Parris Campbell, a former second-round draft pick, had a tumultuous journey in the NFL. After being released by the Indianapolis Colts, he found himself on the cusp of another potential career change. The prospect of joining a practice squad, even for a team like the Philadelphia Eagles, was a bitter pill to swallow for the pride-filled wide receiver. However, after a period of introspection and a heartfelt prayer, Campbell decided to give the Eagles a chance.A phone call from Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, a former offensive coordinator for Campbell in Indianapolis, convinced him to reconsider.
Also Read: Former Jets Coach Rex Ryan takes a shot at Cowboys’ management: says “Too Cheap” to sign him amid struggles
The Nick Sirianni call that changed Parris Campbell’s NFL trajectory
Parris Campbell faced a pivotal moment in his NFL career when he considered a role on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. A former second-round draft pick, Campbell grappled with the idea of accepting a position that he felt was beneath his potential. “I immediately was like, no. That’s not me. That’s not for me,” he reflected recently. His immediate response was to dismiss the idea altogether, even when his agent suggested the possibility.
As he contemplated his future, doubts began to creep in. At 27 years old, Campbell had already switched teams three times in six seasons and had surpassed 200 receiving yards only once. The unsettling question lingered: what if this opportunity with the Eagles was his last? “About a couple hours went by, and I was sitting there, thinking about what would be next, if I would get a call from another team, or if it was the end of the road,” he noted, adding that prayer played a role in his decision-making process. In a moment of introspection, he decided that if he was meant to be in Philadelphia, he would reconsider the practice squad.
Just minutes after this resolution, fate intervened. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reached out, reminding Campbell of their past connection when Sirianni was the offensive coordinator at the Indianapolis Colts. “‘We’re going to need you, man,'” Sirianni assured him. “‘I know this isn’t how you wanted it to go, but we’re going to need you for this journey that we’re going on. We’ve got faith in you.'” This call transformed Campbell’s perspective, instilling a newfound sense of purpose and commitment to the team.
Despite initial reservations, Campbell recognized the Eagles’ pressing need for experienced players, especially with key teammates sidelined. His prior experiences have uniquely equipped him for this moment; he has navigated various roles within the league—from being a starter to facing injuries and even spending time inactive. “I’ve kind of seen every aspect in this league now,” he stated, emphasizing how these diverse experiences have prepared him to adapt to any situation.
While this chapter of his career did not align with his early aspirations, Campbell’s story highlights a critical lesson: the NFL is built on second chances. Had he not heeded Sirianni’s call, another opportunity might have slipped away. “I was kind of overwhelmed mentally,” he admitted, but he ultimately felt grateful for the chance to persevere.
Also Read: 5 most hated NFL teams of 2024: Chiefs Kansas City and more