Article by Phoenix writer Michaela Dennean ’25:
On Thursday, November 7, the upperclassmen had the opportunity to attend an assembly hosted by former NFL player Caleb Campbell.
Campbell was a football star throughout high school and college, leading him to glory at the United States Military Academy. He spoke about feeling vulnerable in the classroom and on the football field as pressure from coaches, teachers, and classmates mounted on his shoulders. This pressure intensified as Campbell served two years in the Army before being drafted to the NFL, being the first player to serve in the Army and play football simultaneously.
Life as a professional football player brought tumultuous times for Campbell. He ultimately left the NFL and moved to Canada. There, he found his life changed when he took a job as a janitor at a church. He began to live authentically through the faith, embracing his vulnerability.
Campbell’s talk was focused on the importance of mental health and being true to oneself. When asked about the presentation, Mr. Kennedy responded, “One of my favorite parts about the assembly was what happened outside of the auditorium, with the continued conversation by the students. It’s not common to have such a response after a presentation.”
