Jaguars' Calais Campbell chosen Bart Starr Award winner, given for character and leadership

When he got called into an office at Jacksonville Jaguars’ facility, defensive lineman Calais Campbell was told it was for some kind of interview.

But instead, Campbell found himself on the phone with Cherry Starr, wife of Hall of Famer Bart Starr, for some good news.

Campbell chosen Bart Starr Award recipient

Cherry Starr informed Campbell that he is this year’s winner of the Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award, given annually to the NFL player who “best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community.”

It is the only postseason award chosen exclusively by players, to recognize one of their peers. Campbell was chosen as winner among a list of 10 finalists.

Terry Bortz, who runs the yearly Super Bowl Breakfast where the Starr Award winner is honored, said, “Each year we have watched the players identify those who are living up to the expectations set by this award’s namesake. Campbell is a top-notch player who is truly making a difference in the world, and we are thrilled to recognize his effort and good work.”

Recent Starr Award winners include New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater, Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

Campbell is the first Jaguars player to win the award, which began in 1989.

Foundation honors late father

Campbell’s extensive community work is done through his CRC Foundation, named for his late father, Charles Richard Campbell. The broad goal of the foundation is to teach critical life skills to young people, whether through sports, the arts, vocational skills, financial skills, or knowledge of nutrition and other health issues.

Last July, he hosted a “coding camp” for 11-to-14-year-old members of a Jacksonville Boys & Girls Club, he’s awarded scholarships, and he’s hosted “Christmas with Calais” for nine years, where he and teammates shop with children in need, and each child gets $200 to spend.

And he feels like he hasn’t done enough.

Much of Campbell’s desire to help comes from his own past: he kept it secret for years, but last year revealed that he and his family were homeless for six months when he was 11, living in a shelter. His mother and father had lost their jobs, and his parents and five of his seven siblings (the oldest two were grown) were in one room at a shelter, sleeping on bunk beds.

The 50th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Campbell just finished his 11th NFL season, and second with Jacksonville. A three-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2017, he is also a Jaguars’ team captain.

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