Tom Brady was 45 years old when he finally traded his cleats for a microphone and took a job for FOX Sports as an NFL commentator.

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel references 38-year-old player Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell as the “Tom Brady of defensive linemen.”

“I think he’s such a unique individual because he’s an outlier. I call him like the Tom Brady of defensive linemen – how to play the game week in and week out for such a long career and do it in the trenches from one to five, literally lining up in the middle all the way to the tackle, it’s extremely impressive,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “But at the same time, it’s not just his performance, but he’s a consummate team man who knows how to thrive in difficult situations.”

Campbell is flattered by the comparison and happy to hear what his coach said about him and his abilities as a player.

“It feels good. I’m happy that coach (McDaniel) believes in me. I’m happy to be here and I’m still able to play this game that I love. Obviously, it’s a ‘qu “You’ve done for me lately and I gotta go out there and play again this week,” Campbell said. “Otherwise it’s a different story, that’s how it goes. I learned that through my experience, but it’s cool to see Coach showing a lot of love.”

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

But Campbell says he has a standard and it’s about living up to it.

“Well, I work really hard, so I’m not surprised,” Campbell said. “I feel like with my preparation and the dedication I put into this match, I expected to do well. If I can’t go out there and dominate, I don’t think I’m going to play more I want to play at an elite level and so I put the time and effort into it, so it feels good to be able to do it and have other people recognize it, that’s nice too, but at the end of the day. , is I have to keep winning ball games.

The way Campbell played in 2024 should make the Dolphins want to bring him back for another season, but the defensive lineman’s future plans are undetermined.

Campbell treats every season like it’s his last. He said he participates every offseason and determines whether he will return.

“I always had the idea of ​​leaving everything on the field, burning the tires and going as hard as I can, and then when the offseason comes, I think about next year,” Campbell said. “That’s how it’s been 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 I’m trying to make everything I can to empty the tanker and give the game my best.

“If the offseason comes and I still feel good, then we will find a solution at that time.”

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

“I think it’s been monumental; he’s been a really cool person and player for the organization, and I think he’s playing — he’s got a fountain of youth, he’s playing as good as the ball,” said McDaniel. “He plays the 30-year-old Calais ball which is a testament to the way he prepares and is a vital part of our team.”