The 49ers took a lot of people on the outside by surprise. Almost everyone felt the team would be much-improved, possibly even competing for a playoff spot. But the best record in the NFC and a trip to Super Bowl LIV just a year removed from a four-win campaign? That was unexpected.
"The 49ers epitomize the hopes of all NFL fans," Goodell said. "The 49ers appearance in the Super Bowl comes just one year after they went 4-12 — a great turnaround. In fact, of the eight teams that advanced to the Divisional rounds this year, seven of those eight were new teams from the playoffs last year, including the 49ers."
San Francisco will face the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday for the right to call themselves Super Bowl LIV champions.
More San Francisco 49ers News
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John Lynch urges must-win mentality as 49ers fight to keep slim playoff hopes alive
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Brock Purdy: 49ers must play 'desperate' to keep playoff hopes alive
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Recap: 49ers' playoffs hopes fade after falling to Rams in 12-6 snoozefest
Usually, when the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams meet on the football field, the results tend to be entertaining if not exciting. Thursday night's meeting was the opposite, and the result might wind up being the last straw for the 49ers when it comes to their... -
Brock Purdy update: Kyle Shanahan says 49ers QB has been 'great all week'
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