The Miami Dolphins have battled their fair share of turbulence this season.
At one point, the Dolphins had a 2-6 record. However, the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from injury has stabilized the team's offense and helped Miami win its last two games.
During the offseason, former Miami Hurricanes star Calais Campbell decided to return to South Florida and signed with the Dolphins.
The six-time Pro Bowler is in the midst of his 17th NFL season, and the experienced veteran defensive tackle has had a profound impact on the 2024 Dolphins, if you ask one of his teammates. Tight end Jonnu Smith recently praised Campbell, 38, for continuing to demonstrate his ability to be a key contributor.
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October 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, United States; Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) enters the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
“Calais is one of my favorite teammates in any sport I've ever played,” Smith said during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Campbell recorded his fourth sack of the year during Miami's 34-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11. Campbell's four sacks are the most of any player on the Dolphins' roster this season. He now has 109.5 career sacks.
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The veteran defensive lineman has also played an important role in Miami's run defense. But Campbell's impact extends beyond the football field. 2019 NFL Man of the Year Walter Payton has brought more leadership to the Dolphins locker room.
November 11, 2024; Inglewood, California, United States; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) leaves the field after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. (Images by Kirby Lee-Imagn)
“He's like the LeBron James of the NFL right now in terms of his age and the production he brings to the game, still playing at a high level. I mean, the guy is 1,000 years old and plays like he's 21.”
Campbell is among the short list of NFL athletes who have played the defensive lineman position and who have been able to continue playing, let alone make an impact, once they reached their 30s.
September 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, United States; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Smith, who was also a teammate of Campbell's in Atlanta with the Falcons last season, later described Campbell as the “best leader” he “has ever been around.”
If Campbell can record two more sacks over the course of the Dolphins' seven remaining games, he will pass former Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald for 40th on the all-time list.
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The Dolphins will host the New England Patriots in Week 12 for an AFC East division matchup.
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