The era of Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants officially came to an end this week.
While the move was widely anticipated, it hasn’t been easy for those close to him, including his teammate and fellow 2019 NFL Draft pick, Dexter Lawrence.
Lawrence Defends Jones
Following the benching, the standout defensive tackle didn’t hold back his disagreement with the decision.“That’s my best friend,” Lawrence said on Tuesday, per Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic, during Campbell’s Soup’s charity event, Chunky Sacks Hunger.
“It’s hard to see that happen. I can’t control it. They make decisions based on their evaluations, thoughts, and feelings. … That’s my guy. As a player, you’ve got to keep playing. As a human and a brother, I feel for him.”
Campbell’s Longevity and Impact
Meanwhile, it’s astonishing to see someone like Calais Campbell, a veteran defensive end, continue to produce at an age where most players—no matter how great—are long retired.
Here’s a brief list of some players who excelled into their late 30s:
- Bruce Smith recorded 19 sacks at 38+ years old.
- Reggie White came out of retirement at 39 for 5.5 sacks.
- Chris Doleman notched 8 sacks at age 38.
- Clay Matthews racked up 6.5 sacks at 40.
Most others, like Michael Strahan, Lawrence Taylor, and J.J. Watt, retired well before hitting 40.
Campbell currently has 109.5 career sacks. With just two more, he’ll surpass recently retired Aaron Donald to rank 40th on the all-time list.
Campbell isn’t merely filling space on the defensive line; he’s a leader and a driving force. His presence goes beyond stats.“He’s the greatest leader I’ve ever met,” Bruce Smith added. “A great guy, a good human being, deserving of everything he’s gotten. People like that, when your season feels bleak, you look at them and think, ‘I’d run through a brick wall for him.’”
On a related note, back-to-back wins have kept the Miami Dolphins in the playoff conversation despite a 4-6 record. They’ll need to maintain their momentum as they face the New England Patriots in a crucial Week 12 divisional matchup.
