TEMPE — Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell’s reunion tour continues to check off the right boxes.
Seeing him don the Cardinals uniform for the first time (again) this offseason just felt right.
But it was Monday’s development that really solidified the player and person Campbell has been and continues to be for the franchise.
He’s once again leading the team as one of Arizona’s 2025 captains, as voted on by the players.
Captain Calais pic.twitter.com/MSuefP8zJ5
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 1, 2025
“Means a lot. When we signed him, we kind of had the foresight that he was going to impact our team in a positive way, but cool to see his peers vote for him,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said Monday. “He was ecstatic. They all were.”
This marks Campbell’s third captaincy with the franchise after earning back-to-back nods in 2014-15.
His leadership poured over elsewhere, too, with Campbell earning the “C” twice in Jacksonville (2018-19) and once in Miami (2024).
Time and time again this offseason and through the preseason, Campbell has talked about lending his voice when he can to those around him.
There’s no point in taking the information to the grave, as he put it earlier this offseason.
Among the biggest benefactors since Campbell came to town? Second-year pro Darius Robinson, who is looking to make up for lost snaps after a calf injury and passing of his mother derailed the 2024 first-round pick’s rookie season.
“He’s definitely pulled me to the side and definitely took me under his wing and thinking about like being that guy for your team and what does it look like and the responsibilities of being a leader like just everything,” Robinson said last week. “For me, it’s just following his lead and just realizing (an NFL career is) really a marathon.”
His mentorship to Robinson and others is just another reason why Campbell was more than deserving of earning the captaincy.
But while it shouldn’t come as much of a shock given Campbell’s career arc and impact on every team he’s been on, Campbell was left surprised by Monday’s reveal.
“That was a big deal. I didn’t expect it. … it’s very surreal. Very honored.”
Cardinals DL Calais Campbell reflects on being named a captain and what it means to be a team leader. pic.twitter.com/ib9ygs6QBf
— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) September 1, 2025
“That was a big deal. I didn’t expect it,” Campbell said. “I haven’t really been here that long but I do try to make an impact and communicate with the guys and really love on them. So for the guys to vote me captain, it’s very surreal. I was honored, very honored.
“I’m going to do the best I can. Coach does a good job of creating expectations and what he expects from people and all that good stuff. I’m giving the best I got for trying to be a captain and trying to represent what a captain should be.”