When San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw tore his Achilles during the Super Bowl, GM John Lynch knew he needed to bring in an experienced player at the position to hold down Greenlaw's spot until he could return. Enter De'Vondre Campbell, the former Green Bay Packers linebacker.
Justin Melo, a contributor for The Draft Network, who also covers the Tennessee Titans, recently spoke with the 49ers' new linebacker for 49ers Webzone. Melo asked Campbell what drew him to the 49ers after the Packers released him.
Campbell answered, "I've obviously had a lot of opportunities to play against the San Francisco 49ers in the past. I've honestly always been attracted to the style of football they play. I've actually played in a similar defensive scheme when I was playing with the Atlanta Falcons. There's already a sense of familiarity present as far as the system goes."
But there was something particular that Campbell liked about the 49ers defense, specifically how they play. "I love the way this defense intends to play football," Campell said. "They hunt, they have a bunch of dogs. The honest truth is they had a void that needed to be filled after losing a really great player to injury [Greenlaw] in the Super Bowl. I feel like I can come in and contribute. I don't need to do anything more than what's being asked of me."
Greenlaw's injury may keep him out most of the 2024 season. And when he returns, there's no guarantee he'll be the same Greenlaw fans have grown to love. The 49ers have some young linebackers in second-year players Dee Winters and Jalen Graham. But because of his experience, Campbell is the leader in the clubhouse to take Greenlaw's spot for now.
"We all know that Fred's [Warner] resume' speaks for itself," Campbell added. "I personally feel like Dre Greenlaw doesn't get the respect he deserves. He's one of the best linebackers in this league. I've always been a big fan of both of them. They're both great players.
"We just need to focus on getting him [Greenlaw] healthy. I've been in constant contact with him. He's a dog, man. When you keep a dog in a kennel, it can get anxious. He wants to play football so bad. I told him this is God's plan for him right now. He just needs to get healthy and control what he can control."
Melo asked Campbell about his initial takeaways from the time he's already spent with his new team. Campbell shared what has impressed him the most about the 49ers.
"They don't care about anything other than winning," Campbell said. "That was my first impression. That's what I saw during the six to eight weeks I was here. The owners, the GM in John Lynch, being around Kyle Shanahan, our entire staff, all they ever talk about is getting back to the big dance [Super Bowl].
"That's what it's all about. That's what we're in the business of, this is a performance, results-based business. They don't care about anything other than winning. Everybody here is super competitive. Everything they do is about creating competition. You have to be the best version of yourself every single day.
"They know how to go about creating competition. They're smart about it as well. It matters. You can easily see it. It didn't take long for me to see it."
Campbell may have the inside track on playing in place of Greenlaw for a while, but he knows some talented and hungry players behind him are ready to hunt and make a name for themselves. For now, Campbell is excited to be part of such a talented defense and is working hard to play an important role as the 49ers look to win that elusive sixth Super Bowl.