The Arizona Cardinals made a big move on Thursday following what has been a pretty slow offseason, announcing a five-year contract extension with standout defensive end Calais Campbell. The details of the contract were not released through the team per policy, although they will likely leak or be made available in the near future. Given Campbell's production both on and off the field, you can bet the deal will likely be a big one financially speaking.
Campbell (6-8, 300) is coming off his best professional season in 2011 where he started all 16 games and set career highs with 73 tackles (51 solos), a team- leading eight sacks, two forced fumbles, 11 passes defensed, one fumble recovery and his first interception. He also recorded a career-high with three blocked field goals helping the Cardinals record an NFL-best five FG blocks last season. Campbell was originally drafted in the second round (50th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
Not only did Campbell excel with the Cardinals last season, but he also did plenty outside of football to benefit those living around him. He was the recipient of the 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which was given for his outstanding work in the Phoenix community.
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