Team president Michael Bidwill (right) presents defensive end Calais Campbell with his Walter Payton Man of the Year award Friday.
With every sack, Calais Campbell cements himself as one of the best players in Cardinals history. While the star defensive end is proud of his on-field accomplishments, it's not the only legacy he wants to leave behind.
Over the past seven years Campbell has been a fixture helping the less fortunate in the community, and on Friday he was recognized by team president Michael Bidwill as the Cardinals' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
The honor – Campbell's second following his selection in 2011 – highlights players who have success on the
field and make an impact in the community.
"We couldn't think of anybody more deserving," Bidwill said. "Many of our players do a lot of great things, but through his CRC Foundation, through things he's doing with the Cardinals, the United Way, it always seems that Calais is available to do things for the community, particularly for kids."
Campbell is one of 32 Man of the Year winners – one per team – and the NFL will give $1,000 to the charity of his choice. Three semifinalists will be picked and the overall winner will be announced prior to Super Bowl XLIX.
"Any time you get an award with Walter Payton's name on it, that's a pretty big deal," Campbell said. "I try to do a lot of stuff in the community because I feel like there's a lot of potential there. I just want to make sure I do my part, given the blessings I've been given. I want to make sure I pass along the torch."
Campbell created the CRC Foundation in 2010 in honor of his late father, Charles Richard Campbell. He does many events throughout the year, like providing meals to 300 families during the Thanksgiving holiday and taking 100 underprivileged children on a Christmas shopping spree.
Campbell works with family members to put on the events and said his father is at the root of his giving nature.
"That's part of the way we grew up," he said. "We were always active in the community."
