbell. He is football’s version of Shaq – a gentle giant until that first whistle blows.
Even though he is now playing for the Baltimore Ravens, the fanbase wanted him back and was disappointing that GM Monti Ossenfort did not offer him a new contract and retain his services.
RELATED: CAMPBELL’S BROTHER CHARGED WITH KILLING THEIR MOM
Here at ROTB, we reported that Campbell’s mother was murdered
back in late June, even though he is a member of another ball club. We know that folks want to know about his life, and a tragedy such as this would need a word or two to the Cardinals fanbase.
Campbell’s 41-year-old brother, Ciarre Campbell, was arrested after law enforcement found their 71-year old mother, Nateal, deceased with a slit throat. Ciarre was found with a knife that was later identified as the murder weapon. The brother has a history of mental illness.
Since the tragedy, Calais has been tight-lipped. On Tuesday, he was finally able to discuss certain facts about the incident with ESPN Baltimore’s Jamison Hensley. He stated:
“I just wanted to say these last couple of months have been pretty tough for me and my family. But [I’ve] been working through it, and I really appreciate all the love and support and the prayers that have been coming from all over, really from all the NFL community, all the fan bases. So I appreciate the prayers. Continue praying for us because we need it.”
Ciarre remains in Fulton County (Georgia) jail with no bond. Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Atlanta records show that the police had been out to the Campbell home nine other times for domestic violence.
Calais was excused from training camp to take care of family business, without a timeline for when to return. Some assumed that maybe he might go ahead and retire since he is just shy of his 40th birthday and is entering his 19th NFL season. He said:
“I love the game of football a lot … it brings me joy. It was a little harder training, but as far as football goes, I love this game a lot. And this is a very fun place for me to be. So playing football has been great for me.”
He stated he will be ready for the Week 1 contest against the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals are not on the Ravens schedule.
