- Slug: Sports-Campbell Golf,400
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By MIKE BOYLAN
Cronkite News
CHANDLER — When Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden entered the NFL last year, veteran Calais Campbell helped guide the rookie through his first season and provided the support any young athlete might need.
Golden returned the favor of support Friday, as did many of Campbell’s other Cardinals teammates, joining the defensive end at his fourth annual Celebrity Golf Classic at Whirlwind Golf Course in Chandler.
“Since I first got here he’s been helping me out a lot,” Golden said. “So any time he needs me to come out and support him and help him out in any way, I’ll make sure I’ll be there.”
The golf tournament supports Campbell’s CRC Foundation, named for his late father, Charles Richard Campbell. According to the organization’s Facebook page, the foundation provides opportunities for local children to learn valuable life skills through sports, creative pursuits and other guidance.
“He’s one of the best guys we know as Cardinals, so it’s a great chance to support Calais and his foundation,” quarterback Carson Palmer said.
Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher noted that events like this allow people to see a side of Campbell that might not be apparent to those who only watch him play football.
“Everyone sees the player Calais is on the field, and the thing that some people are learning and some people really know is the man he is off the field and the man he is in the locker room for his teammates,” Bettcher said. “When you have an individual like that that means so much to the organization, that means so much to our community, it’s really an honor to come out here and support him.”
Former Baltimore Raven and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden said he knew that Campbell was serious about his foundation, so he didn’t hesitate to participate in the event.
“He’s done so many good things in the community. I’ve been reading about what’s he’s been able to do to help children in the area,” Ogden said.
Campbell was flattered by all the praise, as well as the fact so many people came out to his event.
“When you ask people to support you and raise money so you can make a difference in the world, these are people who believe in your cause and they really want to support you, so this is an awesome turnout,” Campbell said.
