Bruce Campbell may not be able to see the scar, but he knows it’s there — and he knows what it represents.
When Campbell was a sophomore in high school, he was diagnosed with Chiari malformation. The disorder, which can be life-threatening, is caused when the skull is misshapen and pushes down on the brain, forcing brain tissue into the spinal canal.
Doctors recommended that Campbell have surgery to ensure that the flow of the fluid protecting the brain and spinal cord wouldn’t be affected. But the surgeons also suggested that Campbell shouldn’t play contact sports again.
Campbell was a high school standout in football and basketball, so that news was sobering. He had the surgery — the scar can be seen on the back of his neck — but he refused to quit playing football.
“That’s not the person I am,” the Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive tackle said Thursday. “If someone tells me I can’t do something, it’s more motivation for me to do it. I guess you could call me a rebel.
“(I’m) actually blessed,” he added. “People tell me to count my blessings because I am my worst critic. But sometimes I look at stories from back then to remind myself that there was a time when I was told I shouldn’t play any contact sports after my surgery … Those are times when I look at today and I’m like, ‘Y’know what? I’m still living a dream.’ ’’
Campbell went from high school to the University of Maryland and played 27 games (with 17 starts) during his career with the Terrapins.
His bio on the team’s website describes the 6-foot-7, 310-pounder as “an imposing physical specimen” who was one of the team’s strongest players. It backed up that point by noting he bench-pressed 490 pounds during testing in 2009, the second-highest total in school history.
Campbell decided to enter the 2010 NFL draft and, before the lottery, drew rave reviews for his physique and his impressive testing numbers at the combine. But observers pointed out that Campbell had to overcome his lack of experience if he was going to succeed in the NFL.
The Oakland Raiders were impressed enough to select Campbell, but not until the fourth round (106th overall). That started a nomadic, injury-filled NFL career that also featured stops with the Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and New York Jets.
Waived by the Jets in August of 2014, Campbell signed with the Toronto Argonauts in March of 2015. He played 15 games with the Argos that year and then was acquired by the Roughriders in February of 2016.
On May 3 of that year, Campbell abruptly retired.
“At that time, I was done,” recalled the 29-year-old product of Hamden, Conn. “I didn’t train for football when I was out. I wasn’t doing anything football-related. I was just working out and adjusting to life.
“I was trying to figure out exactly where I fit in in the real world,” he added. “I was doing some restoration work, talking to some of my buddies who own financial companies (in hopes of being) a financial adviser, stuff like that. I was trying to get a gist and a feel for where I wanted to be in life after football.”
He heard from Roughriders head coach-GM Chris Jones the odd time during the 2016 season and through the winter before eventually realizing football still was in his blood.
“I missed the game too much,” Campbell said. “I follow all of these guys on Instagram. I was watching all my buddies play and having fun and it started hurting at home. I was like, ‘I might as well still play while I can.’ ’’
So Campbell reported to the Roughriders on June 26. He has been practising with them since then and, in each of their past three games, was one of two healthy scratches.
He finally could get his chance to play Sunday, when Saskatchewan entertains the B.C. Lions.
With centre Dan Clark sidelined with an elbow injury, left guard Brendon LaBatte is expected to play centre and left tackle Derek Dennis likely will move to left guard. That could give Campbell a chance to play left tackle.
“(Trying to be patient) has been rough,” he admitted. “I want to get back and play, but what I’ve been hearing is people say, ‘When you think you’re ready, take a couple more weeks because you’re really not ready.’ That’s what I’ve been doing.
“I’ve been trying to keep myself patient and occupied, just getting in the playbook and trying to learn things.”
Dennis has been impressed with Campbell’s work to date — especially in the weight room.
“He’s a big brute, man; he’s a physical specimen,” Dennis said. “It’s not too often you’re going to see a 6-foot-7, 330-pound guy look as svelte as he does. That dude has got cuts everywhere. I’m trying to get on his diet. I nag him every day: ‘I’m just trying to get one ab, man. You’ve got about four.’
“He’s a great player. I’m looking forward, if he gets a chance (to play Sunday), to watching him do work. He’s one of those guys who, when he puts his hands on you, you’re going to go for a ride.”
It has been quite a ride for Campbell since his high school days. The pre-draft commentary, the draft-day fall to the fourth round, the career-hindering injuries, the move to the CFL — they’re all part of his motivation.
And whenever he needs more, he can reach behind his head and touch the scar.
“I don’t see it daily, but it’s an everyday thought,” Campbell said. “I can’t be more happy and excited that I’m still living a dream.”
