The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced that defensive end Calais Campbell will play in this weekend’s Pro Bowl in Orlando. Campbell will replace J.J. Watt on the roster.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey won’t be the only team representative at the Pro Bowl this coming Sunday in Orlando. The team and the NFL have announced that defensive end Calais Campbell will replace J.J. Watt on the AFC roster. It is the fourth time Campbell has received the honor.
It marks the second time in as many years that Campbell has represented the Black and Teal.
"Per Jaguars.com, the 11-year pro, who signed a deal last offseason in free agency, “Finished the 2018 season with 72 tackles (53 solo), including 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He also added 22 QB hits, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.”"
His effort on the field has been as good as anyone who has ever put on a Jaguars uniform. His leadership in the locker room is part of the reason the team made its march through the AFC, winning its division title last season and coming within one game of the Super Bowl in 2017.
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"“Campbell’s 20 tackles for loss were tied for the third-most in the NFL, and according to Pro Football Focus, his 43 run stops were the most ever by an edge defender in a single season, the team announced. “For his career, he has totaled 631 tackles (474 solo), 141 tackles for loss, 81.5 sacks, 47 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries.”"
There was talk during the season about the potential of Campbell being released before free agency, but he announced the day after the team’s 20-3 loss to Houston in the season finale the organization told him he would be back in a Jaguars uniform for the 2019 season.
"“I’m grateful to be returning to Jacksonville for the 2019 season and I know that we have the people and the mentality to get this turned around and bring playoff football back to Duval County,” he said."
Per spotrac.com, Calais Campbell, who played his first nine seasons in Arizona, signed a 4 year, $60,000,000 contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including a $6,000,000 signing bonus, $30,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $15,000,000. In 2018, he earned a base salary of $15,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $17,500,000.
Based on his production for a defense that did not play up the level of the 2017 team, his contract with the team may be worth every penny. The Jaguars finished fifth in overall defense this past season despite the team finishing with a 5-11 record.
"“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my family, the Jaguars organization, my teammates, my coaches and all of our incredible fans at this year’s Pro Bowl,” said Campbell. “Although this season didn’t go as any of us had planned, the Pro Bowl provides one final opportunity to throw on the pads and lace up the cleats before turning the page to a new chapter."
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In addition to adding a Pro Bowl nod to his resume, Calais Campbell was named the recipient of the Bart Starr Award, given to one NFL player based on outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.