He has taken the NFL ride since being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, and wide receiver Parris Campbell understands as much as anyone that if you aren't strong, and if you can't overcome adversity, you won't last in this league for long.
The NFL. Not For Long.
But in the case of Campbell, who joined the Eagles in free agency on a one-year contract, there is a positive to be gained from the down moments – mostly a significant injury history – as he moves forward in his quest to positively impact the Eagles this season.
He's here. He's on the field. He feels great.
All of that matters.
"What a roller coaster, man, and I'm feeling so great being here, having this opportunity," Campbell said. "That's all you can ask for and now it's up to me to make the most of my chance here. I've learned from the downs – 100 percent. And I'm better for them. The majority of the downs have been injuries and you have to work through that stuff and not take this game for granted. I feel like a lot of people, when they get in this position, do that.
"I've had the game taken away from me a couple of times and that has allowed me to look at the game in the grand scheme of things. There are a lot of intangibles in this game and you learn that you have control only of what you're doing, so you better make the most of every chance you get and be at your best all the time."
A second-round draft pick out of Ohio State, Campbell's injuries – hand, foot, knee, abdomen – ruined most of his first three seasons with the Colts, where he worked with Indianapolis assistants Nick Sirianni (offensive coordinator, now Eagles head coach) and Kevin Patullo (wide receivers/passing game specialist, now Eagles passing game coordinator/associate head coach).
In 2022, Campbell had his breakthrough season with 63 receptions, 623 yards and three touchdowns and it helped him land a contract in free agency with the New York Giants prior to the '23 season. But Campbell had limited time with the Giants, playing in only 207 offensive snaps (27 percent of the offense) and contributing 20 receptions for 104 yards.
This is a new year and a new Campbell, with a fresh start. The Eagles have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, two stars leading the way at wide receiver. After that, the field is talented and crowded, with playing time there for the taking.
"I'm willing to do whatever the team needs from me," Campbell said. "Just doing everything I can to get better every day, carve out a role for myself and be part of this team and this offense.
"I would say that I'm playing my best football right now, and it's funny because I was having this conversation with my wife (Taylor) recently. My confidence is at an all-time high. I'm approaching the field differently now. Being back with Nick and this offense – obviously Kellen (Moore, offensive coordinator) is bringing his twists to it, but I'm familiar with it. But being in a place where you know the offense, you're healthy, I've got experience under my belt, and this locker room, it's fun being here. I have a clear head and I'm just going out and playing and I'm happy and feeling it."
Feeling that the downs are way in the past and there is nothing but up for Parris Campbell in his trajectory as an Eagle.
