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Jaguars legend Calais Campbell wants one final return to Jacksonville, sends a heartfelt message to Jaguars fans

Jacksonville, Florida – January 16, 2026

After nearly two decades in the NFL, Calais Campbell is quietly contemplating something that resonates deeply with Jaguars fans: one final return to Jacksonville. Not for attention. Not for a farewell tour. But to close a remarkable career in the city that helped shape his identity, leadership, and legacy as one of the most respected defensive linemen of his generation.

Campbell’s reflection comes after a demanding 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals, where the veteran signed a one-year “homecoming” deal and, at age 39, still played all 17 games. Despite Arizona’s struggles, Campbell remained impactful, recording 6.5 sacks and continuing to anchor the defensive front with intelligence and discipline. When the season ended, he openly acknowledged uncertainty about his future, saying he needed time to listen to his body and decompress before deciding whether to continue or step away.

Jacksonville Jaguars trade Calais Campbell to Baltimore Ravens | NFL News |  Sky Sports

For Campbell, the pull toward Jacksonville is deeply personal. Drafted in the second round in 2008, he spent nine formative seasons with the Jaguars, becoming the emotional and physical backbone of the defense during some of the franchise’s most challenging years. He wasn’t just productive — he was present, accountable, and respected. To many in Jaguars Nation, Campbell represents stability and pride in a period when both were often hard to find.

If a return were to happen, Campbell has no interest in being a centerpiece or chasing statistics. Those close to him say his focus would be mentorship — guiding young defensive linemen, reinforcing professional standards, and offering perspective earned through 18 NFL seasons. “This isn’t about proving anything,” one source familiar with Campbell’s thinking shared. “It’s about giving back and finishing the journey the right way.”

His legacy in Jacksonville remains powerful. Over nine seasons, Campbell totaled 51.5 sacks, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and emerged as one of the league’s most respected locker-room leaders. Long before accolades followed him elsewhere, Jacksonville was where he learned how to lead, how to endure losing seasons with dignity, and how to carry himself as a professional. That imprint has never faded — neither for him nor for the fan base.

Jaguars DE Calais Campbell remembered for many talents in Denver —  including high school plays | CalaisCampbell.com

From the Jaguars’ perspective, any reunion would be symbolic rather than strategic. The franchise continues to focus on long-term development and youth, and any role for Campbell would need to complement that vision. But emotionally, the idea carries weight: a franchise icon returning not to change the future, but to honor the past.

For Calais Campbell, the message is clear. This is not about chasing one more contract or one more moment in the spotlight. It is about ending things the right way — a quiet, meaningful return to where it all began, allowing one of Jacksonville’s most enduring figures to close his career with grace, gratitude, and respect from the fans who never stopped believing in him.

Donald Driver is a HALL OF FAMER. Undrafted. Homeless as a Kid. Super Bowl Champion.
  Donald Driver: A Hall of Fame Journey That Green Bay Will Never Forget For football fans across Green Bay and beyond, the news of Donald Driver’s Pro Football Hall of Fame nomination was less of a surprise and more of a long-awaited celebration. A player who spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, Driver’s legacy is firmly etched in the hearts of fans, his name synonymous with grit, loyalty, and the embodiment of Packers football. A Legacy Built on Grit and Loyalty Driver’s career is the epitome of perseverance. The former seventh-round draft pick, once an overlooked draft choice, carved out a legendary place for himself in Packers history. With 743 receptions, over 10,000 receiving yards, and 61 touchdowns to his name, Driver’s stats alone would cement his place in history. But his story extends far beyond numbers. Known for his toughness and unwavering dedication to the team, Driver became the symbol of the blue-collar work ethic that has come to define the Green Bay Packers. He played through the cold, the rain, and the snow, always giving his best—no matter the conditions, no matter the challenges. His unforgettable 90-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in 2010 remains one of the greatest individual efforts in Packers history, a testament to his relentless drive and determination. But it wasn’t just his on-field feats that made Driver beloved. His loyalty to the Packers—remaining with the team through his entire 14-season career—made him one of the rare examples of a player who gave everything to one franchise. Fans still remember his emotional retirement ceremony, walking through the snow at Lambeau Field one last time, tears in his eyes, heart on his sleeve, and the legacy of his career living on forever. The Hall of Fame Nomination: A Symbol of More Than Just Stats Driver’s Hall of Fame nomination is a recognition of his character as much as his accomplishments. It’s a tribute to his story of perseverance, rising from hardship and poverty to become one of the most respected and beloved players in NFL history. From living in a U-Haul truck as a child to becoming a Super Bowl champion, Driver’s journey is a narrative that resonates far beyond the football field. Even his rivals, including those from the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions, have acknowledged his greatness, recognizing him as a player who earned respect with every snap. His story is about more than just touchdowns; it’s about hard work, dedication, and the embodiment of the spirit of Green Bay football. More Than a Football Player: A Role Model for the Community Off the field, Driver’s impact is just as profound. Through his foundation, charity work, and community programs, Driver has been a pillar in Green Bay. He mentored children, supported single parents, and worked tirelessly to improve literacy across Wisconsin. His annual charity events became community staples, not because of his fame, but because of his genuine desire to make a difference. Teammates often describe Driver as the most genuine person in the room—kind, compassionate, and full of warmth. His reputation as a role model extends far beyond the locker room, making his Hall of Fame nomination a celebration of not just a football player, but a true community leader. The Road to Canton Begins: A Well-Deserved Honor As the months go by and the debate continues, there is little question among Packers fans: Donald Driver belongs in Canton. His career has been defined not just by his statistics, but by his impact, his leadership, and his heart. Few players can claim to have done it all—excelled on the field, represented their team with pride, and made a lasting difference off the field. As the nomination spreads across the NFL, one thing is clear: Driver’s legacy is one of the most inspiring in the history of the sport. His story embodies everything the Hall of Fame stands for. His career is a testament to perseverance, heart, and the spirit of football. A Moment Green Bay Will Never Forget As the sun rises over Lambeau Field, and fans look toward Canton with pride, they’ll remember Driver’s incredible journey. From the child fighting to survive to the Packers legend heading to the Hall of Fame, his story is one of triumph, heart, and hard work. Today, Packers Nation can proudly say: “Congratulations, Donald Driver — you’ve always been a Hall of Famer in the hearts of Green Bay. Now, the world finally sees it too.”