During a challenging game for the San Francisco 49ers, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell made headlines by refusing to play in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams. This incident occurred after he lost his starting position upon Dre Greenlaw’s return from an Achilles tendon injury.
Campbell had been a consistent performer, starting 12 of the 13 games this season and participating in 90% of the team’s defensive plays. However, after Greenlaw returned to action following his injury sustained in last season’s Super Bowl, Campbell found himself on the sidelines during San Francisco’s narrow 12-6 defeat.
Greenlaw initially made a significant impact with eight tackles in the first half but had to exit the game during the third quarter due to soreness in his Achilles tendon. This scenario prompted Campbell to decline entering the game, much to the surprise of his coaches and teammates.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan noted that he had never witnessed a situation like this in his coaching career, stating, “He said he didn’t want to play today.” Shanahan mentioned the need for the team to “figure out something” in response to Campbell’s decision, especially with the 49ers now facing almost certain playoff elimination with a 6-8 record.
Campbell’s decision to walk to the locker room left many of his teammates feeling confused and frustrated. Cornerback Charvarius Ward expressed his disappointment, saying, “He’s been playing for a long time… I feel like that was some selfish behavior that he did. It definitely hurt the team.” Ward added that the team needed all available players, especially when Greenlaw was unable to continue playing.
The 31-year-old linebacker had joined San Francisco on a one-year, $5 million contract during the offseason after being released by the Green Bay Packers. Once an All-Pro player in 2021, Campbell struggled in recent seasons with the Packers, demonstrating fluctuating performance during his time with the 49ers, especially around tackling and coverage.
In response to Campbell’s behavior, tight end George Kittle remarked, “It’s one person making a selfish decision. I’ve never been around anybody that’s ever done that and I hope I’m never around anybody who does that again.” The locker room dynamics seemed tense as the 49ers continued to navigate their playoff hopes amid the ongoing drama.
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