De’Vondre Campbell just turned an NFL game into a full-on drama episode. After a wild, controversial exit against the Los Angeles Rams, the linebacker got suspended by the San Francisco 49ers — and fans are not holding back. Social media lit up with over-the-top reactions.
Campbell’s stunt stirred debates about commitment, loyalty, and what it really means to be in the NFL spotlight. In a league where reputation is everything, Campbell’s path just got bumpier.
De’Vondre Campbell Suspended: Fans and Teammates Demand Accountability
Ian Rapoport reported that Campbell would miss three games, effectively ending his season, after refusing to step onto the field against the Rams. Coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t mince words, saying Campbell’s actions were “not something you can do to your team.”
Fans and teammates were quick to tear into Campbell.
Deommodore Lenoir didn’t hold back, saying he “lost all respect” for Campbell, calling him a “cancer to the team.” For Lenoir, loyalty to the squad comes before everything.
Deommodore Lenoir says he "lost all respect" for De'Vondre Campbell and calls him a "cancer to the team"#49ers | @sportslarryk pic.twitter.com/cYYpkTZRh9
— Kevin Krueger (@kevinkruegs) December 16, 2024
Social media exploded with brutal reactions.
Some fans called for Campbell to never play in the NFL again for quitting mid-game, claiming it was an unforgivable act. “Campbell should never be able to play in the NFL again… quitting on ur team in the middle of the game!! Never seen this b4 in the regular season,” one user said.
Campbell should never be able to play in the NFL again… quitting on ur team in the middle of the game!! Never seen this b4 in the regular season https://t.co/nCY40sqYPA
— Emmett McAlary ™ (@emmett_mac_) December 16, 2024
Others demanded a clean break, saying the 49ers should “kick him off the team.”
They should kick him off the team
— Chad Michael Burry (@HedgeFungo) December 16, 2024
One user declared, “Good, he shouldn’t be allowed to be cut and picked up by another team,” emphasizing the cutthroat reality of NFL contracts.
Good move – this way he does not get paid and loses some of his signing bonus AND can’t sign with another team.
Actions have consequences – De’Quitter is learning that. 🤡
— Hockey Barn Review (@hockeybarn_) December 16, 2024
Another pointedly asked, “How do you get that far in football and just quit like that when there are a million others wanting an opportunity like that?”
There were even references to Campbell’s time with the Green Bay Packers, with one fan saying, “And people wonder why we moved on from him in Green Bay.”
Loyalty, effort, and perseverance are non-negotiable in the NFL, and Campbell’s departure from those ideals stirred a fierce, no-nonsense response. Fans aren’t just rooting for wins; they demand commitment — and Campbell’s actions didn’t measure up.
Nick Bosa Saw Trouble Brewing: Campbell’s Suspension Comes as No Surprise
Campbell’s suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” wasn’t a shock. Defensive end Nick Bosa revealed that Campbell had been vocal in the locker room pre-game, hinting at issues before Thursday’s departure.
Bosa chose not to address it at the time, wanting to avoid further distractions. But when Campbell refused to suit up after injuries hit the linebacking group, he simply walked off the field.
“I was gonna say something and didn’t because I didn’t want to create more of a distraction,” Bosa said Monday. “So, yeah, I kinda saw the foreshadowing. I definitely didn’t think it was gonna result in that and didn’t know it happened during the game.”
Instead of a cut, the 49ers suspended Campbell, potentially reclaiming part of his signing bonus. Campbell and his agent haven’t responded to requests for comment.
Bosa, unwavering in loyalty to the team, said he didn’t regret staying silent. For Bosa, if Campbell’s actions were a sign of disloyalty, it showed he wasn’t cut out for the 49ers’ culture.
