Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos is in his first season with the San Francisco 49ers, having signed as a free agent with hopes of contributing to the team's Super Bowl aspirations. Unfortunately, the season has not unfolded as planned. The injury-plagued 49ers sit at 6-9, eliminated from playoff contention, and left reflecting on a campaign filled with unmet expectations.
Despite the struggles, Gross-Matos has been impressed by the 49ers' locker room culture, gaining a deeper appreciation for why the team has enjoyed consistent success in recent years.
"In the NFL, there's always going to be injuries, and it's unpredictable," Gross-Matos said Tuesday during an interview with Bay Area radio station KNBR. "But yeah, when you look at the players in that room, there's no reason not [to have hope for next season]. So, yeah, having everybody available would be nice."
One player who has stood out amid the challenges is quarterback Brock Purdy. The third-year signal-caller has shown resilience and poise, positioning himself for a lucrative contract extension after the season.
"It's been fun to watch," Gross-Matos said when asked about Purdy's performance during a adversity-filled season. "His ability to create is something that I definitely didn't have a grasp of—how well he was able to do that—until I was able to be here and see it every day.
"His ability to create, and then, his courageousness in the pocket, standing there, taking the hits, making the throws, even with defenders right in his face. It's inspiring to watch."
You can listen to Gross-Matos' entire interview below.
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Competitive rivalry with George Kittle drives this tight end to 'one-up' the 49ers star
By David Bonilla
Jan 24
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle wrapped up the 2024 season with a team-leading 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. It marked the fourth time in his illustrious career that Kittle surpassed the 1,000-yard mark, further solidifying his Hall of Fame...
49ers star defender wants to see Maxx Crosby in red and gold
By David Bonilla
Jan 19
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has a bold idea to strengthen the team's defense heading into the 2025 season: bring in Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Taking to social media, Lenoir expressed his desire to see Crosby in red and gold.
Max Crosby...
Star player's wife 'a tad salty' about 49ers missing the playoffs
By David Bonilla
Jan 20
Kristin Juszczyk had different plans for January. She expected to spend the month watching football—but not from her couch. Instead, she anticipated cheering on her husband, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, from NFL stadiums as the team made another postseason...
Could 2 QB contracts offer hints about Brock Purdy's deal with the 49ers?
By David Bonilla
Jan 21
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy set a franchise record in 2023, throwing for 4,280 yards with 31 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a stellar 113.0 passer rating. He led the team to the Super Bowl, coming agonizingly close to securing a championship. With sights set...
