The San Francisco 49ers recently showed how to handle the challenges that arise when personal interests clash with team dynamics. The team’s decision to suspend linebacker De’Vondre Campbell following his refusal to enter a pivotal game underscores commitment every team should make to cohesion and accountability.
Desperately trying to stay in the hunt for a playoff bid, the 49ers’ chances for a wildcard spot are being overshadowed by one of the most selfish football actions the NFL has seen in recent years. Back in March, the 49ers signed Campbell, who was expected to replace injured star Dre Greenlaw this season. Greenlaw has spent most of the season on the injured reserve list, and Campbell started 12 of the first 13 games this season in his absence. Greenlaw returned last week for a high-stakes NFC West showdown with the Los Angeles Rams—but Campbell made the game all about himself.
In the third quarter of a close game, 49ers Coach Kyle Shanahan told Campbell to get on the field, but the linebacker, upset about being benched when Greenlaw returned, refused. The 49ers leadership then ordered Campbell to leave the sideline and head to the locker room.
Shanahan talked to the local NBC affiliate about Campbell’s selfish behavior. “His actions from the game is just not something you can do to your team or your teammates and still expect to be a part of our team,” the coach said. “We’re working through exactly the semantics of it right now, but we’ll handle the situation appropriately.”
Thankfully, Shanahan’s players have his back. Campbell’s actions not only disrupted the team during a critical moment but also drew criticism from teammates who expressed the betrayal felt within the locker room.
“Look, if you’re on the roster and you suit up, you’re expected to play,” 49ers tight end George Kittle told NFL.com. “I think anyone in this building that got asked to go in, I would say 100 percent of everybody would die to get on that football field. People are going through random things off the field, I can’t speak on that. Whatever his decision was, it wasn’t for this organization, for this team, and that’s on him. I’m not very happy about it.”
49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward was even blunter with his take on Campbell, saying his actions “definitely hurt the team.” Fighting for a roster position this year, Ward is still reeling from the loss of his 1-year-old daughter in October, and, as he revealed in an interview with The Athletic, almost quit football.
“It’s been hard for me personally to go to work every day, every game — even to practice or go to meetings,” Ward said. “I almost left a couple of times… It’s bigger than football. This is the hardest time of my life for sure.”
Ward’s resilience in the face of personal tragedy starkly contrasts with Campbell’s decision not to play against the Rams. Ward’s ability to persevere through unimaginable loss while fulfilling his responsibilities is a testament to his character and commitment to his team. He is clearly upset with Campell’s actions. “For him to do that, that’s some sucker stuff,” Ward told NFL.com about the linebacker, adding that he hopes the team cuts him.
While Campbell’s future is in doubt, the 49ers did the right thing to suspend him and ensure he doesn’t play for them or another team for the rest of the season. Even with injuries continuing to pile up, the 49ers don’t need Campbell and the drama he caused with his selfish actions.
Brian Slipka’s, the CEO of Sunbelt Business Advisors and the True North Family of Companies and a fellow Forbes contributor, insights on selfish ambition are particularly relevant here. The idea that prioritizing personal goals over collective success can undermine trust and growth applies not only to sports but also to broader professional and personal contexts.
“Recognizing and addressing the problems caused by selfish ambition is crucial for personal and collective growth,” Slipka noted. “We can transform our thinking and overcome this harmful mindset. We can find a future where our ambitions align with the greater good, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful professional and personal life.”
By taking decisive action, the 49ers have sent a strong message about the importance of team values and the unacceptability of putting individual grievances ahead of collective goals. The Niners aren’t putting up with Campbell’s foolishness, and he won’t be getting on the field anymore this season—and possibly never suiting up for an NFL team again. That would be fine with Kittle.
“I’ve never been around anyone that’s ever done that, and I hope I’m never around anyone that does that again,” Kittle said.