Cardinals DT Calais Campbell rumbles for his first career touchdown

Calais Campbell fumble return for a touchdown after a Markus Golden strip sack #NOvsAZ #BirdGang #AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/aW4jwI80dW

— 🚨 Ronnie Laybold 🐾 (@YotesHereToStay) December 18, 2016

Calais Campbell entered the Arizona Cardinals’ game against the Saints with a lot on his NFL resume.

A touchdown wasn’t included.

That changed with his scoop and score in the second quarter. With New Orleans marching and at midfield, linebacker Markus Golden stripped quarterback Drew Brees, allowing Campbell to pick up the loose ball and return it for a 53-yard touchdown to put Arizona back in front with 7:08 to play in the second quarter.

Kicker Chandler Catanzaro missed the ensuing extra point, giving the Cardinals a 13-10 lead.

First @NFL TD for @Campbell93! pic.twitter.com/E9dLyhSpOZ

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 18, 2016

Cardinals VP of media relations Mark Dalton said it was the first score for Campbell since his senior high school season, when he caught four touchdowns as a tight end.

That is 1st college or pro TD for Calais Campbell; last in end zone when scored 4 TDs as Senior TE at South HS in Aurora, CO #NOvsAZ

— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) December 18, 2016

Earlier in the game, Campbell sacked Brees and moved himself into a second-place tie in Cardinals franchise history with 53.5 career sacks; Simeon Rice also recorded 53.5 from 1996-2000. Campbell closed the first half with a second sack to pass Rice, making for Campbell’s 10th career multi-sack game.

Adding to the significance, the Sunday game at University of Phoenix Stadium could be the defensive tackle’s last.

With two road games remaining, the 30-year-old in his ninth NFL season will become a free agent after this year.

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