Ravens Rumors: Calais Campbell Contemplates Retirement Ahead of 2021 NFL Season

When it comes to contemplating retirement, it's always an athlete's hope that they can end their career on their own terms. After all, there's nothing more saddening than when a player is phased out of the league because they can't play at a high level anymore. Keeping that in mind, it's looking like Baltimore Ravens veteran Calais Campbell could be thinking of retiring on his own terms following the 2021 NFL season.

The 34-year-old defensive end spoke with the Ravens' website on Tuesday, saying that he's contemplating retirement on a year-by-year basis. He added that he's good to go for the 2021 campaign, but will re-evaluate things once it ends.

Baltimore Ravens News

Campbell revealed that ever since he became a professional football player, his goal was to play 15 seasons. The 2021 campaign will be his 14th and he hopes to be healthy enough to play in the following one to achieve his goal.

"It's definitely something you think about. I used to say when I was younger I wanted to play 15 (years). I didn't realize how hard 15 was going to be. This is 14 for me. I know I've got this in me for sure. I'd still like to play 15. Hopefully I've got another one. We'll see."

- Calais Campbell, Ravens DE

After spending the first 12 seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars, Campbell joined the Ravens via trade in March of 2020. He made a noticeable impact with his new team, recording 28 total tackles, 4.0 sacks and 6 passes defended in 12 games. His efforts saw him being named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time in his career.

If the 2021 NFL season is indeed Campbell's last, he'll hope to end it on the highest of notes. The Ravens are currently tied for the 5th-best odds to win the 2021 Super Bowl at +1400, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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