During the Thursday matchup, the San Francisco 49ers suffered a disappointing 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, which Kyle Shanahan’s team desperately needed to keep their playoff dreams alive.
However, the NFL world was shocked when linebacker De’Vondre Campbell decided not to play in the second half of the close game.
This behavior was not very well received by the fans, analysts, and even the 49ers players, triggering criticism towards Campbell.
Super Bowl Champ James Jones Expresses Frustration Over De’Vondre Campbell’s Decision
While Campbell could not make it to the starting lineup for the Thursday showdown, previously injured linebacker Dre Greenlaw needed to come out in the third quarter of the game, giving Campbell a chance to get on the field.
Campbell received flak from all of the NFL world for this move, including James Jones, a former Super Bowl champ, who made his thoughts clear about the situation:
“To quit on your brothers and be 100% healthy…This is some sucka stuff.”@89JonesNTAF is not happy with De’Vondre Campbell quitting on his team pic.twitter.com/QohS30aOgy
— The Facility (@TheFacilityFS1) December 13, 2024
“This is some sucka S H I and you know what it is. Everybody has been through this, whatever it may be. The players ain’t got nothing to do with you not playing. All we want you to do is be available when your number is called; come help us. To quit on your brothers and walk off the football field, you are 100% healthy, can play, and suited up to go out there.
“You’re watching your brothers get the ball rammed down their throat in the position you play at, and they need help. You’re in your feelings because of some plays. That has nothing to do with Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Brock Purdy. To quit on your team and not take that football field is some sucka, and you know the rest.”
Following the shocking move, head coach Shanahan also addressed the situation in a postgame press conference.
When asked about Campbell’s refusal, Shanahan said that when somebody doesn’t want to play football, there is nothing much anybody can do except move on.
“That’s somebody who doesn’t want to play football; that’s pretty simple. I think our team and I know how we feel about that. I don’t think we need to talk about him anymore,” Shanahan stated.
The 49ers will now play against the Miami Dolphins in a Week 16 showdown.