De’Vondre Campbell Bio
De’Vondre Campbell (born July 1, 1993) is an American professional football linebacker who has spent nearly a decade in the National Football League. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he has built a reputation as a versatile defender capable of playing across multiple linebacker positions. Throughout his career, Campbell has suited up for the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers. His standout 2021 season with the Packers earned him First-team All-Pro honors, cementing his place among the league’s top linebackers that year.
Early Life and Background
De’Vondre Campbell was born on July 1, 1993, in Fort Myers, Florida. He grew up in the same community where he would eventually attend high school, attending Cypress Lake High School in Fort Myers. The Southwest Florida area has long been a fertile ground for athletic talent, and Campbell developed his physical tools in this environment. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and playing at 232 pounds, he possessed the size and frame that hinted at a future on the defensive side of the football.
During his time at Cypress Lake, Campbell began to sharpen the skills that would eventually catch the attention of college recruiters. He continued to grow into his body and refine his technique as a linebacker, setting the stage for his next chapter at the collegiate level. His combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence made him an attractive prospect for junior college programs.
Path to American Football
Following his high school graduation, De’Vondre Campbell took the junior college route, enrolling at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas to play for the Hutchinson Blue Dragons. This step allowed him to further develop his game and gain exposure to higher levels of competition. His time at Hutchinson was pivotal in preparing him for the rigors of a major college football program.
After his stint at Hutchinson, Campbell transferred to the University of Minnesota, where he played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2013 to 2015. As a sophomore in 2013, he recorded 39 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. His production steadily increased over his three seasons, culminating in a 2015 campaign that featured 92 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, an interception, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. By the end of his senior season, Campbell had positioned himself as a legitimate professional prospect.
De’Vondre Campbell Career
Early Career (2016–2019)
The Atlanta Falcons selected De’Vondre Campbell in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, making him the second linebacker taken by the team that year behind LSU’s Deion Jones. He signed a four-year, $2.90 million contract with the Falcons and quickly earned the starting weakside linebacker job under head coach Dan Quinn. Campbell made his professional debut in the season-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording four solo tackles.
Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for several games during his rookie year, Campbell finished 2016 with 48 combined tackles and his first career interception. He played a key role in the Falcons’ run to Super Bowl LI, starting at linebacker in the team’s 34–28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots. Over his four seasons in Atlanta, he developed into a reliable defender, recording 92 combined tackles in 2017 and leading the team with 94 combined tackles in 2018.
Green Bay Packers Era (2021–2023)
After a single season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, where he started all 16 games and recorded 99 tackles and 2.0 sacks, De’Vondre Campbell signed with the Green Bay Packers on June 9, 2021. He was named the starting inside linebacker alongside Krys Barnes and quickly became a central figure in the Packers’ defense. His playmaking ability was on full display, as he recorded interceptions against the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals during the season.
C Campbell’s performance during the month of October 2021 was particularly impressive, earning him the NFC Defensive Player of the Month award. In five games that month, all victories, he recorded 45 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, two forced fumbles, and two pass deflections. On January 14, 2022, he was named a First-team member of the 2021 All-Pro Team, becoming the first Packers inside linebacker to earn the honor since Ray Nitschke in 1966. On March 17, 2022, Campbell re-signed with the Packers on a five-year deal worth $50 million. During the 2022 season, he returned an interception 63 yards for his first NFL touchdown against the Washington Commanders.
San Francisco 49ers Era (2024)
On March 18, 2024, De’Vondre Campbell signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He stepped into a starting role, starting 12 of the team’s first 13 games while filling in for injured linebacker Dre Greenlaw. However, his time in San Francisco took a difficult turn in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Rams. With Greenlaw’s return, Campbell was moved to a reserve role, and when asked to enter the game due to further injuries, he refused and left for the locker room during the second half of the 12–6 loss.
The incident drew heavy criticism from teammates, coaches, and the media. Head coach Kyle Shanahan publicly stated that refusing to play is not something a player can do to their team and still remain a part of it. On December 16, 2024, the 49ers suspended Campbell for the remainder of the season. Despite the difficult ending to his 2024 campaign, his career resume includes a Super Bowl appearance with the Falcons and First-team All-Pro recognition with the Packers.
Driving Style and Strengths
De’Vondre Campbell’s strengths as a linebacker lie in his versatility, football intelligence, and sideline-to-sideline range. At 6 feet 4 inches and 232 pounds, he possesses the size to take on blockers in the run game while retaining the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. His ability to play both inside and outside linebacker positions has allowed defensive coordinators to deploy him in various roles throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of De’Vondre Campbell’s career came during the 2016 postseason, when he started for the Falcons in Super Bowl LI against the New England Patriots. His First-team All-Pro selection in 2021 was another milestone, as he became the first Packers inside linebacker to earn the honor since the legendary Ray Nitschke in 1966. Campbell’s first career interception against the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 and his 63-yard pick-six against the Washington Commanders in 2022 are also memorable highlights from his time in the league.
De’Vondre Campbell Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, De’Vondre Campbell has been part of numerous team victories, including a memorable run to Super Bowl LI with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. While individual win totals can vary by source, his presence on winning defenses has been a hallmark of his time in the league.
Green Bay Packers Highlights
During his three seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2021 to 2023, De’Vondre Campbell was a key contributor to one of the league’s top-ranked defenses. The Packers enjoyed significant success during his tenure, particularly in 2021, when the team won several consecutive games during Campbell’s October surge. His First-team All-Pro selection that year reflected his individual excellence and his impact on the team’s overall performance.
Other Wins and Performances
With the Atlanta Falcons, De’Vondre Campbell was part of a team that finished atop the NFC South with an 11–5 record in 2016 and advanced all the way to Super Bowl LI. His stint with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 saw him start all 16 games, providing veteran leadership to the defense. Across his career, Campbell has accumulated 9.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, 858 total tackles, 8 forced fumbles, 30 pass deflections, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive touchdown, according to career statistics.
De’Vondre Campbell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding De’Vondre Campbell’s parents and family lineage is limited. He was raised in Fort Myers, Florida, where he attended Cypress Lake High School and developed into an NFL prospect.
Personal Life
Details about De’Vondre Campbell’s personal life, including his marital status and children, are not widely documented in public sources. He has maintained an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his career and activities.
2025 Season Outlook
As De’Vondre Campbell looks ahead to the 2025 NFL season, questions remain about his future in the league following his suspension by the San Francisco 49ers in December 2024. At 32 years old, Campbell brings a wealth of experience, including a Super Bowl appearance and a First-team All-Pro selection, to any team that might consider signing him. His versatility as a linebacker capable of playing both inside and outside positions remains an attractive trait for potential suitors.
The 2025 season will likely be a pivotal one for Campbell as he seeks to rehabilitate his professional reputation and demonstrate his commitment to team-first football. Whether he returns to a starting role or accepts a reserve position, his track record of durability, having played in 16 games multiple times throughout his career, suggests he still has value to offer an NFL defense. His next opportunity will depend on his ability to move past the events of late 2024 and convince a coaching staff that he is ready to contribute in a positive manner.