Some players often feel that TV analysts fail to present their perspectives fairly. Recently, San Francisco 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who remains under contract with the team through March but last played in Week 14 this past season, made headlines after he reportedly refused to participate in their Week 15 game, which led to his suspension.
On Friday, Campbell took to X to unleash a profane tirade directed at his critics. He began by criticizing social media fans before targeting TV analysts and 49ers executives, including general manager John Lynch. He claimed that media members misrepresented his situation and failed to contact him, but he did not elaborate on his perspective, stating only, “I know the truth and don’t care to clear anything up.”
The situation escalated when Campbell made a post praising former coach Keith Armstrong, who was the special teams coordinator during Campbell’s tenure with the Atlanta Falcons from 2016 to 2019, while criticizing the “soft” treatment of current players:
Keith Armstrong was one of a kind 😂😂😂😂. I’m so glad I came into the NFL when I did when all that soft babying players shit didn’t exist. I’ll never forget his famous line, “You wanna be cute or you wanna be good.” IYKYK https://t.co/gP2LS2mgWJ
— De’Vondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) February 21, 2025
This post attracted criticism from other X users regarding Campbell’s supposed quitting on the 49ers, prompting him to respond fiercely (language warning):
Listen,
I’m sick of all you bitch ass niggas jumping under my tweets. It’s been 2 months and I have yet to address the situation cause I know the truth and don’t care to clear anything up. I’m by myself ALL the time if you or any of them bitch ass niggas from the 49ers feel some https://t.co/Avugu2ALDL— De’Vondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) February 21, 2025
That goes for all them old ass retired niggas that jumped on TV speaking on my name when they could’ve reached out to me and heard it from the horse’s mouth, but they just took what the 49ers said and ran with it. Y’all niggas pussy too; fuck all of y’all 🤷🏿♂️
— De’Vondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) February 21, 2025
I ain’t addressing shit. I’m rich and never have to work another day of my life; I told Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch that when they FaceTimed me and begged me to come out there an hour after Green Bay cut me. I really be sparing niggas 🤫. I play because I WANT TO. https://t.co/vZzcvJL35j
— De’Vondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) February 21, 2025
Unsurprisingly, this led to additional criticism, to which Campbell responded by laughing at the trolls, asserting that they could not get under his skin.
They get mad when they can’t successfully troll you 😂😂😂😂. I’m a real nigga; you can’t get under my skin, my life is great. I get on here, say whatever I want, then I log off and go on with my day while y’all sit here mad. With that being said, I hope everyone has a great Friday ✊🏿
— De’Vondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) February 21, 2025
It’s clear why Campbell might be frustrated if he believes that the 49ers’ statements about his refusal to play are inaccurate, leading to extensive critical commentary. Although he didn’t specify who he was upset with, figures like ESPN’s Ryan Clark and FS1’s Emmanuel Acho were among those who had much to say. However, his refusal to publicly address his side of the story doesn’t aid in clearing the air. While Campbell may have communicated more with media members privately had they reached out, it remains unclear, given his public stance. His recent outbursts aimed at fans, media, and the 49ers may also raise questions for other teams considering signing him after his contract with San Francisco concludes.
