[By Stephen Smith](https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2025/09/02/calais-campbell-named-arizona-cardinals-2025-team-captain/)
Now beginning his second stint with the Arizona Cardinals, defensive end Calais Campbell received quite the 39th birthday present Monday from his new teammates.
Campbell, who spent the first eight seasons of his career in Arizona after being drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, was voted as a captain for this upcoming season, alongside six of his fellow teammates
“I was surprised. I just didn’t expect it,” said Campbell, who celebrated his birthday Monday. “I haven’t been here that long, but I do try to make an impact and communicate with the guys. For the guys to vote me as captain, that is very surreal.”
Though unexpected to Campbell, Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon intimated that it is a development that was not unforeseen to the organization when they brought Campbell back this offseason on a one-year, $5.5 million contract.
“When we signed him, we kind of had the foresight that he was going to impact our team in a positive way, but it’s cool to see his peers vote for him,” Gannon said. “He was ecstatic. They (his teammates) all were.”
Entering his 18th season in the NFL, Campbell understands the gravity of being voted a captain by his fellow teammates.
“I am very grateful that I was able to earn the respect of my peers for them to vote me captain. That was huge,” Campbell said. “I just have got to live up to it. I have got to be worthy. That is the most important part, being a captain every day and representing this team at the highest level.”
Campbell understands the importance of filling the captaincy role, but he also is aware that the team expects him to set a standard, which Gannon has worked to cultivate.
“Coach does a good job of creating expectations and what he expects from people,” Campbell said. “Usually, if you have a ‘C’ on your chest, you have got to be early and on time for all the meetings.
“You have to be generals for the coach with whatever we are working on, whatever the situation may be – just executing at a high level and being accountable and trying to hold everybody on the team accountable as well.”
Campbell will not be alone in setting and maintaining the standards for Arizona defensively this season with newly-minted fellow captains safety Budda Baker and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. earmarked for notable roles as the Cardinals look to return to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Wilson is beginning his seventh NFL season, but just his second in Arizona. Baker is starting his ninth season, all with the Cardinals.
“Mack Wilson is a guy that you’re going to hear a lot about this year,” Campbell said. “He’s an elite player. He is going to be mentioned with the greats real soon, as long as he stays healthy. I love the way he practices. I love how smart he is. He is very worthy of being a captain. Great leader.”
“We all know who Budda is,” Campbell joked. “He has been doing it for a long time. He is an old, wise vet himself. He is an elite player nonetheless. I think he has been a captain for a long time here.”
Looking ahead to a Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, who will have Pinnacle High School alumnus Spencer Rattler under center, Campbell believes the Cardinals are set up well to succeed this season.
“I think this team has a really good understanding of what needs to happen for us to win ballgames,” Campbell said. “At the end of the day, we have to go out there and do it. This is a ‘What have you done for me lately’ business. Put up or shut up. Nobody really cares about anything other than winning ballgames.”