Aaron Rodgers Texted All-Pro Free Agent to Recruit Him to Jets
Falcons defensive end Calais Campbell revealed that Aaron Rodgers tried to lure him to the Jets during this year’s NFL free agency.
Since Rodgers announced his intention to play for New York on March 15, the four-time MVP has remained on the cusp of a trade to the franchise after 18 seasons with the Packers. But in the meantime, Campbell told Josina Anderson of CBS Sports that the 39-year-old texted him about coming to New York so the two could win a Super bowl together.
While Campbell appreciated Rodgers reaching out, he chose to sign a one-year, $7 million deal with the Falcons to aid in restoring a winning culture in Atlanta.
“It was appealing to have him [Aaron Rodgers] text you, but I kept getting a feeling that Atlanta was a special place. … It was a tough decision,” Campbell told Anderson per The Crew podcast.
The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro pass rusher will enter his 16th NFL season in 2023. Campbell, who turns 37 on Sept. 1, started 14 games for the Ravens in the ‘22 campaign and recorded 5.5 sacks, 36 total tackles and two forced fumbles.
In his 15-year career, Campbell has posted 99.0 sacks, 809 combined tackles, 165 tackles for loss and 16 forced fumbles.