Raheem Morris, 49ers stars look ahead to 2026 NFL season during Week 2 of OTAs
Hear from Raheem Morris, Trent Williams, George Kittle and more after the San Francisco 49ers' practice on Wednesday in Santa Clara.
Raheem Morris, 49ers stars look ahead to 2026 NFL season during Week 2 of OTAs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Video Transcript
So far, Raheem, what excites you or who excites you on this defense thus far?
it's a lot of exciting things, a lot of exciting people.
it's fun to be around a bunch of new people that you haven't really been around.
it's fun to watch people grow and get better throughout the process.
I've had so much fun, you know, being able to learn a lot of things from our guys, some of the really good things that they've done in the past.
I've had a lot of fun being able to implement some things that we wanna do, to be able to talk a bit.
We have a little bit of experimental time, in these moments.
they've all been great.
it's been so much fun to be around all of these guys, but when you're just around a guy like Fred, you're around Greenlaw, even though they're not practicing, it is- it's, it's a little different when you're around those couple of guys that just, put so much into their work, put so much time into it.
Bosa has, has been really fun to be around 'cause he's the most even-keeled dude I've ever seen in life.
and I, and I love that.
You know, just, nothing's gonna bother him.
he's gonna be ready to deal with just about any situation that's gonna come up, and you gotta start with those type of leaders.
And then talking about the guys that's out there playing for us, that's in those shoes, whether you're talking about Walow, some of the guys that's getting coached by the guys that we just mentioned, they've been a lot of fun.
Romello, being a young punk, out there just running around doing all the things that he's able to do, getting all the tutoring from Chris and, and, and all the guys in his room.
So I am excited about a lot of people, that's just a few just to mention.
I'm sure you are very familiar with his playing career, but having K- been around K.J.
Wright for a few months now as a coach, what, what has kind of stuck out to you about the way he's transitioned into- how inquisitive he is.
You know, you could see why he was a great player.
the attention to detail, the things that he brings to our meeting rooms, the experience from being out there, the experience from hearing it from a player's view, how he articulates and takes it as a coach and able to give to those guys and deliver it.
and he's got, you know, Johnny Hollen around him, you know, one of the all-time greats.
and those two have been able to work together, as well as I've seen.
You mentioned to Allport it was to be quality control coach.
I know that's a role that you played, and Kyle- Yeah has always been big on that.
What, what is the value in, having that role before stepping into it?
I think the value is not just being a quality control coach.
I think the value of being a quality control coach with a guy like Monte Kiffin or being a quality control coach now with a guy like, like Kyle Shanahan.
You know, when you work under those wings, you have no idea, but to work extremely hard, work with a purpose, and absolutely have to know exactly what you need and what you want, in order to get those guys what they need and what they want.
And you can't help but learn when you're in those environments.
So, extremely fortunate for myself, extremely fortunate for Kyle, and now being able to mentor people like that, you know, having Jake Lynch with me and Cam Brown, some of those guys, I'm seeing some of the same benefits that they're able to get, from all these great coaches on this staff as well.
You mentioned Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.
They always talk about this expectation that, you know, lives in the building here with the forty-niners.
Just, you've mentioned them kind of coaching some of the younger guys up.
Which of the rookies, if all of them, if one of them, and then in what ways have you seen them kind of buy into that system and show that they are eager to kind of make their move here?
It's really, it's really easy, with that room because they, they're in the same room every single day.
we have our defensive meetings, and they're in there influencing those things.
And inside the defensive meeting room, you see those guys, not a rookie, but how they influence Stout and, and, and how they influence Stout and how they're around Stout and how they make him think and behave and, and sitting next to each other every single day.
can't get Stout to smile, but he has such a serious demeanor, and he's picking up all the things from Fred, Greenlaw, all the guys around him.
that pit bull type mentality with, that Greenlaw brings every single day, that knowledge that, that spirit that Fred brings.
And then you watch those guys move into their own individual rooms, and you see what he's doing for Dougie Laywerth, and watching those guys be able to come here late in the afternoons and, and really pick up things and learn and develop and grow.
they, they, they wanna be like those guys, and they set such good examples for everybody in the building, that that is always gonna be a good thing with those guys.
Follow up on that with Stout.
He was one of the rookies that kind of made a name for himself last season.
What have you seen out of him this season and their conversations between the two of you that kind of show, okay, this guy is really, you know, bought in?
He's a great listener.
he's a great note taker.
he is really locked in.
he's one of the guys that, that wants to go out and absolutely do it at a very high level every single day.
He puts extreme amount of pressure on himself to be great, for his room, for himself.
I gotta find out what his internal why is, but whatever his why is, man, I love it.
Multiple interceptions today.
I know it's June practice OTAs, whether it was in team or maybe seven on seven.
How important are those just for you to see your guys make plays?
And was there some understanding the quarterbacks were going downfield?
Were you kind of wanting to see your, your guys get pressured deep?
I, I, I want pressure every day.
And, our offense does such a great job.
I think that's the part of working together.
I think, I think it's our job in the off-season to, you know, go out there and, and practice the, the high level plays that you wanna be able to get while you know it on e- each side and be able to look at those pinpoint players to be able to make those accurate decisions on who're gonna be the very best, you know, out there, even put in hard positions.
And when you see guys make plays on the ball, in seven-on-seven periods or team periods, whatever it is, I think that's always a good thing and, and what you want to have happen.
I think the guy gaining more confidence I think is gonna be a part of the standard.
I think it's always been a part of the standard here, and we gotta get back to that, at a very high level in order to go out to compete in this very hard division.
Saw Kirk had to catch at least one deep one.
I know you're going against- Struggling did, man.
Struggling looked good.
You know, he, he was on, I think it was two.
I think he hit us on, a, a deep route, down, both sidelines.
and he's a very talented young man.
He's gotten better and better every single day that he's been here.
I'm loving where he's going.
I'm loving his transition to whatever he's got going on with those guys on offense.
he's very smart, he's very sharp, he's very articulate.
we, we definitely have done a nice job in our scouting department in profiling the guys that we need to get around here, to win.
Do you- Do you anticipate a, a competition for the starting safety spot in spots in the, in the summer?
I think that's the most important thing.
I think it's spots, right?
You know, like, you know, nobody ever gets comfortable in the National Football League, coaches, players, and nobody.
I think you wanna go out there and have high level competition across the board.
I think it's less about, you know, starting spots for coaches.
It's more about roles and what kind of roles can people do to help you win.
And I think people finding their roles, you know, whether you call Stout a starter or not, he's a starter.
You know, being that nickel role that he stepped into last year and played at a very high level, I think those things matter.
whether you talk about the safeties and how they're gonna play and what their role's gonna be, I think you want those guys to go out there, compete at a very high level and give you everything they can.
And they've shown a lot of good things, you know, despite what might have been said about these guys in the past, and I'm really excited to watch those guys play.
We picked up one yesterday, actually yesterday as well.In your coaching experience, how, how much of an impact, for someone like Fred to be out there and match the energy and root these guys on before coming into training camp, does that excite the younger guys more in your opinion?
It does.
You know, m- no disrespect to all the, the great players that I've been lucky enough to be around.
I don't know if anybody's had the juice that Fred has, you know?
the greatness, the great mornings, the great days, the great attitude, the mentality to go out every single day and win the day.
he brings a different attitude every single day and, and, and it is absolutely refreshing.
I've seen the ups and downs from some of your great players, you know, whether it's been the Aaron Donalds, the Jalen Ramsey or a Derek Brooks, a John Lynch, a Ronde Barber.
I, I haven't seen a guy be as consistent as he's been since I've been here as Fred.
I mean, he's every single day.
Alex Mustapha signed after he had that, saw that coverage with that long pass to Jacob King.
What was the teaching moment like?
That was the setup.
it was one of those plays we talked about.
You know, you put those guys out there in some of those hard situations, and it's about being visual, and it's not about not seeing so much and being able to be that angel over top to be able to help us play the right way, to be able to save a tough play that could've been a tough play.
he covered a lot of grass and, you know, could almost get there in that setting when you're not touching the quarterback.
So if you can get close in those situations, that's a good thing, you know, 'cause hopefully, you know, you got both and some of those guys that are savior of some of those.
It's, it's turn here.
And just what have you seen from him in these past few weeks?
I've seen a bunch of improvement.
You know, he touched the ball today, he got a chance to make a play on the ball, one of the picks we just talked about.
You know, I've watched him, you know, absolutely sit in the front of the room every single day, pick up everything, learn everything.
You know, find ways to do extra on his own and, and all the stuff that he's doing.
And I'm, I'm just I mean, it's, it's a wonderful group, you know?
I, I mean, this team has been built and constructed the right way by a bunch of really good people.
and you see it every single day when you come to work.
And, were you in the building yesterday when, you found out about Myles Garrett going to LA and the- Yeah, we all were.
I think it was about 10:25 that it came across to, to most of us and, you know, a great player, right?
And what, what do you do?
You know, you go out there and you find a way to, to win that game no matter what.
I know those guys really well, and I wasn't shocked one bit.
What are your impressions of, uh- I was coming- That w- well, that was My- Sorry.
I didn't hear this question.
Was that a Myles Garrett question?
He said something about Myles.
Oh, okay.
Sorry.
That was kind of re- but, you know- He beat you to it, now you start.
No.
Yeah.
I, no, nothing.
Step in the swap.
I have absolutely nothing.
No, based on your experience, I mean, did you have, like, any thoughts or inkling that, you know, if any team's gonna do it, it's c- gonna be them?
I, I, I'll be honest, you know, I've, I've been out of that loop, you know.
We've really been focused on just the defense, doing all the things that we've been doing, so I haven't been kinda following all the stuff you guys probably have been and what's gonna happen after June 1st, what's gonna happen on all these dates that come up in the league.
That just wasn't my gig right now.
but when it came across, there was no shock in my end.
Another safety question.
With this defense, we've heard mostly sort of interchangeable, not necessarily just a strong safety- Sure not necessarily a free safety.
Is that your mode too?
are you, are you looking for some traits in separately from those two guys?
There's, there's definitely gonna be some different traits, you know, 'cause like, it'd be pretty selfish to say certain type of guy couldn't play in a system.
but I, I don't think that's necessarily true.
I just think, like, the league has kind of evolved more to the traits where they're kind of cross-trained, and they can do different things.
I think you got some traits that add qualities to different areas, kind of the role stuff that we talked about before.
You know, whether that could be close to the line of scrimmage in the box, doing something as a linebacker S-type player, or doing something as a big nickel S-type player or a outside whatever you wanna call those different positions that we call them now.
But, like, definitely different traits, but definitely have, a lot of similar traits when you talk about playing in the back end.
Okay.
I've got a new one.
Good.
Glad.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And it's gonna be- Streaming today it's gonna be great.
based on when Oso was traded from the Cowboys, just the reaction from Dallas, from coaches, players, even media was like, "Oh, dang, you know, he's leaving."
can you just speak to whatever you've gleaned from him, his character, him as a person?
Him as a worker, the human, the guy that, has come here and, and providing great energy as well.
I love his approach to every single day and what he does to make sure he's ready to go, you know, for his teammates.
You know, he hasn't gotten a chance to really prove anything like, you know, none of us have and, I think he's embracing this environment that he's in and, and really loving it and being around his coaches and, you know, those guys, whether it's Cam or whether it's, Gregory and, or Chris Erick and all those guys that with him, they, they absolutely got them.
They got a whole posse down there, guys that, that I don't wanna go nowhere near to Indy, so it's, it's, it's fun to watch all those guys.
What does Zebratus bring to the mix?
I know he was a walk-on once upon a time.
He's worked with a lot of great defensive coaches, Saban and others.
What is, how are you gonna utilize his skills?
He, he's been a sharp, calming, easy presence, you know, for me.
You know, he's the guy that can see big picture things.
You know, he can talk about, you know, what our tackling plan looks like, how we look on our approaches.
he's been a guy that's been able to come to you and be able to talk some of the different things that, that's going on around the league.
You know, some of the different techniques and stuff that we talk about and, you know, right now he's being a sponge and he's taking everything, and he's, and he's been able to come back in the board and be able to question and, and try to finalize all the things that we wanna do.
he's, he's been absolutely awesome.
With the mandatory mini camp be canceled next week, what is your plan for the rookies?
Do they stay extra?
How do you get them up to date and, and geared up for the start of training camp?
You know, obviously Kyle handles all those things, but a lot of the guys, like to be around each other, you know, and I know, I hate to keep bringing him up, but I know Fred, you know, organized a lot of that with, with our guys and, you know, our guys get a lot of, you know, positive peer pressure from each other to, to make sure they come back ready to go and trying to stay mentor sharp, but also, you know, finding a way to get away and be with their families and do the things that you need to do, in order to be ready for a long season.
So, the, the Niners have played a, a lot of very long seasons around here, and you still gotta have time to get away and do some things, but at the same time, be ready to go and come back to training camp.
What struck you about just watching Brock Purdy, quarterback- I got a Brock pic today.
I let him know that right after practice.
That was awesome.
He gonna be so mad at me for telling the media that, but you guys were there.
But you, you guys were there.
That's a big one.
Was it two?
Oh, I didn't get a chance to brag.... a lot during the off-season program?
Say it again, I'm sorry.
No, no, no, I wouldn't say a lot.
I mean, it's, it's, he is, the layer king.
he, he's, he's the, he's got, he's so accurate.
he puts the ball in the right spot, you know, keeps the ball in his hands.
He's tortured me for years.
and it's, it's so nice to be around him and so refreshing to be around that whole group, and the energy that they bring.
You know, getting a chance to be nosy and going there with those guys, is always fun.
'cause you, you learn from Nick, you learn from, you know, Brock, Matt, you know, all of those guys that are in that room.
And they, I enjoy going there and being able to be with those guys sometimes too.
Early returns been with competition in that lineback room.
I'm so sorry.
I missed the beginning of that.
No, it's all good.
early returns with the competition in that lineback room, what have you, what have you noticed, o-outside of Fred and Dre, guys are, you know, competing for limited spots?
You know, obviously, you know, Fred and Dre is not, they're not doing the stuff out there right now.
they're doing the mental reps.
They're back there hanging out with me, harassing me in the back.
but they've been able to, you know, with those guys, you got young guys in Dugger, you got young guys in, in Lightworth.
You got young guys, you know, Nick, the guys that have been able to get out there and have a chance.
Nick in his second year, a bit ago.
But then there's some guys like Wallo that's really stepped up and, you know, you know, filled that role right now as the, the communicator on the field and, and, and Jalen has done a nice job of going out there and playing lineback as well.
I've been really excited about that group, and what they've been able to do, since the guys that I've seen.
You know, these guys have been awesome.
You know, obviously you got a couple guys on the shelf right now not, not going right now, but, I look forward to those guys getting to training camp and competing.
Two players with the fastest get off time last year were Nick Bose and Myles Garrett.
You guys went out and got Romello Height.
Can you talk about the stress that first step puts on it and the opposing offense and why there's so much emphasis on that in today's NFL?
You know, it's, it's just the belief in National Football League, right?
It's about, you know, really, less about that, but more about how do you mentally and physically affect the quarterback, and having the stress of knowing that you got guys with great get off, is one of those ways to definitely mentally know, that that's gonna be a part of it.
But getting to it, the quarterback, and getting to those spots, being able to close space, being able to, you know, if you don't sack, being able to bother people, that's certainly what people's been able to-- that's what certainly what Bose has been able to do and, obviously Myles.
so being able to go out and get guys like Romello and different guys across the board to be able to help us do some of the same things is definitely gonna be helpful for us.
All right, guys.
Oh, last one.
Last one.
Obviously, it's, you, the goal is to be better than last year.
How do you wanna quantify that?
Do you wanna see it in, in sacks, in INTs, in pressures?
I am so unselfish, and it's more about team wins.
You know, so like for us, Lane, it's just like, how do we go out and be a better football team?
And, and whatever that requires and whatever that means, let's do that.
how do you go out and, and help the Niners get to the ultimate goal and what we want it to be?
and that will never waver from how I believe and how I think.
I don't have selfish goals.
I don't have those type of things.
I know they come up.
I know they will come up.
I know they will be the standard, they will be tested, but like at the same time, Trent just walked in, so I'm leaving.
See you guys later.
You've gone through contract situations here in the past.
How, how much of a, a load off your shoulders was it to have it finalized so early in the off-season this time?
Oh, it, it was good.
It was, I think it was a load off everybody's shoulder.
But honestly, this time around wasn't, wasn't that stressful.
you know, ev-everything was kinda how I expected it to go.
You know, obviously there was pushback a little bit on both sides, but for the most part, we both knew what we wanted to do.
we, we seen things pretty similar for the future, and so it was pretty easy to get through it.
That contract is structured.
Do you expect fully to play, obviously not only this season, but next season as well?
Yeah.
Yeah.
What was your reaction to the, Myles Garrett trade?
Eh, same as everybody .
Everybody that's not in, Rams country, but yeah.
I mean, it sucks.
Coach Foerster said yesterday that kinda he came in really early, watched film, and then once he broke it down play by play, it didn't seem as big of a task.
I mean, it's just taking it one step at a time.
Do you agree?
Yeah.
Yeah, I agree with my coach .
I mean, you, at the end of the day, you gotta go out there and play.
Myles is a Scary part is he's still a young player, so, he's still gonna get better.
And I know that's scary after seeing what he did last year.
So I'm never expecting to run into the same player.
I know that, we see him week one in Australia, he probably will be a little bit better than he was last time I seen him.
And, you know, just gotta buckle up, man.
It's gonna be tough.
I ain't the only one gotta block him here, you know.
It's 31 other teams got that same news, so you know, it is what it is.
I know we asked your four others- Coach Foerster, yesterday as you just mentioned, but I asked him about the hit betters and who seemingly has done the most work trying to, you know, close that gap and what they were asked to do in the off-season and coming in.
He said specifically Dominic Poony, and then he said Connor Colby has also made a jump, but specifically Dominic.
What have you seen since it being back?
I mean, I've been back a total of about 36 hours, so hadn't seen a whole bunch.
But I mean, you know, Poony's a ultra-talented guy.
He's, he's just gifted.
He's a gifted player.
He's a gifted athlete.
So, you know, that's to be expected.
I expect him to make that leap, to make that Pro Bowl leap, to be in that conversation.
He's that good, and, I think he should expect it out of himself too.
You're forming this question a lot, but, having just said what you said about playing the next two years, did, did it cross your mind that this would be the last contract you sign, or are you still- Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah, so- Yeah so where, where, did you envision this being it, or- Probably.
Yeah?
Yeah.
What, what's, what's that thought like then when you- It's scary.
It's scary.
you know, I'm toying between the idea of going till I can't no more and just, you know, leaving while I still got some good product left, you know, and not getting ran out the league.
So, but you know, it's been a long time and, had a daughter that she was born a few months before I got drafted, so you know, I'm going on year 17.
She's turning 17.
So, um-You know, the, the, the, you just, as a father, you feel like, you know, damn, I done kinda sat and really kinda missed her whole life.
I mean, kinda, you know, from adult- into adulthood.
So, you know, part of me wants to, you know, when she get go off to college in a couple years, I wanna, you know, be there and be accessible and, you know.
I don't wanna be that father that, you know, shadows the kid, but I'm gonna be close.
You know what I mean?
I wanna be close.
I don't wanna be, somewhere at a joint practice.
You know what I mean?
When it's time for her to move into school and stuff like that.
So it's little stuff I gotta think about and, you know, obviously I can't tell the future, and I don't know.
I'm still a competitor.
It's hard not to compete when you can, so we'll see.
Grant, what if your daughter says, "But you're so close to playing till you're 40.
Come on, Dad."
She might.
She might.
And that might give me a little extra boost, but, you know, we'll see.
Grant, you were really emotional about, after the, the loss in the playoffs about what that team achieved despite the injuries and everything, the losses.
So that, that you're thinking that, "Okay, I wanna, I wanna keep going to be a part of this?"
No, I think, I've always been fully committed to these next few years.
Like I, I, I didn't have any thought last year that this could be my last season or, you know, despite what everybody believed, I always knew that I had a couple more years left in me.
So, that, but that did restore like the, the f- the fun into it, I guess you could say, from the, the season prior was a, you know, excuse my language, but a shit show.
And then, you know, for us to be faced with as much adversity the next year and to show that we can overcome that and we can, you know, subscribe to the coaching and go out there and, and execute the game plan and we can be successful.
So yeah, it did, it did kinda revive that, that fun that I, that you get addicted to when you playing and winning, you know.
Had some contract issues, I mean, over the last few years.
You were one of them where you s- you didn't sign till the very end, but there were other louder ones.
Doesn't look like there's gonna be any of that.
Who knows?
But it doesn't look like What, what kind of impact can that have to start a training camp, to start a season?
I mean, just having everybody here, you know, and not having to answer a couple extra questions every time you get to media, media availability.
you know, it might take a little load off, but I'm not gonna sit here and say, "Oh, we gonna be a better team.
We gotta worry about that."
Like, that honestly doesn't play that big of a part.
Obviously, when you got guys missing the whole training camp, like me, or, you know, obviously that, that does take a little toll, but I, I mean, as a player, you wake up every day, you just trying to do your job and be the best player you can be, and I think we all carry that attitude.
None of that other stuff really matter.
gotten a long look at Enrique Cruz, but what are your, your first impressions of him?
just very coachable.
I know I just, working with him yesterday I just mentioned a couple things, but it was, refreshing to see the next play literally corrected, and what we're talking about is not, like, easy stuff.
And, you know, I mentioned it to coach and that was his feedback was like, "Man, that's been him, since he's been here.
You tell him one time and he corrects it," you know?
So, like I said, I haven't been here long, haven't had a chance to be with him for an extended period of time, but, you know, from what I heard since I've been back, I've heard really good things.
Just have a month before training camp, and do you do the same things in your seventeenth year, eighteenth year that you did when you were coming out of Oklahoma in this month before camp, or has this month changed quite a bit through the years?
yeah, I think every, every year I try to figure out a way to trim the fat and just, you know, focus on what is gonna contribute to me being a better football player.
So, you know, just looking forward to doing that, you know.
And that's, one year it might be doing more of this, and then the next year doing less of that.
You know, it, it, it's, you never really know.
It's just a feel thing.
You know, once you start to get into that countdown and you kinda see where your body is and you think, "Oh, I might need a little bit more of this," or, "I might tone back.
I'm strong enough.
I'm not strong enough," you know.
So, I'd be lying if I said I'm, I do the same thing every off season, 'cause I don't, but, you know, similar.
You mentioned the importance of the bounce back season after '24.
For, for you, when you're trying to do the calculus of how much longer you want to play, how important was it to have that bounce back season and then to see the team kind of again reinvest in veterans who can help you win now?
Yeah, I think that was really important.
It's really important.
Like I said, I don't think it would've made me retire anyway, but it definitely, it definitely lights a fire and it, and it really nice that, you know, that, that feeling that you had when we were going to NFC Championship games.
We're going into Philly and winning a playoff game.
Like, that, that does feel really good, and it, it does give you something to look forward to.
Building on that with veteran experience, you guys bring in Mike Evans.
You know, what was kind of your take on bringing in Mi- Mike Evans and then bringing back Drake London?
Man, huge.
First off, Mike Evans is a Hall of Fame player.
and, you know, you don't find too many players that while they're still playing, you can confidently say they're gonna be a Hall of Fame player.
So having, having one of them on our team, another one on our team, so to say that, I mean, it, it means a lot.
I mean, he, his, his presence, just what he's done over the years, like, you know, that's, it's hard for a lot of kids, not, like younger guys, not to fan girl over a guy like that when you, you know.
And, even myself, I watched him from afar, but we trained together early in his career, and I worked out a few times, so I've, I've known him for, you know, the duration of his career.
But just to watch his success over the years and watch how, you know, he's been a consistent talent in this league and, you know, breaking the records.
I think he tied Jerry Rice.
Like, he just did some, did a lot of things that, probably gonna be a lot of one-offs.
And, so-Just to have him in the building, to see how he's out there running around, to see, you know, Coach put him up on the big board today, just, I mean, in OTAs in year, what, 13, 14, like, taking it as serious as he did, it just, it's a That, to me, is a, is a example of why he is who he is.
And, you know, to piggyback off that, just having Dre back, I mean, that's a brother.
You know, that's one of our brothers, and it sucks seeing him in the, in the orange last year.
But, you know, it's family.
You got unconditional love.
So just seeing him come back, having him in that locker room, just having that presence, that, that grit, that toughness he bring in, you know, it's like having Batman and Robin back.
Like, him and Fred is just, you know, two of the best linebackers in the league, and we're just so lucky to have both of them in the same room.
If I put my cameras on the big board, but I don't, so can you explain- On the screen, you know, team meeting, watch everybody looking at the same screen.
Yeah.
Few more on the right here.
Yeah, we, we've heard maybe some grumbling, maybe from your head coach, about Australia.
That it's the Rams, takes away the short trip to LA.
y- any thoughts about that, Trent?
That it's starting off in Australia and it- it's the Rams you're playing.
I mean, it took away a home game, in my opinion.
it's probably the only thing.
It's probably why we had to go to Australia to play the Rams, to kinda cover up some of the, you know, deficiencies when it comes to ticket sales on their end when you go to LA.
So I'll just leave it at that.
But no, nobody wants to travel 20 hours to play a football game.
Like, no, I mean, it's Nobody ever be excited to do that.
All right, Jeff, your last one.
you, you had mentioned the resiliency of last year's team.
What, what would you hope for this year's team?
What, hallmark would you hope for them?
Resiliency last year, this year is what?
I would hope that we don't have to show how resilient we are.
I hope that we can show how dominant we are, and how dominant we can be, and how dominant we should be.
And, you know, with the off-season we've had, the players we've added, I think we, we got a good chance to go out there and show that.
But, you know, yeah, showing that you can fight through adversity is always good, and it's something that you take pride in, but nobody wants adversity, right?
So hopefully we don't gotta fight through all those injuries and stuff, and hopefully we can just kinda, you know, be the team that we know we are.
Howdy.
Oh, that's loud.
How are you doing, and then where are you in, in your process right now?
Well, thanks for asking.
I'm doing great today.
Had a wonderful day.
It's a beautiful day.
Boys are playing football.
Me personally, I'm doing awesome.
My wife's a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model.
Good for me.
and my Achilles is doing great.
no setbacks in my recovery, checking all the boxes, doing everything I'm supposed to do.
My surgeon's super happy.
my physical therapist in LA who works with him is super happy.
Niners are happy.
I'm happy.
You have been pretty optimistic that there's at least a chance for week one.
Is, is that, does that feel realistic to you here on June 3rd?
realistic?
Yeah, I mean, at this point.
I mean, when, even when I had the surgery and Elattrach told me, he said, "Hey, I think if you just take this, like, if you do everything the right way, you have a chance," I mean, it definitely, ignites something and makes you push for it.
So, you know, we're on track.
We're ahead of schedule.
Does Australia throw a complication into that, a, a 16 and a half hour flight?
Playing four days early and a 16-hour flight?
No.
Not at all.
Just another challenge.
That's all it is.
What does happen on a long plane trip w- when you, when you are recovering from, from an injury like that?
Couldn't say.
I've never done it.
I don't I just know, like, we fly so much.
Our average flight's five, six hours.
So, like, to me it, it is what it is.
Like, we're going to work.
It's an awesome opportunity to play in Australia.
it'll be a really fun playing around home if we win.
That's our goal.
Go over there, play in front of an awesome crowd, huge stadium, 110,000 people.
I mean, it sounds sick to me.
Like, might as well just take advantage of it.
What were your thoughts when you heard the Rams traded for Myles Garrett?
good for them.
I mean, nothing I can do about it, but they traded for him for a reason.
we have a, we're in a very good division.
It's gonna be a really fun challenge.
Anything change in your routine, as you are trying to come back, like you said, possibly ahead of schedule, to make sure that you're kinda keeping your body in the right condition to do so?
I mean, I got, like, back to 100% body weight jogging two weeks ago, maybe three weeks ago, and so, like, I haven't really been able to do too much.
And so at this point it's just, like, there's just boxes you have to check before they're, they clear you to do something else.
And then once I'm actually allowed to go train the way I wanna train, then it'll be just really fun to be able to go back and doing all the football movements I wanna do, run blocking, pass pro, running routes, catching the ball.
So then it's just, hey, knock some of the rust off, 'cause I haven't done a lot since January, and, just get back out there.
You able to do today?
For you, when we talked to Nick, obviously it's a different injury- Sure his knee.
but he kind of talked through the mental process that he took trying to get better and get back.
How has that been for you since?
I mean, it seemed like you were in good spirits when you left, I mean, locker clean-out when we talked to you, but how has that process of recovery been for you?
really easy, honestly.
It's like my first major injury in my career.
Let's knock on wood for that.
and like I said, like, when the Unfortunately, like, I missed one game.
That sucks.
and it was a playoff game.
But then they tell me I have an opportunity to play week one, it's like, all right, well, there's not half the season gone.
Like, I have, as long as I do what I'm supposed to do, working tr- incredibly hard, maybe do some extra things that I'm allowed to do, hell, I'll make it work.
And so, like, it's been a pretty easy mental process for me.
What were you able to do today, and did you lose a bunch of weight this off-season, have to put it on like you did in the past?
No, not necessarily.
I only dropped, like, probably 10 pounds this off-season, and I mean, I'm heavier now than I was last year playing, which is not a bad thing.
I usually like to be a little heavy before training camp.
was able to do today-A lot of single leg hops, and then we're just kind of like a ramp-up period, 20, 30-yard jogs, which is pretty fun, just get off, starts, and felt great.
I mean, this is the most I've ran today, actually, and we're 19 weeks to the day.
When you're, watching practice, you see, Mike Evans out there.
Ha.
Can the imagination run a little wild thinking about how he and you can pair up together to, you know, put pressure on opposing defense?
my initial answer to that is every single day that I see Mike, I just go, "Wow, Mike Evans is here."
And I think I'm annoying him at this point, but it's still, I pinch myself every day.
I also, like, if you look back at the 49ers, this is like the first, like, legit veteran wide receiver I've had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion.
And like nothing against all the other veteran receivers I've had, but he's a Hall of Famer who's a first team All-Pro, Pro Bowl guy.
Like, he's an incredible wide receiver and, like, just to see him run routes and the way that he sees things, it's just so fun.
Like, 'cause like Emmanuel Sanders, 'cause that was my third year when I had Emmanuel Sanders, and he was super savvy, did some cool things to get open and stuff like that.
But like Mike Evans just brings a whole new thing.
I mean, you guys weren't here at red zone.
I think he had three to five touchdowns in the first day.
Like, he's incredible.
And so that by itself is really fun and I think, like, just he takes ball incredibly seriously, and I think that just kind of sets the tone for the wide receiver room, especially when you have a bunch of young guys in there.
I think it's just very beneficial to the Niners that he's here, and it's not just his play-make ability, but just how he treats it every single day.
So the recruiting process you did with him- That's legal, right?
I don't know.
I don't think I can get in trouble.
Can I, Corey?
He's not listening.
let's see.
He just hit me up, probably like a couple days before, like, the free agency process was open.
It was like, "Hey, like, you just tell me about the Niners."
I was like, "Well, what do you wanna know?"
He just asked me, like, our practices, our facilities, and how the players are taken care of, which I think are all top-notch.
I mean, Jed York takes such good care of us and all the money he puts back into us, so from the massage therapists, acupuncturists, the great cafeteria that we have with the really clean food, how much time and energy they spend on, like, getting us to be our best selves, the practice schedule.
I mean, so he just was kind of a fan of that.
He was a big fan of how we travel, like, with the lay downs and stuff, and he's like, "Yep, I never had that."
And I was like, "It's crazy, but welcome to the 49ers."
And then we talked again a couple days later and just kind of reiterated some of the same things, and he was just really excited about it.
Last year at this time, we were asking you about Lonnie Fall.
The roster reset that kind of took place with all the, all the young guys coming in.
How different was it this year to, to kind of get back to, like, adding veterans who can help you win now and, and how important was it you, to have the year you had last year to put you in position where you could kind of push back in?
yeah, I mean, yeah.
Last year was definitely different.
We had a lot of, I felt like randomness to it, but, like, somehow we won 13 games with, like, half of our team, which was just, like, it's a testament to this team and the foundation we build as leaders.
and then this year, you know, it's just fun seeing everybody around and then I will say, like, this has been a really fun rookie class for me.
I've thoroughly enjoyed them.
like, I always try to tell rookies that the only way that you want people to know who you are is, like, what you do on the field, and not because of, like, you tell jokes and you're funny.
Like, you don't need that, especially at the start of your career.
And, this has been, like, the quietest rookie class I've ever been around.
But like, hey, you wanna have a conversation with them, they'll definitely talk to you, which is really fun, but they're not They, they, they understand that you're here to work, and I've thoroughly enjoyed that process so far and, like, from, I know, I know the offensive guys a little bit better than the defensive guys, but I'm really happy with our offensive rookies.
George, how happy are you for Fleury to, to get that Seattle job and, and give us your impressions on the new, your new tight end coach.
it's, I'm just stoked for Fleury.
I mean, he was a guy who, I think he was, like, the, he was the offensive coordinator of Towson at the age of 27, and then he, maybe not Towson, but something like that.
But he, just grinded and grinded, and then he was my assistant tight ends coach, and then he was my tight ends coach, and he was a run game coordinator, and now he's an OC, and, he's an absolutely brilliant person and an awesome dude, so couldn't be happy for him and his family.
I don't really wish him that much success, but, I am stoked for him and his family 'cause he works really hard for it and he puts a lot of hours into it, so he's a guy who definitely deserves it.
And what else did you ask?
And Cam?
Cam's been really fun.
I mean, I've gotten to know him a little bit over the last couple years being with the offensive line.
it's a, it's a fun room 'cause he used to play, so, like, he has his own vibe for what the room should be like, which is awesome.
he kinda lets me soapbox once in a while.
and then it's kind of fun, too, because he's so invested in the offensive line, so, like, he knows everything about all of the run calls and all the pass game calls, like, just protection-wise.
And so, like, just hearing that conversation is a way for me to learn something new.
And so, like, now I, like, now we're not all the way there yet, but, like, just when, how he installs it and, like, he knows all the code words and all that stuff, which has, like, just kind of been, I'm like, "I don't really need to know it, but if I do know it, it's helpful."
So, like, that's been kind of cool to listen to him talk about that stuff, so definitely picking up some things on that.
And, like, just a guy who, he loves the run game.
I love the run game.
We're gonna mesh on that.
it's a little bit, you know, us back and forth in the pass game stuff, running routes and stuff 'cause he is an offensive lineman, but overall he's a very smart guy and he's very good at coaching.
I'll give him that.
He's doing a great job so far.
Can I ask what kind of ambassador stuff do you have to do for the World Cup and what are your plans for the next month?
I'll be in Nashville.
You guys have fun in the Bay.
Yeah, I'll be in Nashville.
Juice will be here.
You guys got him.
He's fantastic.
I might be in New York for the final.
Who knows?
Can't really pass that one up.
You say d- rookies don't need to make jokes.
Not necessarily.
I'm just like, "I don't wanna hear your voice more than I see you play on the football field."
Like, you wanna impress everybody with how you're playing.
Like, you wanna go out My rookie OTAs, like, my rookie year, I don't know if you guys remember this, but, like, you can ask Bobby Turner, he's like, "I didn't even know George Kittle had a voice."
Like, he just, I never talked in meetings.
You did not hear me at all, at all, at any of the time because I just was just focused on football.
And, like, that's what, and I had great OTAs, and, like, that's the only reason Joe Staley knew who I was is 'cause I made plays in OTAs.
Like, that's what you want as a rookie.Like, I don't need you to be loudmouth.
I don't need you to be talking crap to everybody.
Like, I don't need that.
And, like, you can and you can still be a great football player.
I'm just saying, like, for my 10 years, which is a crazy thing to say, being here for all these OTAs, the guys who are quiet and just go to work are usually the more successful guys.
Yokes.
Me, second year, immediately.
Yeah, immediately.
Me and Garrett Seleck just clowns.
Last one, Kyleon Smith.
That's the fourth time you've said last fall, and Chris.
I know.
What's up?
What are your first impressions of Keelan White, Derek?
Very fast.
Very fast and very mature.
What is he, twenty-five?
I like old rookies because, you know, they're ready to play, and you don't have to go through that immaturity part of the start, which like it's just when you play with mature players, they kind of understand like, the sense of urgency is what I would say.
Like, they're just ready for it.
and that's been really cool.
Thanks, guys.
What stood out to you since coming into this building?
I feel like from the moment I got here, it's definitely like a top-down, anything-it-takes-to-win mentality.
Anything you guys need, whatever, like if it's taking us in the direction of winning, we're doing it.
What was that like to get that phone call that you were coming here?
I mean, I don't think anyone enjoys getting that phone call, you know, especially just like on a random afternoon, but it is what it is.
So you're more tech-- more of a technician now, I'm sure, than when you came out of college.
Who would you help-- Who's helped you on the way?
Who would you credit for some of the growth you've had technique-wise in this game?
definitely I had some great coaches in college.
I feel like a lot of good coaching in college kind of helped me be ahead of the eight ball for sure.
And then just taking something from every coach that I've had, you know.
I feel like my first D-line coach being in the league, his name's Adam Durty, he's defensive coordinator for the Seahawks now.
Taught me a lot, especially about the game, just, details, other side of the ball and just learning.
Oh, so did, did you have any inkling at all that a trade might be coming before, before you got that call?
I mean, I heard rumors, but you know, that was about it.
How did you digest it?
When did you, when did you get to the point of like, "Oh, I'm excited for this," past the shock?
not gonna lie, it took me a little while, but initially, like, I knew everyone was excited to have me.
So that was something that just made me feel better.
I'm like, I-I'm very much wanted, you know what I mean?
Very much needed, and then just knowing the fact that I'm coming to a really good team.
You know, coming, going from one team that's really good to another really good team.
They were just in the playoffs, you know.
A lot of guys that were hurt.
Not going to a place that's rebuilding anything at all.
Coming to a place with a lot of talent, just adding to it.
The style of play, how, how does this compare to, to Dallas, and how does it sort of, mold to your, your skill set?
I was on attack front last year, so being in attack front just marries up and then just adding a little bit of a different scheme to it, I feel like is gonna be really good, and Raheem's got some things that are just gonna bring it to life.
Ruth, you were an hour is at- When you think about the transition from going to Dallas, coming out here to the West Coast, how has that process been with adjustments that you had to make, but what have you liked about actually being here?
I mean, I love the weather for sure.
You know what I mean?
just getting into a routine, really.
Just finding a place to do like Pilates and stuff like that.
Good body work peoples.
Ask my teammates.
You know, me and everybody was good.
It's definitely more expensive, so that's probably the biggest adjustment.
But other than that, I lo-love it out here.
Which teammates have kind of been like really helpful, maybe conversations you had to kind of get adjusted to what's happening here?
I feel like the D-line, welcomed me with open arms.
Coach Kaserick definitely came in.
we talked about some things that I need to get better at and just kind of been hammering those out this off season.
Fred helped me find a place to do Pilates, so just, tapping in with some of his people and then, got me the lady from Mustafa, just, different people around just helping me with different mo-modalities and things that I like to do.
Oh, so you- You talk about an organization being great top to bottom, wanting to win.
How does it compare here?
What are the differences?
I'm not gonna lie, that's a hard one to answer.
What were you saying?
You were known as obviously a leader with the Cowboys, but now you're, as far as the defensive tackles here, I mean, you're surrounded by a lot of young, young kids.
I mean, does it change-- Is this a different dynamic as far as, I don't know, just your leadership style or really having to make sure you bring these guys along?
I would say it definitely puts me in a position to be able to like teach some people, show guys how I do things and, and more of a leadership position just 'cause there's a lot of guys that are young and they're willing to learn.
So, you know, I've always been someone that tries to lead by example.
So just being able to speak on that, show them how I got to where I'm at, and just different ways that they could help their game in any way, just based off what I know and my experience.
These are a little bit more as-- a-ahead compared to what they used to be because they spent so many years of eligibility at college?
I'll say so.
These guys are very polished, I feel like, for the most part.
They're picking up what Coach Kaserick is teaching pretty quickly, and they look good.
What have you seen from CJ West?
he's been out there, with some Walton- Energy defensive tackles.
I don't think CJ's a rookie.
This is his year two.
So I feel like he's improved a lot.
Just coach was actually showing some tape this morning from last year to this year, so just seeing the improvement, the way he's moving, flexibility, the bend that's just been added to his game and the power that he brings, just adding that little piece is gonnaTake the huge step this year, I feel like.
And Grayson's quick.
That boy's get off is actually really good.
He moves really well for someone his size, so it's just, it's cool to see.
A simple morning- Grayson played some receiver back when he was in high school.
Did he ever talk about that, and have you ever played with a defensive tackle who has, like, a wide receiver background, even if it was in high school?
Never.
I don't know if he's a receiver or running back, but, nah, I wouldn't say that I've No one that I knew that was a receiver.
But you can see the athleticism for sure.
So you're going back to Texas to play against the Cowboys.
How big is that game gonna be for you personally?
It's gonna be exciting.
I love playing AT&T, and it's a good team.
So you know, think it's gonna be a fun one.
Was talking yesterday just about what a great win rate you have rushing, going after the quarterback and being around quarterbacks.
What about stopping the run?
Where, where are you on that, and how do you see yourself fitting in with improving that on the defense?
I feel like that's something that I feel like I've done well in the past, just being able to unlock some tools that I've been used to using.
Talked about those first day.
Some of the things that I put on tape, just being able to use those tools and then just do it within the scheme I feel like is gonna help a lot.
Rahiem Morris and Chris Cassara.
Chris knows what he's talking about.
We, when we got here, everyone was doing things.
Went through and met with everyone individually, things that they can improve on.
got me and then, like, Cam last 'cause he took the time to, like, sit down and watch all of our tape from last year and, like, really be intentional with the things that we could improve on.
So, he's very intentional, very consistent with his energy and just same guy every day.
And Rahiem, I like the scheme.
I feel like it's pretty simple.
It's gonna allow us to play fast.
Matt, what are you going through right now physically?
just a little soreness in my shoulder.
Everything's clean and looks good, so just kind of being precaution, precautionary, I guess is the word.
but yeah, I'll be ready for, for training camp.
There, you know, at the end of last season and, and up to this point, had you given much thought or did you think that there was a possibility that you could be traded to a team that wanted to make you their starter?
Yeah, there was definitely obviously a lot of speculation, and honestly, after a long year, I was just trying to enjoy it with my teammates and, look back on the season.
But yeah, I think there was some stuff out there, and it was made very clear to me that I was gonna be here, from this organization.
So I'm fired up about it, and I kinda knew that was the situation early off-season, and, everything else is kind of between my agent and the coaches and whatever.
But obviously you wanna have a chance to start, but I also love it here, and I'm not really in the business of leaving good people.
So I'm not mad about it at all.
I think it's a great organization and did a lot of fun stuff last year, but it's a new year, and I feel like this is the first year I've had when I've had the same offensive playbook being in the NFL.
So that's kinda nice.
You know, if you go to a new team, you gotta learn a new playbook again and kinda do everything over.
So it's good.
I'm excited and really just looking forward to the summer and getting everything going again.
I think you used the term last year a couple times, gotta get the train back on the tracks.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
How do you keep the- Been hearing that.
How do you, how do you keep the train on the tracks?
Like what, what do you do when- That's a good question when you're going?
I'm not a, an engineer of train tracks, but yeah, it's a good question.
I've thought about that, and I think one thing that I focused on last year is my mindset.
I do put a lot of work into it, and at the end of the day, if you go out there on Sunday and you're not confident, it doesn't matter, I guess.
So I know that if I go out there on Sunday and have the right mindset and have that warrior mentality, that I can do-- play some really good football, and I proved that last year.
But the challenge is to do it again this year and, really not compare the two.
Like, every season's different, and I've learned that probably better than anybody.
Had some ups and downs and started hot in the league and then got challenged, you know, years two, three, and four or whatever.
And, now I feel like it's time to stack some good years here.
So I'm looking at it as a positive, as, you know, building on it, I guess is the right word.
but yeah, I think some people, you don't wanna put too much pressure on yourself.
Like, "Oh, I gotta do what I did last year."
you also don't wanna be satisfied with what you did.
So I think I'm in the right mindset, and I know the coaches and, and everybody feel the same way.
Like, we have a good football team, and we're gonna be healthy this year and, have a chance to do some good stuff.
Thank you.
Just had a, uh- Football in the bank last year.
how important was that for you just to establish that or reestablish yourself, like, in that way?
Yeah, for sure it was good.
I think, it was important for me just to have fun and get, get around this group of guys and have the-- continue to be with these guys 'cause it's a good group in the locker room and got a lot of older guys, but now we have some younger guys too, and I feel like I'm kinda in the middle.
Hopefully I'm not old yet, but I'm twenty-seven still.
So anyways, but yeah, I feel like last year was good for me and, just getting everything going in the right direction.
But like I said, this year is a new year, and that's the NFL.
You can't really look back or look forward.
You kinda just gotta be where your feet are, and I know that I can play in the system, and I know that I can play even better in the system, and I got good support from Coach Kyle and Clay and, and everybody.
So, I feel good about it.
Apologies for talking about your money here, but I mean, based on the way you played, you're probably underpaid, um- Thank you.
For quality backup quarterback at this point.
w- was the three hundred thousand dollars like a, an acknowledgement of a, a thank you gift or like, you know, like, "Hey, you probably should be paid a little more"?
Or how-- What was that about?
Yeah, to be honest, I'm not really gonna go into it 'cause it was kinda supposed to be a quieter thing, and it was something to do with last year.
But I'm really grateful for it, and I love the, the Yorks and everybody and, it was good to, you know, have that gesture sent my way.
And for me, I wanna build on it and have another good year.
And it's never been really about the money for me, to be honest.
I'm just glad that I'm having fun again.
That's priceless to me.
And obviously winning.
You know, last year we didn't finish where we wanted to finish, but just getting back to winning football games, like, there's a dollar sign in my mind that that's very important.
So that's what I care about.
everything else will come, and that's part of God's plan, not my plan.You could-- Last year you had good receivers, but they were different receivers.
This year you got seems like a lot more speed at wide receiver.
Yeah.
what's it like?
How does that change your job and Brock's job when you have so much more speed and you can maybe challenge and, down the field a bit more?
Yeah.
That's a, that's a good point.
yeah, I've been fortunate to play with some fast guys in the past, but the guys we brought in and everyone's a little different.
You know, Mike Evans is tall and has a really long stride and is a vertical threat throughout his career.
Just crazy that we're on the same team now.
I used to play with him in Madden, but he's still killing it, and, like, he looks great in OTAs.
Christian Kirk, I played with in Jacksonville, is quick, has good, downfield stuff and scribbling, and Ricky.
the list goes on.
We got some, some good young guys.
Cowan looks good too, so I've been really pleased just watching it.
It's been kinda interesting just to watch practice a little bit and see different guys move.
But yeah, I think pushing the ball down the field's important, kind of eliminating some of those longer drives where you can have some explosives and let those guys get behind the defense and there's a lot that goes into that, scheme, protection, all that stuff.
But I feel like we got the guys to do it, and we're definitely gonna do that this year.
A lot of arguing, what was the reaction among quarterbacks when you find out Myles Garrett's gonna be on the other side a couple times a year?
Yeah.
I think I was in the hallway, but as someone showed it to me, I was like, "Ah, it's AI, whatever."
But then they were like, "I saw the blue check," and I was like, "No, click on his profile.
I wanna see it."
I forgot who it was.
It was a defense player, but I think it was Malik.
Yeah, Malik came up to me.
I was like, "Shoot, that's, that's crazy."
But no, Myles is a great player.
I've played against him a few times and, very talented.
That, that roster that they've built there is incredible and we got a really good division, so gotta focus on us, but doesn't make it easier for sure.
A lot of guys- New group of wide receivers is going to be able to change what you can do on the field?
Hopefully a lot.
I'm not a fortune teller, but I do think these guys have really good talent.
I think there's a different group of people than we had last year, personalities and, you know, we got some older vets that have played a lot and some young guys, so, you're gonna get, you know, a really good group with a good mix, I guess.
And I'm not a coach, but if I was a coach, I'd want that, kinda the elevator of young guys to old guys, quick guys, fast guys, tall guys, short guys.
So you got a little bit of everything, and I'm excited to work in training camp with them, and we got some great work in pre-OTAs too.
Curious to see, you came in that season where the, the locker room was about, like, yous and helping to pull the youth along and get them adjusted, whereas now it's like a lot of veterans back in their building.
You got Dre Greenlaw and Mike Evans and so many others.
Yeah.
Does it feel different in the locker room given how much veteran experience has now been infused into the team?
For sure.
Yeah.
It's a great question, and, like last year I feel like we had a lot of young guys play, and that'll help this year because you have rookies that are second-year guys, and they've learned from some great players last year.
and then now whether they're starting or backup, that means you have more depth, 'cause your young guys that played last year might not be playing as much or whatever the situation is, 'cause we have some guys coming back from injury or guys in free agency like Dre.
but anyways, we have a deep roster I feel like, and that's gonna help.
Obviously, as we've seen, like any NFL team, you're gonna go through some stuff, and you wanna have guys that have played football and learn from some good people too.
So I'm excited, had some good conversation with the rookies.
Like, they ask a lot of good questions and makes me feel old, but I mean, it's my, my sixth year, so anytime they ask me, I wanna tell 'em, you know, what, what was it like for me as a rookie and what did I struggle with and what did I do good from year one to year two for those guys you were talking about, like Stout or whoever who played a lot.
It's like, what do you have to do to year two to not to have that fall off and, and all that stuff.
So it's been good.
When-- Last year when, when you got in, say, week two, was it-- was the playbook for you, like What am I trying to say?
Was it more-- Like, if you get in week two this year, do you have much more of the playbook at your disposal just because you know more of this offense?
Or kind of week two last year, did you kind of add it, absorb much of this?
Yeah.
I don't know.
I think it was pretty detailed.
Like our-- I always look back at our call sheets in the off-season and kinda watch games, like I watched the Saints game, and we were running all the same plays that we run now and ran throughout the year.
But yeah, I think obviously when it's your first start in a new offense, like Kyle's not gonna go out there and put me in physics right away, you know?
But I feel like each game we progressed and when I first got here, that was the challenge, was like learning the plays and they're 20 words long and-- but it also made me like understand everything and that helped me in the season because we install a lot of plays each week and I felt really prepared.
So I didn't really think about it like that, but definitely going through the off-season, like the calls just come in easier and quicker and, my job is to, like I said, focus on the mindset for me, like going out there on Sundays and I prepare a lot and I showed last year that I can carry that into a game.
so just focus on the mindset of like, yeah, that's what I do.
On Sunday, I'll be ready to play or whenever we play.
Go ahead.
Probably this off-season were you-- was it clear that you'd be coming back, where you made?
pretty early.
Yeah.
Yeah, I felt, really good about it.
I mean, like I said, I kinda stayed out of everything, but as you guys know, there was stuff out there and, like I said, it's good to be talked about or whatever, but when you're coming back to be a backup, I'm also cool with that too because I learned so much.
And like I said, I'm not in the business of leaving good people, so I feel like I can stack another good year.
Whenever I'm needed, that's my job is to support Brock.
It's his team and he played very well towards the end of the year and I feel like it was just a lot of fun.
So we wanna continue that, the good vibes in there and, I'm looking forward to trying not to focus on the future, just focus on now.
And like I said, this summer for me is gonna be critical, just getting healthy and, really just taking my body to another level.
So I'm excited for the challenge and, apply during the preseason.
Fresh playing what-- You obviously started for, for about half the season, then when you went back to the bench, did that experience having played in the system help you assist Brock in, in a different way- Yeah in a better way?
Yeah, I think that's, that's a good question.
I think every year is different.
I, I played the beginning eight-Um, like last year or whatever, and then the year before that I played the last eight in Jacksonville.
So it's kinda interesting, like you're learning different ways.
And, with Brock this year, obviously he's played in the system, so I'm not gonna tell him anything he doesn't already know.
But a lot of it as a backup quarterback is just validation.
Like, "Hey, on that, you know, route right there, was he open or not?"
And you just have to see the play with a clear eye and be like, "Nah, dude, you're good, it wasn't open."
Or I think that's what Brock wants.
And trust me, I've been in Brock's shoes.
I don't want someone like talking to me after every play like, "Dude, you missed this."
Like that's not really my job.
So Brock knows that, and he's-- but he wants the information.
That's what I love about him.
So when I got to play, I kinda took information from, from everybody, the coaches, players too, just 'cause that's how you learn quickly on the field.
Like, what did, what did I see versus what did they see?
So- I believe at eighty-five percent.
I thought ten, sorry.
No, it's all right.
Well, obviously, if you'd signed a one-year contract last March, you would've been a free agent.
Maybe you would've come back, I don't know.
But- Yeah.
We saw Darnold do the o- We saw Darnold do the one-year thing- Yeah and turned out pretty well for him.
Yeah.
Did the San Francisco 49ers insist on a two-year deal, with last year?
That, and tell you this could be the situation where even if you play great, they're just gonna keep you?
Yeah, I think, yeah, it's hard because what if it went the other way?
What if I was on a one-year deal and played like crap, and then I'm on the street?
So I, I'll take any years you can get in the league.
Just being on a team is a blessing for me and, obviously, I have a higher ceiling than just that, but that's the basis.
Like, you wanna make sure you're good to go.
So I'm not stressing about it.
I think it's all good.
I think people are seeing what type of teammate I can be and to do something again twice is sometimes good.
Like I said, I haven't, honestly, since college, I haven't had the same coordinator since twenty nineteen in back to back years, so this will be the first time.
This'll be interesting to see if I can stack a good year and, yeah, the one year versus two year thing is definitely a legit question, but it'll all work out how it's supposed to.
The amount of work you would do in, in OTAs if you were s- still in Tampa, I mean, or that you, you wanna kinda get out there with, with Brock and- Yeah the new system and things like that.
the past couple years I've been having new offensive coordinators in Tampa, so it was smarter to me to just go out there and, and get some reps, get familiar with the offense.
And here I have to learn a new offense anyway, but obviously get the timing down with Brock.
So it's been good work.
Ha- having been here now for, for a few months, has, has, has it felt like, I think you mentioned in your opening press conference, a little revitalization, just something, something new.
What, what has it been like now that you've been here for a few months?
It's been smooth so far.
Really smooth.
the practices have been competitive.
the, the weather has been amazing.
I talked about that before, but that's, that's been great right now.
You think about the fact that we've asked Aaron when it's coming here about your addition to the team, and Trent was saying, you know, that's a Hall of Famer, and Kittle was saying it's hard for people not to fan, or- Trent said I'm a Hall of Famer?
He did.
All right, I hear that, right.
A Hall of-- the first ballot Hall of Famer said that about me, so He said that, and he said it's hard for everyone not to fangirl about the fact that you're in the locker room.
Just out of curiosity, how has the transition been for the 49ers, and do you kinda feel that when you step out there with everyone?
Yeah, I mean, it's been, it's been smooth.
I mean, I know I've been-- I was in Tampa for a really long time, but I mean, it's football at the end of the day.
The guys on this team, the staff, they, they've made me feel welcome.
and I came here for a reason, so I mean, this transition's been smooth.
Ask Coach about the younger guys like Ricky and obviously Stripling kinda leaning on you possibly for some opportunity that happened up to this point, and if so, like, how have those conversations gone?
Not, not really.
I mean, those dudes are really smart, polished, they're professional.
we talked here and there about certain things like in the past, but they haven't like, you know, picked my brain as much.
But I'm pretty sure in training camp and as the season goes, you know, I'm always here to, to listen and help a younger player out.
Matt, you've been a consistent red zone producer throughout your whole really college and pro career.
What's the key to that?
What, what, for a receiver, what's the key to being- Well, obviously it's my frame.
My frame is a big part of that.
But, you gotta win in, in tight situations down there in the red zone, and I have the leaping ability, I have the, the awareness and, a lot of reps at, at doing it.
And I love getting in that red area and, and adding a different dynamic, to this team.
Maybe mentioned yesterday did the red zone, and you, you had a bunch of touchdowns.
was that mostly from Purdy, and then, and do you feel like it's a maybe a sign of where the connection is?
It's just practice, and we're just, you know, repping and trying to get good reps. they put me in good spots.
I think they set that up, you know, gave me some, some one-on-one coverage, which I love.
and I just pride myself on, you know, getting in the end zone, winning versus bad leverage, and one-on-one opportunities I gotta, you know, get open for Brock.
Sanahan have you on the, on the big board during a meeting recently.
What was that- Did he?
I don't even, I don't even know.
He had me up on the big board?
He was showing at work.
Oh, did he?
No, I don't talk about what happens in the team room, so y'all trying to get me in trouble.
Peck, do you want, to have on, this offense, this team going into training camp?
I mean, you've been in the league for quite some time and you have such a strong veteran presence.
What, what do you want these, these guys to know about you coming in?
I just wanna continue to do what I've been doing my whole career, you know, that's making plays, being the, the ultimate team player and the ultimate playmaker.
So that, that's what I really want and, just let these guys know that, you know, not to take this shit for granted because, like, you never know, you know, what could happen.
And our roster is a great roster.
We stack up with the best of the best in the league, so just not taking this, these opportunities for granted.
One more, guys.
You knew of Brock Purdy before you got here.
Of course.
Now that you've been with him for a couple leagues, what are your impressions?
Love Brock, man.
He's a, he's a big reason why I came here.
I said that in my initial Zoom call with you guys.
Throws a really great ball.
I'm getting the, the timing down with him now.
Super smart.
he's about his business too.
Comes to work every single day.He's a, he's a quiet guy, but you know, me and him talk, you know, about not just football, but you know, life and a really cool guy.
I look forward to having a great connection with him this year.
Without having depth along, you know, just multiple positions, a guy that struggled to stay healthy at pass over here is Jacob Conner.
What do you see from him?
I know it's early, but what do you see from Jacob Conner over his last couple years?
A lot of juice.
He has a lot of juice and, he can add a lot to this team, the, the speed down the field, the quickness.
he's having-- I've been here a few weeks and he's made a lot of plays so far.
Football is about adjustment, and you, you've had to adjust to a lot of different quarterbacks since you haven been here over your long career.
Does that make it a little bit, easier now, you know- I, I guess it makes it easier, you know, playing with-- But these, these guys are NFL quarterbacks.
I mean, when I was in high school, I played with a high school quarterback.
So it don't matter who the quarterback is, it's always been in my mind my job to get open for them and make plays for them and make their job a little bit easier.
Mike, last, last year, the injury obviously snapped your streak of the thousand yard seasons.
Oh, shoot.
Yeah, I know.
I just came close.
Breaking, breaking news.
Sorry, sorry about that.
how, I mean, how much of a point of pride is that?
I mean, obviously, I'm sure you'd like to top Cherry Rice, but you're tied with Cherry Rice.
And, and also, I guess, how disappointing was it to, to have that end?
I was super disappointed.
I'm, I'm extremely competitive, and for me not to break that record, I thought I was gonna be able to break it easy.
You know what I mean?
How hungry I was going into that season and, you know, in life, some things, it's not gonna go your way.
And so, but I look at that injury as a blessing in disguise 'cause I'm feeling really fresh, I'm feeling rejuvenated, I'm in a new spot, new change like I, I felt I needed.
And, I'm looking forward to get back on that.
It's not a streak anymore, but do what I've been doing before that injury.
If I may ask a, a fo- not a, a follow-up, but how are you as a AAU basketball coach?
I feel like I'm a fair coach.
I coach them hard, but, I coach girls, so fourteen-year-old girls, so that's a lot of, it's a lot to deal with.
but you know, we, we've been doing well.
our last tournament wasn't a great showing, but you know, this year we've gotten better compared to last year.
So looking forward to finish up the summer strong.
Thanks, Mike.
I met Jerry, yeah.
We've done a, a commercial together.
Yeah, it was, pretty cool to, to pick his brain and understand why he's the best to ever do it, and, yeah, it was a, it was a fun moment.
It was a couple years ago we did it, got to sit down and spend some time with him, so it was cool.
