SANTA CLARA, California – De’Vondre Campbell, a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, was listed as active for Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Campbell did not step onto the field during the game. It was later revealed by 49ers’ coach Kyle Shanahan that Campbell had made the decision to quit on the team and refused to play, resulting in his absence from the game.
Campbell’s abrupt departure from the sideline was noticed by many during the game. When questioned about Campbell’s absence, Shanahan confirmed that Campbell had chosen not to participate and had expressed his desire not to play that day. The coach disclosed that Campbell had voiced his refusal to enter the game when prompted in the third quarter, a surprising turn of events that Shanahan claimed has never occurred under his coaching leadership before.
Though Campbell had been a regular starter for the 49ers throughout the season, he was relegated to a backup role for Thursday night’s game due to the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw from an Achilles injury. Shanahan explained that the initial plan was for Campbell to step in as Greenlaw’s substitute during the game, but Campbell opted to quit after Greenlaw exited the game due to an injury. Shanahan hinted towards the possibility of cutting Campbell from the team, stating a need to move forward from individuals who do not demonstrate a commitment to playing football.
The coach remained noncommittal about Campbell’s future with the team but emphasized that the team and himself do not tolerate players who refuse to participate in games. Expressing disappointment in Campbell’s decision, Shanahan asserted that when a player indicates a lack of desire to play football, the team must make the necessary decisions to uphold their standards and values, implying a potential parting of ways with Campbell.