De’Vondre Campbell addresses why he quit on the 49ers with NSFW rant

Back in December 2024, San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell left fans scratching their heads when he refused to step onto the field during a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It was a move that sparked outrage, confusion, and endless debates across the NFL world: why would a veteran player just quit mid-game? On February 21, 2025, Campbell finally broke his silence—not with an apology or a deep explanation, but with a fiery, profanity-laced rant on X that raised more eyebrows than it settled.

Campbell didn’t hold back, unloading a string of expletives aimed at his critics, especially retired players who’d called him out on TV. “I’m sick of all you jumping under my tweets,” he fumed, claiming he’d stayed quiet for two months because “I know the truth and don’t care to clear anything up.” He lashed out at former pros, saying they “could’ve reached out to me” instead of running with the 49ers’ side of the story. But the real kicker came when he dropped this bombshell: “I ain’t addressing [expletive]. I’m rich and never have to work another day of my life. … I play because I WANT TO.”

So, what’s the deal? Campbell didn’t exactly spill the beans, but he hinted at his mindset. Signed to a one-year, $5 million deal in 2024 to fill in for the injured Dre Greenlaw, he’d started 12 of the first 13 games. But when Greenlaw returned for that Rams matchup, Campbell was benched—only to be called in when Greenlaw got hurt again. That’s when he walked off, towel over his head, leaving his teammates fuming. George Kittle called it “selfish,” and Charvarius Ward predicted he’d be cut. Sure enough, the 49ers suspended him for the season’s final three games.

His rant suggests pride and defiance—he’s got the cash, he’s got the freedom, and he’s not begging for anyone’s approval. But it doesn’t fully explain why he quit that night. Was it a bruised ego from losing his spot? Frustration with the team? Or just a guy who’s done caring? For now, Campbell’s keeping the “truth” to himself, leaving fans—and the Faithful—to fill in the blanks. One thing’s clear: his 49ers chapter is over, and he’s fine with that.