49ers plan to part ways with De’Vondre Campbell day…

Image: NY Times

In a dramatic turn of events, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to part ways with linebacker De’Vondre Campbell after he refused to play during the team’s Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams. The incident occurred during the third quarter of the 49ers’ 12-6 loss, raising questions about Campbell’s future with the organization.

The Incident

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the situation during a post-game press conference, revealing that Campbell declined to enter the game when called upon, stating that he “didn’t want to play.” Campbell subsequently left the sideline, leaving the defense short-handed during a critical stretch of the game.

The refusal came after starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw returned from injury, relegating Campbell to a reserve role. When Greenlaw began experiencing knee discomfort, Campbell was asked to step in but declined, compounding frustrations for the already struggling 49ers.

Team Reaction

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from teammates and staff. Tight end George Kittle called Campbell’s actions “dumb” and “immature,” stressing the importance of commitment to the team. Cornerback Charvarius Ward also voiced his disapproval, speculating that the linebacker would likely be released.

Coach Shanahan echoed these sentiments, describing the behavior as unacceptable and detrimental to the team’s cohesion. “We’re all here to fight for each other, and that kind of behavior just doesn’t work,” Shanahan said.

Campbell’s Background

Campbell, 31, signed with the 49ers in March on a one-year, $5 million contract. Before the incident, he had been a consistent contributor, recording 79 tackles over 13 games in the 2024 season.

The linebacker’s decision to walk away during a game marks a sudden and dramatic shift in his tenure with the 49ers, which now appears to be coming to an abrupt end.

What’s Next for the 49ers

The 49ers are reportedly considering whether to release Campbell outright or issue a suspension. The team, which now sits at 6-8, is already grappling with injuries and inconsistent performances as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. The next test for the 49ers will come against the Miami Dolphins on December 22.

Implications for Campbell

For Campbell, the decision to refuse to play could have significant implications for his NFL career. Such incidents are rare and often viewed unfavorably by teams across the league, potentially limiting his opportunities moving forward.