Tom Brady was 45 when he finally traded in his cleats for a microphone and agreed to work as an NFL Commentator for FOX Sports.

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel talked about the 38-year-old player Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell As the “Tom Brady of defensemen.”

“I think he’s such a unique individual because he’s so extraordinary. I call him the Tom Brady of linebackers; how do you play the game week in, week out, week in week out over such a long career and do it in the trenches? “One through five,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “But at the same time it’s not just his performance that’s important, he’s also an excellent team man who knows how to succeed in difficult situations.”

Campbell was flattered by the comparison and pleased to hear what his coach had to say about him and his abilities as a player.

“It feels good. I’m glad coach (McDaniel) believes in me. I’m happy to be here and still be able to play this game that I love. Honestly, it’s a ‘what have you done for me?’ “I’ve been busy lately and I need to get out there and perform again this week,” Campbell said. “Otherwise it’s a different tune and that’s the way it goes. “I’ve learned that through experience, but it’s still nice to see Coach show so much love.”

Considering he turned 38 a few weeks before the start of the regular season, Campbell’s performance was eye-opening, to say the least.

But Campbell says he has a standard and the important thing is to meet it.

“I work really hard, so I’m not surprised,” Campbell said. “I feel like my preparation and the dedication I’ve put into this game will pay off. If I can’t go out there and dominate, I don’t think I’ll be playing anymore. I want to play at an elite level and that’s why I’m definitely putting in the time and effort to do that, so it feels good to be able to do that and I want other people to know that too.” It’s nice that he realizes that he’s beautiful, but at the end of the day, I’ve got to keep winning these matches.

Campbell’s performance in 2024 would lead the Dolphins to want to bring him back for another season, but the linebacker’s future plans remain unclear.

Campbell treats each season as if it were his last. He said he goes into each offseason and decides whether to return.

“I’ve always been in the mindset of leaving it all on the field, burning rubber and trying as hard as I can go and when the offseason comes around, I figure out when that’s going to happen next year,” Campbell said. “It’s been like this for the last few years. Next year doesn’t even exist for me right now, so I’m playing this year like it’s my last and trying to do everything I can to make it last. I’m going to give everything to the tank and the game.”

“If the offseason gets closer and I still feel good, then we’ll figure it out.”

According to McDaniel, Campbell plays under his age and has the motor of a 30-year-old man.

“I think it’s a tremendous thing; he’s been a really great person and player for the organization, and I think he’s playing; he’s got a wealth of youth, he’s playing good ball,” McDaniel said. “The young 30-year-old plays with the Calais ball, which is a testament to how prepared he is and he is a big part of our team.”