Campbell's Journey Brings Him to Philly
Published on May 12, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Soul's defensive line, led by 6-4, 300-pound Darrell Campbell, has provided the team with a sense of stability throughout the first half of the season. As one of the team captains, Darrell is a leader both in the locker room and on the field, recording seven total tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick so far this season.
"Players like Darrell Campbell are the reason I love coaching," said Soul Head Coach Mike Hohensee. "His mental and physical preparation are unmatched. He is always searching for ways he can be a better leader for the team and a better man for his family. He has been one of the steady performers through the rough start we have experienced."
Darrell's heart hasn't always been set on playing football. Growing up in South Holland, Illinois, Darrell was too busy mastering the techniques of martial arts with his best friend, Ivan, to worry about what was happening on the football field. It wasn't until his freshman year of high school that Darrell and Ivan decided to try out for the team.
"We didn't actually plan on making the team, especially since Ivan's dad, our martial arts instructor, was strongly against him playing any contact sports," said Darrell. "We thought we'd just have fun with the tryouts."
During the middle of the tryout Ivan's father pulled up in his car and took Ivan home. Darrell was not aware of what had happened, but as soon as he found out he had made the team, he ran over to Ivan's house to tell him the news. Even though Ivan was not allowed to play, Darrell stayed on the team, proved himself to be a standout defensive lineman and began his football career.
Darrell attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was a three-year starter and three-time letter winner as a defensive tackle. In 2004, he began his NFL career, signing with his hometown team, the Chicago Bears, and spent the next season on their practice squad. He was then briefly signed by the Cleveland Browns before becoming a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad in 2006 under head coach and current ESPN analyst, Jon Gruden.
Following his release from the Bucs in 2008, Darrell gave Gruden's brother, Jay, a call. At that time, Jay Gruden was the head coach for the Orlando Predators of the AFL and invited Darrell to come out and play, at the very least to stay in shape for future football opportunities. Playing in eight games with the Predators, Darrell recorded nineteen tackles, nine assisted tackles, and one and a half sacks.
After a couple short stints with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL and the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL, Darrell worked at NFL Films helping Soul Co-Majority Owner Ron Jaworski break down game film. When Ron mentioned that the Soul was coming back for the 2011 season, Darrell decided it was time to get back on the football field.
Throughout his time with various football teams, Darrell followed his dad's motto, "Life is a journey God has put you on, even in the ups and downs you need to stay even keel, and if you stay on the path things will work out."
This motto has proven to be successful for Darrell. He is now a husband to his wife, Kandace, and proud father to his seven month old son, Aidan. He feels fortunate to still be playing football, but knows if he weren't playing he would be spending his time focusing on his other passion, computers.
"I love computers," said Darrell, emphasizing his obsession with technology. "If I wasn't playing football I'd be some kind of network administrator, like in the movie 'Office Space', the cool guy."
Darrell majored in Computer Applications while at Notre Dame, which fed his love for computer programming and designing. Hard drives and PC's might be in Darrell's future, but his current focus remains on driving hard at QB's while helping the Soul recapture its 2008 Championship glory.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOUL
We're back! The Philadelphia Soul's next home game will be against the Georgia Force, which will be on Friday, May 13 at 7:05 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center. Pro-rated season tickets start around $50, with individual tickets starting at $13. The Soul capped their previous five seasons with an ArenaBowl title in 2008. Fans may order tickets by calling the Soul sales department at (215) 253-4900 ext. 3, or request contact from a representative by filling out the form on www.philadelphiasoul.com. The Philadelphia Soul are presented by Frederick's Chevrolet on the Blvd.
Arena Football League Stories from May 12, 2011
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- Grady Voted Week Nine National Guard MVP - Utah Blaze
- Sharks Host Barnstormers on Military Appreciation Night - Jacksonville Sharks
- Utah's Grady Voted Week 9 National Guard MVP - AFL
- Arizona Rattlers Look for Redemption Against the Chicago Rush - Arizona Rattlers
- Storm Acquire Two DBs - Marcus Udell and Terrence Washington - Tampa Bay Storm
- Campbell's Journey Brings Him to Philly - Philadelphia Soul
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