Even prior to re-signing with the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, Calais Campbell had made $144,693,685 in his NFL career.
The defensive lineman is ready to give some back.
In a press release sent to The Arizona Republic, the defensive end has announced the “Calais Comes Home: A Homecoming with Heart” initiative. The initiative will be done in two parts, and the result will be up to $100,000 being donated to nine nonprofits in the Phoenix area to address homelessness.
“The program celebrates Campbell’s return home to the Cardinals, the team that first welcomed him into the NFL,” according to the press release. “With over 9,000 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County annually, the initiative addresses a pressing community need while celebrating Campbell’s homecoming story.”
Campbell played with the Cardinals for nine seasons from 2008-16. In that time, he made two All-Pro rosters and two Pro Bowl rosters.
The first part of the initiative is called “Cheer for a Cause Community Spotlight.” Eight local nonprofits will be receiving “rotating spotlight support” over periods of two weeks, and every organization will be receiving performance-based donations based on Campbell’s statistics during games. Campbell will donate $2,000 per Cardinals win, $2,000 per tackle for loss, $5,000 per fumble recovery and $10,000 per interception or blocked kick.
They will also receive two home game tickets during the weeks they are featured. There will also be “social media takeover opportunities on CRC Foundation and Calais Campbell social platforms.”
The CRC Foundation is Campbell’s foundation that is focused on building the community by teaching important life skills to youth. During each nonprofit’s select weeks, CRC Foundation social media accounts will share donation links so people can donate to each nonprofit.
The second part of the initiative is called “House of Refuge: Calais Comes Home, So Can They.” Campbell’s initiative includes a partnership all season with House of Refuge, which is an organization in Mesa “that has provided transitional housing for homeless families since 1996.” For every sack during the 2025 season, Campbell will donate $5,000 to House of Refuge and $2,500 to House of Refuge per every half-sack.
“Coming back to Arizona feels like coming home, and I want to help others find their way home too,” Campbell said in the press release. “This community embraced me when I started my NFL career, and now I have the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.
“Every tackle, every sack, every win becomes a chance to change lives and bring another family closer to feeling safe and at home.”
Campbell is expected to be a starter on the defensive line this season. The three-time All-Pro selection has recorded 14 straight seasons with 10 or more quarterback hits and has made six Pro Bowls.
