Calais Campbell went to have a quick conversation with teammate Dante Stills on the field, as the Texans prepared to try a 52-yard field goal on the final play of the half.
The veteran Cardinals defensive end has earned the right from special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers to essentially dictate where he lines up on any particular field-goal block try. On this play, Campbell brought the idea of a swap to Stills.
"I know this isn't supposed to me my spot but I'm feeling it right now," Campbell told Stills. Stills response? "Alright. Go block it."
The 39-year-old Campbell, who has been on the field-goal block unit every year of his 18-year career, has an understanding where the ball is usually going to track. His 6-foot-8 frame gives him the length he needs.
And on this play, Campbell rejected Ka'imi Fairbairn's try, the 10th field goal Campbell has blocked in his career and his first since 2022 when he played for the Ravens.
"Sometimes I feel bad because the guys, they want to get blocks too," Campbell said. "But I know I can get the block right now."
By his count, Campbell said he's nearly had six blocks this season before Sunday's. "I've been so close. I feel the wind as the ball goes past my hand."
Campbell actually had a block in the home game against the 49ers, but was called for hitting the long snapper – a flag that Campbell said he couldn't argue with after watching the video later.
CAMPBELL'S CAREER FIELD GOAL BLOCKS:
| Date | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 9/20/09 | Cardinals | at Jaguars |
| 10/11/09 | Cardinals | vs Texans |
| 9/18/11 | Cardinals | at Washington |
| 11/6/11 | Cardinals | vs Rams |
| 11/20/11 | Cardinals | at 49ers |
| 9/9/12 | Cardinals | vs Seahawks |
| 10/6/19 | Jaguars | at Panthers |
| 10/11/21 | Ravens | vs Colts |
| 12/11/22 | Ravens | at Steelers |
| 12/14/25 | Cardinals | at Texans |
The modern NFL record for blocked field goals is 13, by Julius Peppers. Campbell would love to get 14. To be fair, kick blocking stats for the NFL's history is sketchy at best, and there were a number of players in the 1970s and earlier that – at least by various accounts – were menaces when it came to the play.
Then again, the field-goal operation was a different world back then, when 40-yard attempts were an iffy proposition.
How much have stats changed now? Campbell has played 1,886 special teams snaps in his career according to Pro Football Reference, but snaps weren't tracked before 2012, so those numbers are lost to history barring painstaking video work.
That's a shame because when Campbell entered the league, he did it all. Not only was he on field goal and field-goal block, but kickoff, kickoff return, punt, and punt return.
"I love all aspects of the game and I want to make as big of an impact as I can," Campbell said. "I felt like special teams is a way to make that impact, especially when you have an unique ability to block kicks.
"It's just fun to play football."
At his age, the Cardinals asked him only to play field-goal block to start this season, and not playing on field goal protection was "weird." But then tight ends starting getting injured, and Campbell immediately volunteered his services.
"I can't say that most guys that are like that at the beginning (that) they maintain that (enthusiasm) throughout their career," Rodgers said. "Calais is a pro. Every single thing we have asked of him in any facet that I am aware, he goes full speed ahead and does it the best he can. He's good at a lot of things."
Campbell, in 14 games, has played 113 special-teams snaps this season, 30 percent of the total.
Campbell's size makes a difference, of course. Rodgers also notes that Campbell has impressive snap "get off" for his size, and his experience can't be overstated.
The rules have changed through the years. Campbell remembers when he used to be able to get his own version of the tush push to hammer to the middle of a try, teammates shoving him forward. That's not allowed any longer.
But he still chases that glorious moment of the double thump – the thump of the foot to the ball, and then the ball thumping off his hand.
"It was like, 'Why can't I block one?' Especially when I'm seeing around the league blocked kicks galore. I'm like, 'What is going on?'" Campbell said. "These kickers are so good, they are kicking longer field goals, but to kick those field goals it has to come out lower through the line so there are more opportunities to block kicks.
"I was expecting to get a few more. That was a monkey off my back for sure."
