Calais Campbell to Host Bowling Event To Benefit CRC Foundation In Jacksonville
By David Levin
Calais Campbell was revered in Arizona for his work in the community as a member of the Cardinals. Now, the defensive end is making his presence felt with his charitable work as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Per the Jaguars public relations department and Main Event Entertainment, Campbell is hosting an inaugural Bowling Classic on Tuesday, May 15. The money raised with benefit the Charles Richard Campbell Foundation, founded by Campbell and his family.
“We established the CRC Foundation in honor of my father, Charles Richard Campbell, a man whose philosophies included community activism, goal setting, celebrating achievements and the solid belief that you can do whatever you set your mind to,” said Campbell. “The CRC Foundation is a direct result of his teachings. It is thanks to events like this, great companies like Main Event and generous individuals that we are able to continue his vision of youth empowerment and education.”
Campbell spoke with the media on Tuesday at TIAA Bank Field to discuss his charitable efforts and the event on Tuesday night. He said his father instilled many lessons in life as he was a youngster, many of which he uses today to pass the message along in the community.
“No matter what, you have to think about what you want to do in life. These kids come from some homes where they don’t have that foundation to teach them that basic information. I was able to get that from a very young age with school and sports and things like that.”
As he explained, “CRC is an organization that is committed to the enhancement of the community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills, and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps develop young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.”
Campbell said he father was a very good teacher. The most important lesson he got [from his father] is that every action has a consequence good or bad. He said having been in the community now for a year has made the work he has done with CRC rewarding. Having fans and people know more about him has allowed him and the foundation to help the youth in the community.
“People want to come out and be involved when they know you care,” Campbell explained. “It’s nice to have an incredible city like Jacksonville. The fans are passionate. The city is really close-knit. It’s got that southern vibe that is really special.”
Last year wasn’t as productive for Calais Campbell and his work in the community. Now he can focus more on helping others in Jacksonville. He said there is a sense of pride in the work he has accomplished off the field as well as on.
The bowling event gives the Jaguars players a chance to get out in the community and bond. Some of the players were out rolling strikes last week, Campbell said knowing his teammates on a personal level makes joining them on the field, battling their opponents even more important.
Calais Campbell enjoyed the best season of his 11-year career, in 2017, when he finished tied for second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks. The total also set a Jacksonville team record. He and free agent signees cornerback AJ Bouye and safety Barry Church were instrumental in helping the Jaguars’ defense finished second in the league in 2017. Also, getting to the AFC Title game before losing to the New England Patriots will serve as motivation for not only him, but his teammates.
He uses some of the same characteristics he has learned over the years from playing football to instill in the youth he works with, that it’s a lifestyle one must adapt to.
“It really carries over in all aspects of life. When it comes to football, you’re trying to create that winning environment. It’s being accountable, working through things,” he explained.