MIAMI — “If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it is yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.”

That quote, which has withstood the test of time when it comes to relationship advice, perfectly illustrates the point the Miami Dolphins organization likely finds itself in with Calais Campbell after Sunday’s road game against the Cleveland Browns.

Campbell has been one of the Dolphins’ top standout performers, and possibly the organization’s top leader in more than a decade. In fact, he’s going on my Mount Rushmore of Dolphins leaders I’ve covered based on the impact he’s had in his one season in Miami.

The players and coaches have such an emotional connection with this 38-year-old, who is concluding his 17th NFL season, most want to see Campbell achieve what’s missing from his Hall of Fame career, which is a Super Bowl win.

After serving as an anchor and leader for a top 10 defense in 2024, Campbell deserves a unique farewell, a proper send off.

The Dolphins can give this former University of Miami standout just that by granting his request to be released next week if/when the Dolphins are eliminated from postseason contention.

That’s why the expectation is that this will be Campbell’s final game with the Dolphins — for this season — unless Miami’s still in the playoff hunt in the regular-season finale against the New York Jets.

Campbell and the Dolphins have discussed his release, which would need to happen before next week’s season finale, giving him an opportunity to latch on to a team competing for the Super Bowl.

“I’m cherishing this moment,” Campbell said. “I feel like this team has so much potential. We’re so much better than how we’ve been playing.

“But I want a chance to win it all.”

Campbell played in a Super Bowl twice already, and his first time was in his rookie season after the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the second round, with the 50th pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

“I remember Adrian Wilson, who was an All-Pro (safety) telling me to embrace this [Super Bowl run] because it’s hard to do. I was like, ‘We made it my rookie year. I’m going to at least be back three or four more times.’ I figured it would be easy,” said Campbell, who has played in the NFL’s final game twice, both with the Cardinals. “I’ve been on some teams that I felt were worthy, and I’ve been to a couple of championship games, but I’ve learned that making it to the Super Bowl is hard.

“I wish I had the perspective I have now,” Campbell continued. “If I did, I would have appreciated it a lot more.”

Getting back to that point, getting back to the NFL’s final game, sits atop Campbell’s to-do list, and might be the only reason he’s still playing after an accomplished, illustrious, Hall of Fame worthy career.

“He’s a tremendous example of what it takes to have success — not just fleeting success but career success. He’s been doing it at the NFL level for three different decades.” coach Mike McDaniel said. “That’s rarified air.”

It’s the lessons that Campbell has taught his teammates which will carry on much longer then the length of his career since he’s the type of player, athlete his teammate brag about playing with.

Fellow defensive lineman Zach Sieler praises Campbell for teaching him what it takes to become an elite defensive lineman, someone who impacts the game on an every snap basis.

“Calais talks a lot,” said offensive guard Rob Jones. “You learn a lot from that man. He taught me to stay confident in yourself through adversity, and take it one day at a time. He told me ‘You can be one of the NFL’s best guards. I see the potential, but it’s all about being consistent and doing the little things.’ ”

Emmanuel Ogbah has learned from Campbell that he needs to step up and become more of a vocal leader his teammates look towards.

“It can’t just be your play that speaks for you,” Ogbah shared. “Sometimes things need to be said out loud.”

Safety Jevon Holland praises Campbell for his realism, which he labels “positive, mental, self-talk.”

“You have to speak into the reality of situations,” Holland said. “For example, us right now, there’s a chance we can make the playoffs. But regardless of the outcome, and all the contingencies, we still have to control what we can control. [We do that by] going out there and playing hella ball on Sunday. You don’t need to focus on the slim chance we can make the playoffs. Focus on the task at hand.”

That was the message Campbell preached to the Dolphins when they began this year 2-6, and things looked bleak. And everyone, from McDaniel to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, credited Campbell’s veteran leadership for helping the team dig its way out the trenches, winning five of the last seven games.

Now it’s time to reward Campbell for those efforts, all the seeds he’s planted by setting him free, allowing him to pursue a dream.

Campbell has history with Baltimore from the three seasons he spent with the Ravens in 2020 to 2022. The Ravens were one of two playoff-bound teams that tried to acquire him at the trade deadline.

That was before McDaniel stepped in, and convinced the six-time Pro Bowl selection to stay with the Dolphins, with the understanding that if Miami wasn’t in contention he’d be set free.

The Kansas City Chiefs, which are going for a three-peat, might be Campbell’s best shot to get a ring. Imagine the impact he could have playing next to Chris Jones?

But the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are also expected to be interested, and might put in a waiver claim to strengthen their cause, and prevent a front runner like the Chiefs from adding the defensive lineman who ranks third in active sacks.

Campbell, who has contributed 46 tackles, four sacks, five pass breakups and forcing one fumble this season, plans to decide if he’ll continue playing in March, after his body heals, and when free agency roles around again.

He loved his experience with the Dolphins, and was grateful for the opportunity to return to the city where he played his collegiate ball.

It seems as if the Dolphins would welcome Campbell’s return in 2025, but to ensure that remains an option the Dolphins need to do the right thing and set him free.

“My whole career I’ve been close, but no cigar,” said Campbell, who was selected to the 2010’s All-Decade Team. “I want that cigar.”

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