Lions Offer Caleb Campbell a Contract
by Sean Yuille on Mar 11, 2010 5:59 PM EST
in Detroit Lions News
69 comments
Every once in a while there will be a comment or a FanPost asking what happened to Caleb Campbell, a seventh-round draft pick in 2008 from Army. Campbell appeared to be set to compete for a spot on the team in the summer of 2008, but a change in Army policy forced him to report for duty. Since then he has been involved in sports by being part of the Army Prep School's football coaching staff at some point and by training to be a bobsledder, but those were really the only things I heard about him since he left the Lions.
Now, we finally have a relevant update on Campbell thanks to the Times Herald-Record.
Former Army safety Caleb Campbell said he's been offered a contract by the Detroit Lions, the team who drafted him in the seventh round in 2008.
Now, it's up to Department of Defense if Campbell, a 2008 West Point graduate, will be allowed to sign the contract and attend rookie mini-camp after the April draft.
Campbell actually worked out with the Lions on Tuesday and performed quite well, which is why he received a contract offer. Whether or not he signs that offer will come down to if he can get a two-month early release from his service. The current rule allows athletes to "pursue their sport two years after their graduation date from West Point," but Campbell would need to be ready to come to the mini-camp in April. Hopefully it all works out this time and Campbell will be able to return to Allen Park to start competing for a spot on the roster next month.
(HT: Philip Zaroo of MLive)
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so do we still have the rights to him after being the team that originally drafted him?
or could he sign anywhere?
I get my ass kicked for money, all you gotta do is talk motherfucker.... Rampage Pride GP03
He can sign anywhere
We lost the rights to him last April I believe.
Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog
thanks sean
I get my ass kicked for money, all you gotta do is talk motherfucker.... Rampage Pride GP03
by DrewMoney$$$ on Mar 11, 2010 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
Great News
This guy seems like he’d be a solid locker room presence and bring some much needed work ethic to this team.
Sign him up Martin!!
I think he woul have to re-enter the draft ALA Bo jackson
This could be awesome him and Delmas could be the hardest hitting combo in the leauge. Campbell was a beast at army but because he played for army he was drafted late many thought he wouldn’t be drafted at all. Lets hope something comes out of this Millen pick.
The best there is, The best there was, and the best there ever will be - Bret the Hitman hart
Info on him...Old and New coaches seem to see him as a Linebacker for the team instead of SS in college
Campbell first attended the United States Military Academy Preparatory School for one year before entering West Point. While there, he majored in Latin American Studies.
In 2004, Campbell played in all 11 games. He was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. He moved into the starting lineup during midseason and remained there. He started the final six games at the "whip" position. His first career start came an away game against USF. He ranked fifth on the team with 54 tackles. He tied for second on the team with two forced fumbles. He recorded 48 tackles over the final seven games. He recorded four tackles for loss, including a half of a sack. He recorded a then-career-high 12 tackles against UAB in the home finale. He was also one of just seven freshmen to earn a varsity letter.
In 2005, Campbell started all 11 games. He led the team with 97 tackles. He also shared the team MVP honors with Running back Carlton Jones. Campbell was credited with 63 solo tackles. He led the team with five interceptions. He also ranked ninth nationally in interceptions. His interception total stands as highest by an Army player since Kenny Dale Rowland recorded five interceptions in 1998.
In 2006, Campbell was a starter for each of season’s first nine games. He was the starting Strong safety before suffering a season-ending knee injury in a road game against Tulane. He ranked third on the team in tackles with 59 at the time of the injury. He ended the year fourth despite missing the season’s final three games. He was credited with 30 solo tackles. He recorded two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one forced fumble and one interception as well. He also recorded at least nine tackles on three occasions. During the season opener he finished with three tackles at Arkansas State while battling an illness throughout the game.
In 2007, Campbell was named to preseason watch list for the Lott Trophy, that is awarded to the nation’s defensive player of the year. He was also on the preseason watch list for the award heading into junior campaign as well. He missed all of the 2007 spring practice recovering from a knee injury. He was selected one of team’s captains for his senior season, along with Tony Fusco, Jeremy Trimble and Mike Viti.
For the season, Campbell finished second on the team on defense. He played in and started all 12 games of the season. He recorded 97 total tackles (68 solo), two tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He also had two pass break ups, and two passes defensed. 1
Campbell became the 22nd Army player to perform in the East-West Shrine Game.2
GOOD LUCK AND GO LIONS !!!!
by Joey-P on Mar 11, 2010 6:17 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
- Homework
Joey- thanks for all the info on Campbell. You would have freaked me out if you would have included his personal life or love interests! Seriously where do you find all of that info?? I hope the guy gets cleared to play and does well. He obviously deserves it!
by Kirt-LionFaninGR! on Mar 11, 2010 9:29 PM EST up reply actions
wikapidia
You would be amazed what you can find on there…whats you name ? j/k hahaha besides, my job is a intelligence analyst in the Army
lol
Good to know we have people like you doing the homework when it comes to national security! Thanks for serving our country!
by Kirt-LionFaninGR! on Mar 11, 2010 10:31 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the info
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 11, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
The ghost of Millens past has have past and finally a gift comes forth ?!!!!!
Man I hope this works, he was a bad ass in college !!
His times
were an incredible 4.49…. nice job a year later… no wonder Foote was let go… they had extra LB waiting in the dark
GO LIONS in 2010! the transformation starts now.. they have much to do.
not going to say much till he signs
other then i think he will do what follet did for us this year.. he is projeted to be a LB(or was).. and he has been away from game for few… but i also think follet will get alot ore snaps this year (mybe start if JP or sims is sucking it up… got to rember he was projed as a 4th rounder so that not unlikley.. (levy was sopsed to go undrafted lol)
then if camp wocks out
follet levy camp… add in delmes and maybe berry…some one will get there head taken off
I was one of those people who asked!
I shouted it to my friend who was over, who then wondered what I was talking about!
Once I explained, she was like … um thats great?
I am 100% in Caleb’s corner to be a Lion!
never again should a football player with even an ice cube's chance in hell of making the NFL
go to a service academy. The Army used Caleb for pub and then chopped his balls off and I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t allow him an early release this time.
Unless you wanna be a dirt bag like Kyle Eckle
You can read about him if you like, I won’t waste my breath again
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Mar 12, 2010 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
He was at the Naval Academy
Was considered a Draft worthy player. The Navy wouldn’t let him out of his contract so he just basically fucked around until they kicked him out.
Then he signed with an NFL team and is now an NFL player. Won a Super Bowl ring with the Saints.
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Mar 12, 2010 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
naw man the army hates that kinda publicity
thats why im sure theyll let him sign this year if hes only 2 months from seperation or whatever his deal is…..
it didn't really help last time
they trotted him out on draft day and then a couple days later changed their policy… which is a nice way of saying he got fucked, hard.
i really hope
you’re wrong and they do the right thing by letting him go – i already hate the military political grandstands as it is but this would downright infuriate me if they don’t let him go since he’s already jumped through all their goddamn hoops with nothing but respect and dignity in the process. if they don’t let him go FUCK THEM.
I AGREE 100%
The military is downsizing anyways. The military won’t deny him an early out to play in the NFL over two months. If he has been staying in football shape then he is definately a self motivated guy. Maybe a diamond. He’s two years older with the wear and tear of a rookie. If he could remain loyal to the military when they didn’t let him out two tears ago to play for us I trust he will be loyal to us by choosing to sign with us over another teams offer.
by MonteCarlo7888 on Mar 13, 2010 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Makes the team-
I hope the guy gets his chance. He obviously has the wheels still and is in great shape. It may take a while for him to get his football timing back, but let him play special teams until then. Good Luck Campbell- Let him play Uncle Sam!
by Kirt-LionFaninGR! on Mar 11, 2010 9:22 PM EST reply actions
Can they still sign him if he doesn't get an early release?
I mean, can they offer him a contract after he comes free and put him on the practice squad? Or does he have to wait one more year?
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
This has been my question i...???
I think there is a signing deadline for rookies which is what he really is. I mean 2 months, he should still be able to sign i would think. Maybe its one of those things where if he dosent get the release he would just be behind in rookie OTAs and they still sign him i hope !
found this few dayis ago.. some highlighs from last seasen.. he left out some good ones but
there still 10 mins of highlighs there
off subject: What do you guys think of draftin Rolle at FS from FSU in a later rnd?
Jack of all trades-Master of None.....
by Yardpenalty.com on Mar 11, 2010 10:37 PM EST reply actions
lol consideing he is 95% of our mocks
i would think most would be happy.. i think every fan wants hi on there team.. he is 2nd round talent but will drop due to not playing for a year and might have dedacasen isues.. 4th or 5th i would grb him
He won't last that long
Bears will take him in the third.
[...]when Giants coach Steve Owen, a certified defensive genius, was asked how he planned to stop Nagurski, he said: "With a shotgun, as he’s leaving the dressing room."
by NobodySpecial on Mar 11, 2010 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
havent paid attention to that stuff,sorry
Jack of all trades-Master of None.....
by Yardpenalty.com on Mar 17, 2010 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Hope he makes the team
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
I'm rooting for him to be signed
He’d be a locker room positive presence if nothing else. Maybe even more.
GO LIONS! RESTORE THE ROAR!
man campbell looks to be in PHENOMENAL shape:
http://army.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1062173
this guy really does have the heart of a lion
This Isn't that hard
The Army has a policy to were you can buy out your remaining contract. All the lions would have to do Is buy is last two months of service. The reason why you don’t hear about this that often is because us service members don’t make enough to buy out our contract plus it is expensive as shit. I is set up for people who come into unexpected money i.e. Lotto, Inheratence (dont know how to spell that), Inventions and major law suits. etc. Or they could just put caleb on recruiting duty for two months, but he would have to play for free until his discharge
You can buy out your contract thats right...
But the Army still has to OK it…no matte how much money you have
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Mar 12, 2010 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Yes they do have to ok it
But…. If you have a yearly net worth of more than what the president makes a year (something like 350-450 thousand) they have to discharge you. Thats were the problem is, if he signs than his net worth will be more than the president but he can not sign the contract until he is relesed from service.
by Motown_Soldier on Mar 12, 2010 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
they don't have to do anything
They will, but they don’t have to.
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Mar 12, 2010 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Very nice move by the Lions.
I hope will use the chance and make the 53 man roster.
Very; very nice gesture!
Life without knowledge is death in disguise
by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 12, 2010 7:23 AM EST reply actions
Don't be mad at the Army
If they don’t let him go early. He signed a contract and they poured a ton of money into him. His situation is the equivalent of Matthew Stafford peacing out on his contract before playing any games, but keeping all the benefits we gave him.
I think
your example with Stafford is a little out there, although I wouldn’t be “mad at the army” if they didn’t let him go anyway. I would just think the situation sucks in general, and I would most definitely think that there are a couple clowns in certain positions (who happen to be in the Army) who absolutely suck at making such decisions.
My view on it is that these policies and rules are always flexible, it’s just a matter of whether or not the people who can make the decisions feel like bending them. They didn’t feel like it the first time, and Campbell got totally Effed in the Ayy (but wisely never alluded to so much himself).
Even if there might be some things that need to be adjusted, if they don’t look at what happened before and decide to do the right thing this time, they suck. Not the Army as a whole.. the handful of people making the decision.
Just my opinion.
I believe he ment he signed the Army contract and not the Lions contract.
Meaning he is obligated to the Army.
sign him
he would be a fast gunner on special teams that can tackle and also pack a wallop. i wonder after he gets back in the game for a little while, how his coverage would be. cuz for a 237lb guy running a 4.49 40 its pretty scary. i know taylor mays ran faster but damn.
by yamahawarrior89 on Mar 12, 2010 1:37 PM EST reply actions
Campbell is a solid guy...
Ran into him in a store out here in New York. He was wearing his Lions shirt, and I did a double-take…Thought I was the only Lions Fan in all of Dutchess County! Introduced me to his girlfriend, shook hands with my daughter, and we talked about the future of the Lions in the shampoo aisle at Hannaford’s. Called me “sir”! Maybe respect, or maybe I’m just getting way to old…Seems like this guy’s on field credentials speak for themsleves; I was impressed by his character, and I hope the Lion locker room gets to benefit from his poise and dignity.
Yea, Cool Story
http://cmufootball.blogspot.com/
by CapitolLions on Mar 14, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Post Script
Just wanted to add that he had nothing but praise for both the army for giving him the skils to get to the Lions, and the Lions for offering him the chance, even though when I met him he was already back at work at West Point, coaching. I’m telling you, a CLASS ACT!
Awesome
Hope he makes the team.
The Bringers of Hope: Stafford - Delmas - C. Johnson - Pettigrew - Levy - Hill - Schwartz
Zack Follett: he will hurt your mind.
by Hyperion Ecta on Mar 13, 2010 2:39 AM EST up reply actions
1 good thing..
Actually 2 good things about him not being able to play for 2 years…1 as he got older he could develop more muscle and get in shape. I believe he is 23 now instead of 21. He has had time to let his injured knee heal, limiting the chance of him aggrivating it in football, even tho he showed he could stay healthy his senior year. I guess this one makes 3. He coached at Army since graduating, this gives him a better understand of football and schemes…another " coach on the field ".
This is the stuff legends are made of.
You know the kind of thing you watch 10 years later on NFL films when they bio some pro bowl player. There is an upside to this guy that most people just do not have in them. When I read about his story it makes me think of guys like Vincent Papale. Who knows maybe he could even reach the legendary status of someone like Favre who had half his guts out then played football way before he should have. Even if he becomes one of the unsung heros of Detroit and not some Hall of Fame player, Detroit needs heros badly.
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