It’s arduous to search out an NFL participant with worse luck to start his profession than Indianapolis Colts broad receiver Parris Campbell.

Drafted within the second spherical of the 2019 NFL Draft, Campbell got here to the Colts with fairly a little bit of hype surrounding him. Coming off a season at Ohio State, the place he hauled in 90 catches for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns, Campbell was an electrical expertise for the Buckeyes. Head coach Frank Reich might solely think about what he might do within the Colts’ offense.

Reich made an enormous push for Campbell within the draft room that yr, and basic supervisor Chris Ballard obliged. Campbell was the highest-drafted broad receiver by the Colts on the time because the workforce desperately wanted a dynamic weapon on the skin.

Sadly, his physique has failed him yearly since.

Campbell’s rookie season was derailed by accidents as he suffered an belly harm, fractured hand, and damaged foot. Three surgical procedures all year long precipitated him to overlook 9 video games. His second season was even worse, with a sprained MCL and PCL in Week 2 forcing him to overlook the remainder of the season.

“Like, clearly rookie yr, it was what it was,” Campbell defined. “I had three totally different surgical procedures after which 12 months 2, torn MCL, PCL, like going by that knee harm, that was in all probability the hardest factor I’ve been by in my life.”

2021 noticed Campbell get off to an excellent begin, taking part in in 4 of the Colts’ first 5 video games. Then in Week 6, as Campbell caught a 51-yard landing cross, the ache started to creep in after the play. A major foot sprain sidelined Campbell as soon as once more, with the broad receiver unable to return till the ultimate week of the season.

“Once I obtained harm towards Houston with my foot, for a fast second it was like, ‘Dang not once more, I’ve obtained to undergo this once more.’”

After three seasons, Campbell has solely been capable of play in 15 of a attainable 49 video games. He has solely tallied 34 catches for 360 yards and two touchdowns with the Colts. For a participant the Colts had a lot pleasure for, it’s arduous to label his tenure something however a disappointment to date.

However Campbell shouldn’t be giving up. The final three years have been tremendously arduous on him. Who wouldn’t be terribly disenchanted after the dangerous luck he’s had? But Campbell has discovered a lot about himself and his drive by these injury-riddled seasons.

“I believe that simply every part that I’ve been by has type of constructed my psychological state,” Campbell admitted. “Simply with the ability to bounce again from (the accidents) and be again the place I’m right this moment like wholesome, that did quite a bit for me mentally as a result of shoot, that was positively one of many darkest occasions in my life. So, like mentally now, no matter is thrown my method, I do know I’m going to have the ability to bounce from it.”

Campbell has not solely needed to take care of the inner strain to remain wholesome and overcome his accidents, however the outdoors noise has been there as nicely. Regardless whether it is honest or not, Campbell is labeled by some as a draft “bust.” It actually doesn’t assist that there have been a number of receivers taken after the Colts chosen Campbell No. 59 general which have blossomed into Professional Bowl stage gamers.

Just a few of the receivers drafted after Campbell embody:

• D.Okay. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks, No. 64): 216 rec, 3,170 yds, 29 TDs

• Diontae Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers, No. 66): 254 rec, 2,764 yds, 20 TDs

• Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders, No. 76): 222 rec, 3,090 yds, 16 TDs

• Hunter Renfrow (Las Vegas Raiders, No. 149): 208 rec, 2,299 yds, 15 TDs

Whereas he hears all the skin noise about his well being and the labels round his profession, he believes he can nonetheless be a prime participant for the Colts.

“From the skin trying in, individuals say, ‘Oh, he can’t keep wholesome.’ Excuse my language, however to hell with that,” Campbell mentioned defiantly. “I do know who I’m on the finish of the day, I do know what sort of participant I’m. I do know why I used to be drafted right here, and the employees room, they know. They know I’ve been by quite a bit, however they know the kind of participant I’m as nicely. So, simply when all of it comes collectively, individuals on the skin keep on the skin.”

It’s true the Colts do nonetheless think about Campbell. Each Ballard and Reich have spoken this offseason about Campbell and their perception that he can turn into an important a part of the offense.

“I don’t wish to neglect about Parris both,” Ballard mentioned on the NFL Scouting Mix. “I’m not quitting on Parris Campbell … Parris Campbell continues to be a really proficient man. Unlucky for the harm a part of it, however the flashes have been actually good with Parris. So hopefully we’ll see it come to fruition. I imply the man has labored and accomplished every part he can do. He’s simply had some dangerous luck.”

If there was ever a yr to deliver issues to fruition, it’s in 2022. Campbell is getting into a contract yr and has but to show he can keep wholesome and counted on. He has the assist of the workforce, however he should present that the accidents are behind him and he generally is a difference-maker if he needs a second contract in Indy.

If Campbell can keep wholesome, he has a shot at having a giant position within the Colts’ offense. Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce are the possible starters on the skin, however Campbell has the within monitor to be the starter within the slot. With Matt Ryan the brand new quarterback beneath middle, Campbell might have loads of probabilities to make use of his blazing velocity and yards after catch means to make defenses pay.

So far as his well being is anxious, how is Campbell feeling now?

“I really feel nice,” he revealed. “I really feel nice, wholesome. First actual like wholesome offseason. So, it’s good to have that beneath my belt however yeah, I really feel good.”

The Colts and Campbell each are hoping it stays that method.

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