Chiefs add LB Caleb Campbell after losing Justin Cole

Caleb Campbell Joins The Kansas City Chiefs

by Joel Thorman on Nov 15, 2011 5:00 PM CST

Last week we caught wind of the Kansas City Chiefs working out a couple of linebackers, including LB Caleb Campbell, an Army man. Today, the Chiefs signed Campbell to the practice squad. The open spot on the practice squad comes from the St. Louis Rams plucking LB Justin Cole earlier this week.

Campbell has an incredibly unique story, which his detailed by the Lions official site:


He was set to sign a rookie contract and pursue a career in professional football under the U.S. Military's "Alternative Service Option", which at the time was interpreted by the U.S. Army to include participation in professional sports. On the eve of training camp, July 22, 2008, Campbell was informed of revisions to the interpretation and that he had to serve two years of active duty before pursuing a career in the NFL. Shortly after returning to the Army, he was able to begin training as a "push athlete" with the U.S. Bobsled team.

And two years later, Campbell was back in the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Lions. He's moved around a little bit since then, including a stop in Indy, and now he's in KC on the practice squad.

I remember this story back in that draft. Kinda interesting he winds up in KC.

Don't think I've heard about this. I actually thought Cole was on our roster too instead of PS.

I think the Lions used a 7th rounder on him and then the Army told him he to serve 2 years before he could play. Which kinda sucks, you would have thought the Army would have made an exception in his case for publicity.

RustShack wrote:

Don't think I've heard about this. I actually thought Cole was on our roster too instead of PS.

Apparently the Rams think Cole is ready to play.

I think Cole was our active roster most of last year...

Kinda pissed we lost Cole..He made a couple plays in preseason over the last 2 years. Ive heard about Campbell..I was watching the draft when he was drafted and they talked about how he wouldnt play for a few years. I thought he was a safety though..

Campbells story is pretty cool. He had a duty too his country and fulfilled it. A great man. Hopefully he can contribute for us.