San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell has found himself at the center of controversy after reportedly refusing to take the field during the team’s 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. The decision not only left his teammates scrambling but also drew harsh criticism from players and coaches alike, putting his future with the team in serious jeopardy.
A Key Role Until Thursday
Campbell, who signed a one-year deal with the 49ers this offseason, had been a significant contributor to the team’s defense. After star linebacker Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles during last season’s Super Bowl, Campbell stepped in to help fill the void, starting 12 games and amassing 79 total tackles this year.
However, Greenlaw made his season debut on Thursday and resumed his starting role. Despite Campbell not starting, he was expected to provide critical depth. When Greenlaw experienced knee soreness in the third quarter and was sidelined, head coach Kyle Shanahan called on Campbell to step in. That’s when the situation unraveled.
Refusal to Play Sparks Outrage
According to Shanahan, Campbell outright refused to enter the game, a decision that stunned both the coaching staff and his teammates. Shanahan didn’t mince words when addressing the issue in his post-game press conference.
“When someone says that, you move on. You don’t deal with that anymore,” Shanahan said. “That’s somebody who doesn’t want to play football. It’s pretty simple. I think my team and myself, we know how we feel about that. So, I don’t think we need to talk about him anymore.”
Shanahan’s comments strongly hinted that Campbell’s time with the team might be over, a sentiment echoed by several players in the locker room.
Teammates Speak Out
Veteran tight end George Kittle, one of the team’s leaders, didn’t hold back when asked about Campbell’s decision.
“That is one person who just decided not to play for his teammates. … It’s more of one person making a selfish decision,” Kittle said. “I’ve never been around anybody that’s ever done that, and I hope I’m never around anybody that does that again.”
Defensive back Charvarius Ward was even more direct, calling Campbell’s actions “some sucker s–” and predicting that he would be cut from the team.
“He’s probably gonna get cut,” Ward said. “You don’t refuse to play for your team, not in this locker room.”
Impact on the Game
With Campbell refusing to play, the 49ers turned to Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, their only remaining healthy linebacker. Flannigan-Fowles, who has just seven total tackles this season, struggled to fill the gap left by Greenlaw and Campbell. The defensive lapse may have contributed to the narrow loss, a defeat that could have significant playoff implications for the 49ers.
A Troubled History
This isn’t the first time Campbell has faced accusations of quitting on his team. Before joining the 49ers, Campbell was a standout for the Green Bay Packers, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021. However, his tenure in Green Bay ended on a sour note, with reports surfacing that he had exhibited a lack of commitment toward the end of his time with the team.
Now, after this latest incident, Campbell’s reputation has taken another significant hit.
What’s Next for Campbell?
It’s difficult to envision Campbell remaining with the 49ers beyond this week. With Shanahan and players openly criticizing his actions, his position within the locker room seems untenable. While his talent as a linebacker is undeniable, teams may think twice before taking a chance on a player who has twice been accused of abandoning his teammates.
For the 49ers, the focus will now shift to shoring up their linebacker depth and regrouping for Week 16. For Campbell, the incident could mark the end of his NFL career—or at least a significant setback in finding a new opportunity.
A Cautionary Tale
Campbell’s refusal to play serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of team cohesion and accountability in professional sports.
As the 49ers look to move forward, the incident will likely stand as a stark reminder of the damage one player’s actions can inflict on a team struggling to stay competitive.
