Jimmy Garoppolo and Kyle Shanahan (Photos via Getty Images)
Jimmy Garoppolo’s brother took a shot at San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan during the ‘Thursday Night Football’ clash with the Los Angeles Rams.
Garoppolo returned to San Francisco for the first time as an opponent, albeit as Matthew Stafford’s backup quarterback. Jimmy G and Kyle Shanahan spent six seasons together with the 49ers (2017 to 2022), helping the franchise to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance with Garoppolo as the starting quarterback.
During the ‘TNF’ showdown between the two NFC West rivals, Garoppolo’s brother Billy took a savage shot at Shanahan on his Instagram story by mocking the coach’s reputation as an “offensive guru.”
Though he was watching from the sidelines, Garoppolo got the last laugh on his old team as the Rams squeaked out a sloppy 12-6 victory that featured zero touchdowns. The loss dropped the 49ers to 6-8 with three games to go, all but ending their hopes of returning to the postseason.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google!Follow Us
It was an all-around forgettable night for Kyle Shanahan and the NFL’s most disappointing team of 2024. From a costly Deebo Samuel drop to linebacker De’Vondre Campbell refusing to go in the game, it was unquestionably a somber day in 49er land.
The Rams, meanwhile, improve to 8-6 and will move into first place in the NFC West if the Seattle Seahawks lose to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. LA and Seattle meet again in Week 18.
Kyle Shanahan & 49ers Have Lots To Figure Out
With Shanahan and GM John Lynch signed long-term, it’s hard to envision the idea of ownership firing either guy. But there is a lot for this group to sort through in the offseason, including the future of Samuel.
Quarterback Brock Purdy will head into the final season of his rookie deal next year, but the 49ers also have to decide if it’s worth paying top dollar after a disappointing season.
VIDEO: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Reveals That Star Player Quit On Team In The Middle Of Game & Refused To Play During ‘TNF’ Loss To Rams
Kyle Shanahan (Photo via @Coach_Yac Twitter)
After the 49ers’ loss that all but ended their postseason hopes, Shanahan was asked why De’Vondre Campbell went to the locker room after the first half. Shanahan revealed that the former All-Pro told the coaching staff he simply wished not to play.
“He said he didn’t wanna play today,” Shanahan said. “That was in the third quarter.”
In a follow-up comment, Shanahan said they’ll figure out what to do with De’Vondre Campbell, adding that there was no “need to talk about him anymore.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google!Follow Us
Campbell was released by the Packers in a cap-saving move back in March. He didn’t stay on the free agent market for long, as the 49ers scooped him up just days after the Packers let him go.
De’Vondre Campbell Has Had A Frustrating Year With 49ers
Campbell was a key contributor on the Packer defense for three years, but they would never bring him back on the contract he previously signed. It felt like a coup for the 49ers when they got him on a bargain deal, but Campbell hasn’t come as advertised.
The former All-Pro had just two pass breakups, no interceptions or forced fumbles and zero sacks. It obviously hasn’t worked out in San Fran, so don’t be surprised if Campbell is released by Friday morning.
