San Francisco linebacker De’Vondre Campbell sparked controversy during Thursday night’s game when he refused to take the field in the third quarter after losing his starting position to Dre Greenlaw, who returned from injury.
Campbell, who had started 12 of the 49ers’ first 13 games and played 90% of their defensive snaps this season, was benched for San Francisco’s 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Greenlaw, making his first appearance since tearing his left Achilles tendon in last season’s Super Bowl, initially impressed with eight tackles in the first half but was sidelined in the third quarter due to Achilles soreness. Despite the opportunity to step in, Campbell declined.
“He said he didn’t want to play today,” coach Kyle Shanahan revealed postgame. The coach, visibly frustrated, noted he had never experienced such a situation in his career and pledged to address the matter. The loss dropped the 49ers to a 6-8 record, putting their playoff hopes on thin ice.
Campbell’s decision left teammates stunned and infuriated. Cornerback Charvarius Ward didn’t hold back, saying, “He’s a professional. If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have suited up. That was selfish, and it hurt the team. With Dre out, we needed a linebacker. He’s probably going to get cut soon.”
Tight end George Kittle echoed similar sentiments, calling Campbell’s behavior unprecedented and unacceptable. “It’s one person making a selfish decision. I’ve never been around anyone like that, and I hope I never am again,” he said.
Campbell, 31, signed a one-year, $5 million deal with San Francisco in the offseason after being released by Green Bay. A former All-Pro with the Packers in 2021, his performance has since declined. While he had flashes of brilliance this season, his struggles with tackling and coverage were notable.
This latest incident has cast a shadow over his future with the team as the 49ers face critical decisions moving forward.
