The Facts: Campbell isn't about to let you call him injury prone. The Colts receiver -- who has played in just 15 of a possible 49 regular-season games in his career -- is entering his fourth NFL season determined to put together a complete campaign. Frankly, his future depends upon it. "From the outside looking in, people say, 'Oh, he can't stay healthy.' Excuse my language, but to hell with that," Campbell said. "I know who I am at the end of the day, I know what type of player I am. I know why I was drafted here, and the (coaching) staff room, they know. They know I've been through a lot, but they know the type of player I am as well. So, just when it all comes together, people on the outside stay on the outside."
Diehards Line:
Campbell arrived in Indianapolis via a second-round pick out of Ohio State in 2019, and caught his first career touchdown in Week 2 against the division-rival Titans. Three separate injuries cut that season short, limiting him to 18 receptions for 127 yards and that single touchdown in seven games. The next season brought even worse luck, ending after a serious knee injury suffered in Week 2. And in 2021, a broken foot suffered while scoring a touchdown against another AFC South rival, Houston, landed him on injured reserve for the majority of the year. Campbell's frustration is easily sensed and understood. The former Buckeyes star entered the NFL with high hopes as a home-run threat the Colts sorely needed, and instead of using his ability (and the skills honed in his gradual transformation into a playmaking receiver at Ohio State), he's been forced to watch multiple seasons pass while he's left in the now-familiar routine of recovery and rehabilitation. With one year left on his rookie deal, Campbell knows the time is now to prove the Colts wise to have spent that selection on him. "When the pressure is high, I know how to perform," Campbell said. "It's all a confidence thing -- I got so much confidence in myself. And what better way to prove everybody wrong and prove myself right in Year 4, in my contract year."