Calais Campbell is entering his 19th NFL season. After that, it’s really going to be over. However, he’s announced this before. Twice, in fact.

Calais Campbell of the Baltimore Ravens has once again announced his retirement. The defensive end is entering his 19th active NFL season.

The 39-year-old has already considered retiring twice before. This time, however, he said: “This year, I feel it like never before: This will probably be my last year.”

“I know I said that last year and the year before that. I meant it both times. But I also tell myself every year that I have to play well enough to potentially get another contract,” Campbell continued.

He managed to do that last year for the Arizona Cardinals. In the offseason, he agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Ravens.

NFL: Calais Campbell Chasing a Record

Will there be a 20th season after another strong year? Campbell: “If I play the way I envision, I’ll have to turn down an offer next year. That would be the ideal situation. Because right now, it’s clear to me that this will be my last year.”

If Campbell makes at least five appearances in Baltimore, he will in any case surpass Jim Marshall for the most career appearances by a defensive lineman in the NFL.

He has clear words about the record: “Having played more games than anyone else is amazing. I’m just a kid who loves to play football.”

In September, the family man will turn 40, making him only the sixth defender since 1960 to still be actively playing football in the NFL at that age.

Calais Campbell is one of three players from the 2008 draft

Ravens coach Jesse Minter raved: “Calais can still play at a very high level. I’m excited to see what he can still bring to our defense, and I’m looking forward to having him as a leader in the locker room.”

In 2025, Campbell recorded 6.5 sacks. He has a career total of 117 sacks for five different teams.

Campbell was drafted in 2008 alongside quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Josh Johnson, the only other “remaining” players from that year.