Thirty-eight-year-old Calais Campbell remembers being a "young buck" when veteran safety Adrian Wilson gave him a hard time after a Cardinals practice years ago.
"For him, it was just one day of him being a leader and he won't even remember it," Campbell said Thursday as he and his teammates wrapped up their final day of minicamp and the offseason program. "For me, it was a big impact on my career.
"I had to be better, and I got better because I wanted his respect. But I also learned, with leadership, you have to be able to communicate with guys and help them along the way, and sometimes it's not being their best friend but being honest and direct."
The defensive lineman, heading into his 18th NFL season and first back with the Cardinals after leaving as a free agent following the 2016 season, is in a different place in his career. He has already acknowledged that while he thinks he can still dominate a game, it has to be in smaller doses, like 30 to 35 snaps. He said he's in a good place physically after the three days of mandatory minicamp (he did not take part in voluntary work) and knowing exactly how his body needs to be going into training camp at his age.
What he is prepared for is not only to aid the defensive line on the field but also in the meeting and locker rooms, where the Cardinals have back-to-back first-round picks invested in the position (Darius Robinson and Walter Nolen III.)
Mentoring younger players is going to be natural, Campbell said, because teammates will ask questions of a player who has lasted 18 seasons. How much that veteran wants to put into teaching is a different story, but Campbell sees it as an "honor."
"I enjoy passing knowledge," Campbell said. "I feel there is no point for me to die with all this knowledge, to the graveyard at the end of my career. I have to share with as many people as possible. Especially people that are going to help us win ballgames.
"If I help them to a level that's better than me, then the team is better and I will find my role and make it work."
Campbell already carries with him a respect throughout the roster – second-year running back Trey Benson's eyes lit up Thursday when he mentioned Campbell had followed him on Instagram – and already was seen talking shop with fellow newcomers Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson at practice.
Images from the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33), Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) and Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hayden Conner (58) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman McClendon Curtis (66) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jake Curhan (64) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers (67) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Oscar Cardenas (45) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Sincere Haynesworth (61) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Sincere Haynesworth (61) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals wide receivers during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Josiah Deguara (47) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) , Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) , Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Dragonfly and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jake Curhan (64) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Royce Newman (71) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) , Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaden Davis (39) and Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27), Arizona Cardinals linebacker Vi Jones (53), Arizona Cardinals linebacker J.J. Russell (51), Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2), Arizona Cardinals Linebackers Coach Cristian Garcia, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32), Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals Tight Ends Coach Ben Steele during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
"I always say if you want to learn ball, talk to the players," coach Jonathan Gannon said.
Robinson called Campbell "legendary," while Campbell said Robinson in a small way reminds him of his younger self.
"I want to learn as much as I can," Robinson said. "He was here in the beginning. He shows the standard of what I expect from myself."
Tomlinson, himself going into his ninth NFL season, told Campbell the two veterans can learn from the younger players in addition to teaching, and both Tomlinson and Campbell references how tight-knit the defensive line room was already.
That it is happening back with the Cardinals is important to Campbell.
"This is where I learned how to be an NFL football player," he said.
Now Campbell has the chance to make Arizona the same kind of place for a couple of his teammates.
WILL JOHNSON LIMITED BECAUSE OF HAMSTRING
Gannon said it was a tight hamstring that kept rookie cornerback Will Johnson from doing everything during the three days of minicamp, although he wasn't sidelined. It was a hamstring issue that kept Johnson from participating this offseason in the Scouting combine or Michigan's pro day.
Gannon added Johnson will be ready to begin training camp.
