2019-2020 Community Report CommunityReport-2019-2020 | Page 10

Calais Campbell chosen as
NFL’s 2019 Walter Payton
Man of the Year.
photo credit Logan Bowles
Calais Campbell chosen as
NFL’s Walter Payton
Man of the Year
Former Jaguars DL Calais Campbell, known to fans as the “Mayor
of Sacksonville,”a well-deserved recognition for his 31.5 sacks
over three years, was recognized at the conclusion of the 2019
season by the NFL for his lifetime of leadership and giving-back to
the community.
On February 1, 2020, Campbell was named the 2019 Walter Payton
NFL Man of the Year. The award, which is presented by
Nationwide, is considered one of the league’s most prestigious
honors and recognizes the NFL player that best demonstrates
outstanding community service and excellence on the field.
“Calais Campbell’s impact extends far beyond the field, into
communities throughout Phoenix, Jacksonville and beyond,” said
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “During his 12 seasons in the
league, he has been a tremendous role model for the youth he
serves through his CRC Foundation and is incredibly deserving of
the league’s most prestigious honor.”
Alongside his mother, Nateal, and seven siblings, Campbell formed
the CRC Foundation in 2009. Named for his late father, Charles,
the CRC Foundation is committed to the enhancement of the
community through the teaching of critical life skills to young
people, transforming them into empowered and self-aware leaders
of the future.
“My goal when I give back is to inspire people, to encourage people
to believe that dreams are achievable if you put the work in,” said
Campbell. “Everybody, and I mean everybody, can give back. It
doesn’t matter where you are in your life. Reach back and help
someone. It’s our duty to help our neighbors. Even if you can only
give five minutes to someone in need, give it to them. That one-on-
one quality time, that little bit of extra time can make a world of
difference. Those five minutes can change a life.”
During his time with the Jaguars, Campbell embraced the
Northeast Florida community with enthusiasm. He hosted two
editions of Christmas with Calais, a holiday shopping spree for
local kids who have completed extra lessons in financial literacy. In
June 2019, he welcomed 250 kids at the Calais Campbell JaxPAL
Youth Football and STEM Camp, combining his football acumen and
interest in mentoring today’s youth through education.
Campbell made semi-weekly visits to Northwestern Middle
School as part of his CRC Book Club, fostering a reading-friendly
community at an underperforming school in downtown
Jacksonville. The Pro Bowl defensive lineman made multiple
appearances around Northeast Florida, speaking to students at
schools to offer them encouragement and a chance to talk about
social justice. He was a regular participant in Jaguars Foundation
community events, including base visits during Salute to Service
week and Jaguars For a Day programs during training camp.
Campbell sought to elevate his charitable giving and introduced
a new initiative for the 2019 NFL season. Campbell’s Season of
Giving pledged a specific dollar amount to a different local charity
each month during the season based on several on-field metrics.
In 2019, Campbell contributed $20,000 each to Feeding Northeast
Florida (September), the Clara White Mission (October), Wounded
Warrior Project (November) and The United Way of Northeast
Florida (December). Prior to the return to his hometown when
the Jaguars faced the Broncos on Sept. 29, Campbell donated an
additional $5,000 each to several Denver-based charities.
“Calais Campbell has a heart as big as his body,” said Paul
Martinez, CEO and president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast
Florida. “He is a true servant and role model to our kids and the
community. The kids absolutely love him because he takes the
time to listen. He can relate to the challenges our children in north
Florida face and is always there when we need him.”