49ers clean out lockers, lament on 'frustrating season'
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes the ball during the NFL game between the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers on September 29, 2024 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Ma
Santa Clara, CA - Some members of the San Francisco 49ers went to Levi's Stadium on Monday to begin the two-day process of clearing out their lockers. The Niners did not qualify for the NFL's post-season, and finished their schedule after a 47-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Late in the morning, players were tossing belongings into large boxes. Some to take home for the off-season, and some to be donated to fans and community groups. The ritual, interrupted by media interviews, came earlier in the month than players wanted.
"It feels different. I don't want to get used to this feeling, you know.. I ain't never felt this before," said cornerback Deommodore Lenior. Added safety Ji'Ayir Brown, "It kind of hurts more than last year, you know? Because we didn't reach our full potential."
Last year saw the Red-and-Gold green with envy as Kansas City hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy, as overtime winners of Super Bowl LVIII.
This was supposed to be the bounce-back year, but there were problems right out of the gate. Draftee Ricky Pearsall was shot Aug. 31 during a botched robbery attempt in San Francisco. There were contract hold-outs from training camp, and multiple in-season injuries. The defensive unit had lapses and the offense often stalled on scoring drives. All of it coalesced into a frustrating campaign.
"That's the reality that we're in. Our names are stamped on it. And so i think as an organization we'll do everything we can to right the ship and get more wins next year," said tight end and Bill Walsh award winner George Kittle.
Many players have said next season begins after this season's Super Bowl, and a few weeks' respite from the NFL grind.
"The mind shift now has to shift quick from this was a tough year let's learn from the mistakes and get ready for OTAs. We don't have time to mope on this year," said running back Christian McCaffrey, who's still nursing a knee injury.
But there will be a different team next season. Some contract demands may mean some vets move on to other teams willing to pay them more.
"It doesn't matter if we went to a Super Bowl or had a season like we did this year. There's always a lot of change within the team," said linebacker Fred Warner, who was named the team's Bill Walsh award winner.
The biggest chance will likely hit the bank account of starting quarterback Brock Purdy. His rookie contract deal is up, and now he's poised to negotiate a long-term deal that could set the market for an NFL franchise quarterback.
"It's my first time going through all of this so don't really know what the next step is. So, we'll see. Obviously, I'd like to get it done sooner rather than later," said Purdy.
"Get it done," he said softly, so he can get back to the other players in this cathedral of sport. Levi's Stadium is a place that for the first time in a long time, sees fans waiting for players with no more games for months.
"It's horrible. Takes a piece of my heart away," said Randy, a fan with memorabilia spread out on the hood of his car. Added 15-year-old fan Jake Prescott, "It's going to be a boring couple of months."
The Faithful and the team they follow know this pain will fade, and this version of "Boxing Day" will soon be replaced by the next push for glory.
Lenoir again; don't chyron
"It's the NFL and next year we'll be there," said Lenior."
Team OTAs begin in April.
Jesse Gary is a reporter based in the station's South Bay bureau. He covers both sports and news. Follow him on the Instagram platform, @jessegontv and on Facebook, @JesseKTVU
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