JUST NOW: Ex-NFL star says De’Vondre Campbell will never escape “quitter” label…see more…
In a bold statement that’s sending ripples through the NFL community, former All-Pro linebacker, Thomas Jackson, has claimed that De’Vondre Campbell will never be able to escape the “quitter” label after his unexpected departure from the Green Bay Packers last season. Jackson, known for his candid opinions and no-nonsense approach, didn’t mince words during a recent podcast appearance.
“De’Vondre has all the talent in the world, but there’s one thing he’ll never shake off, and that’s the ‘quitter’ label,” Jackson said. “I’ve seen it happen before — guys who walk away from the game, or even just lose their fire on the field. You can’t just pretend it never happened. It sticks with you.”
Campbell, once hailed as one of the most dominant linebackers in the league, had a standout year in 2021, earning a Pro Bowl selection and solidifying his spot as a defensive leader for the Packers. However, his performance in 2023 became a topic of scrutiny when he appeared to step away from the team during a crucial stretch of the season. His absence, initially described as a personal matter, was later revealed to be more about his mental and physical struggles than anyone had anticipated.
In Jackson’s eyes, Campbell’s decision to step away speaks volumes about his commitment to the game — or lack thereof. “You just can’t leave your team in the middle of a season, especially when they’re counting on you,” Jackson explained. “When you’re a leader on defense, that’s a huge hit to the team’s morale. It’s hard to come back from that. It’s not just about injuries or health — it’s about mental fortitude, and Campbell didn’t have it when his team needed him most.”
The criticism, however, hasn’t come without pushback. Many of Campbell’s teammates have voiced their support, emphasizing that the linebacker’s personal struggles should not overshadow his contributions to the team in past seasons. They point to his leadership on the field, his hard-hitting style, and his intelligence in reading offenses as proof of his value to the Packers.
Still, Jackson isn’t convinced. “Look, I’ve been through tough times. Every NFL player has. But we all push through. You don’t quit. You don’t just leave your brothers hanging,” he said. “That’s what will define Campbell’s legacy now, no matter what he does from here on out.”
As Campbell attempts to reestablish himself in the NFL, it’s clear that the shadow of his mid-season departure will loom large. Whether or not he can shake the “quitter” label and find redemption remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a label that, according to Jackson, might just stick with him forever.
