GLENDALE – Shortly after the Miami Hurricanes won the Fiesta Bowl, Cardinals legends Calais Campbell and Edgerrin James were beyond hyped and also reminiscing about their playing time in the same stadium.
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Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona defensive end Campbell (93) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Some seasons don’t age; they echo. When Campbell talked about Arizona’s 2008 playoff run, it wasn’t nostalgia. It was recognition. Fresh off another season anchoring Arizona’s defensive line, Campbell described Miami’s recent surge as emotionally familiar, comparing it to the year the Cards won the NFC Championship against the Eagles. Campbell remembers that edge, the sense that once January arrived, structure mattered less than trust. That’s the comparison that stuck. Campbell mentioned having the confetti fall on him brought him back to walking off the field in that game with former Cards QB Kurt Warner.
Got to talk with @AZCardinals DL Calais Campbell about how excited he is for the Miami Hurricanes to win the Fiesta Bowl, and how it reminds him of the Cardinals’ 2008 season! #CFP #FiestaBowl #Cardinals #Miami #OleMiss pic.twitter.com/mdXfWfQDgz
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) January 9, 2026
Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona running back James (32) warms up before Super Bowl XLIII against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The edge is in the building! Got to talk with former Cardinals RB Edgerrin James, and talk about how excited he is to see his Miami Hurricanes win the 2026 Fiesta Bowl. #CFP #FiestaBowl #Miami #OleMiss pic.twitter.com/z8CwcsRNSs
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) January 9, 2026
Edgerrin James brought a different energy, but the same theme. Standing on the confetti after the game, he joked about needing more tickets with the national championship returning to Miami. It sounded playful, but beneath it was pride. James knows what it takes to carry expectations. During his Cards tenure, Arizona had a superstar running back, and ‘The Edge’ truly helped not only change Arizona’s culture but Miami’s as well. His presence changed belief, not just box scores.
Miami celebrates winning the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and CFP semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Whether it’s Campbell seeing championship echoes or James celebrating Miami’s spotlight, the connective tissue is experience. Winning leaves fingerprints. It follows players, shapes cities, and validates fan faith long after the season ends. These two football legends have built cultures, not just rosters. Because legends don’t retire belief, they carry it with them.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
