We still hear from several of the Niner Faithful how bizarre it is to see cornerback Richard Sherman in San Francisco 49ers red and gold. After all, the All-Pro veteran spent his previous seven NFL seasons with the division-rival Seattle Seahawks.
The 49ers signed Sherman to a three-year deal the day after Seattle released him in March. The cornerback is recovering from a ruptured Achilles suffered in November, and the hope is he can return to his pre-injury form. 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh does not doubt that Sherman can make a full recovery and be a key contributor in 2018.
"He's an animal when it comes to taking care of himself and preparing himself to play football games," Saleh said during Wednesday night's State of the Franchise event. "If people only knew what he actually has played through, they would understand that if there's anyone in the world who can come back from what he's come back from, it would be Sherm, and there's no doubt in our mind that he'll be able to."
This isn't the first time Sherman has worn red. He played college football just 13 miles up the road at Stanford before the Seahawks made him a fifth-round draft pick in 2011. Sherman was among the veteran players who sat on stage Wednesday night in front of over a thousand 49ers season ticket holders, and he wasn't quick to discuss his tenure with the team's long-time bitter rival.
49ers play-by-play radio announcer Ted Robinson, who was one of the hosts for the event, asked Sherman where he has been since his time with Stanford.
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"You know, I've just been around," Sherman answered. "Here and there ... Just doing my job. I was employed by the city."
The other host, Peter Schrager of NFL Network, asked Sherman what the fan reaction has been like following his move from Seattle to San Francisco.
"It's been incredible," he answered. "I think people can appreciate -- I mean, it is what it is. You go out there and do your job effectively; it's going to come. I think they'll be much more excited in September, and October, and November. It will work out for them. I guarantee you that."
As Sherman awaits the 49ers to clear him medically, he has been helping the defensive coaching staff. On Tuesday, reporters noticed the veteran working extensively with the younger defensive backs on the team, offering advice and assisting with techniques. Sherman played in a similar defensive scheme during his time with Seattle.
"Just trying to help those guys," Sherman said. "Like I said, I know the system but they won't let me play ball, so I've got to do my best to get out there and make an impact. I have a lot of fun.
"They have a great group. [Ahkello Witherspoon] is obviously incredibly talented. He's going to be great this year. Adrian Colbert, Jaquiski Tartt, it's going to be a great group of guys, and I'm excited about it. K'Waun Williams, he's incredible at the nickel spot, so I'm excited to be able to grow with that group and see what we're capable of."
