The Baltimore Ravens and defensive lineman Justin Madubuike agreed on a four-year, $98 million extension days before 2024 NFL free agency opened. It was a monumental deal for both sides and one that will keep one of Baltimore’s top defenders with the team for a long time.
Madubuike burst onto the scene in 2023 with 13 sacks, parlaying his career year into a big contract. When asked how he grew so much, he credited a former teammate for setting an example in Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
“Calais [Campbell] was taking all my reps.” *(laughter) *”I’m just kidding. Just having a guy like that [in] Calais – a great leader, Walter Payton Man of the Year [recipient] – definitely sets the example of how to be a true professional and definitely having him as a vet [and] asking him questions [helps]. Obviously, we’re competing for playing time, but also he’s a solid, standup guy who always checks on me. That’s a great person to have in front of you to learn from.”
Campbell spent three seasons in Baltimore and was impactful in all of them, both on and off the field. Many have benefited from Campbell’s leadership; his tutelage helped Madubuike on his path today.
