Veterans from the 2008 NFL Draft
Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, and Calais Campbell continue to make an impact in the NFL. As of the 2023 season, their determination and prowess showcase their enduring commitment to the game.
Joe Flacco: The Comeback Kid
Joe Flacco, who secured the title of 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, continues to defy expectations. Once the hero of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII win, Flacco has revitalized his career as the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. This title is a testament to his resilience and capability to perform under pressure, reiterating that he still has much to offer in the league.
Josh Johnson: A Steady Hand in Baltimore
Josh Johnson, known for his resilience and adaptability, serves as the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens. Throughout his career, Johnson has been the epitome of persistence, having played for multiple teams. His journey through the NFL demonstrates his steady hand and reliable presence on the field, qualities that the Ravens value highly.
Calais Campbell: A Veteran for the Dolphins
Calais Campbell, now donning the Miami Dolphins' uniform, continues to be a dominant force as a defensive tackle. A seasoned veteran, Campbell boasts six Pro Bowl appearances and a selection to the 2010s All-Decade team. His impressive 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons saw him starting all 17 games, recording 6.5 sacks, 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 42 quarterback pressures.
The Decision to Continue
Despite considering retirement, Campbell’s love for football steered him towards another season. His passion for the game, reinforced by a heartfelt conversation with his family, reignited his drive. Campbell acknowledges that with age, his game has evolved, stressing the importance of leveraging strength and finesse to maintain his competitive edge.
A New Opportunity with the Dolphins
Campbell’s decision to join the Miami Dolphins is driven by his chase for a Super Bowl ring. With a roster featuring six Pro Bowl players and the addition of promising new talents, Campbell sees a substantial opportunity with the Dolphins. He emphasizes the significance of team chemistry and believes the Dolphins have the potential to be a formidable force.
Reuniting with Anthony Weaver
A pivotal factor in Campbell’s decision was reuniting with coach Anthony Weaver, who previously served as his position coach for two seasons. Campbell holds Weaver in high regard, trusting his understanding of his capabilities and vision for the game. This relationship offers Campbell the unique insight and mutual trust needed to excel.
The Pursuit of the Vince Lombardi Trophy
Campbell’s ultimate goal remains clear: to win the Super Bowl. Despite his extensive career and accolades, the elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy has evaded him. He was part of the Arizona Cardinals’ squad that played in Super Bowl XLIII but fell short of victory. His comments reflect his enduring passion and belief in his abilities:
"I thought about [retiring]. It really came down to just with the family, talking to the wife and kids. Because physically, and the desire and love for the game, has never left, not even a little bit. I have to learn how to use other parts of my game, bring a lot more of the strength part but I still have enough finesse and everything else, I got a full box of little tools."
Campbell’s commitment to the game remains undeterred, driven by his love for football and the desire to achieve what he has yet to attain:
"But what keeps me going though is a love for the game. I feel like there's a really good opportunity here. Very talented team all over the field, both offense and defense. When you go through the roster and who you have, I just see so many people that I feel like we can really play together and really build that team chemistry you need and be a force to reckon with."
On choosing the Dolphins, he commented:
"The main reason I wanted to come here was because I really believe in who Anthony Weaver is as a coach and our relationship. We talked a lot during the process, and he knows what I'm capable of doing. He understands my mind and how I see the game, and he trusts it."
As Campbell embarks on this chapter with the Miami Dolphins, the 2023 season promises to be a significant one. Whether Flacco, Johnson, and Campbell achieve new heights remains to be seen, but their ongoing passion and dedication to the sport are clear for all to witness.