"I was born with the swag," San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin told reporters on Friday when asked if last season's strong finish has increased his confidence level.
After a slow start, Goodwin finished last season with 56 receptions for 962 yards and two trips into the end zone. It was more production than the receiver had during his four combined seasons in Buffalo.
"Last year was definitely a big stepping stone," Goodwin continued. "Kyle, obviously, he and John put me in a position to help my career and help me as a player. And just building off what we established last year, I look forward to it."
The 49ers signed Goodwin to a two-year contract in March of 2017 and a three-year contract extension this offseason will keep the receiver in San Francisco through 2021.
49ers players will continuously tell you that iron sharpens iron. For the defense, going against Goodwin in practice will only make the unit better. Two defensive backs recently shared what it means to go against the receiver in practices and what makes him so special.
While Goodwin's speed has been well documented, second-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon said that's not the only trait the receiver brings to the table.
"I feel like he's underestimated as a route-runner as well," Witherspoon said on Friday. "Very intricate routes, detailed routes. Combining that with speed, that threatens you. You have to respect it, and it makes his game that complete."
Goodwin identified his cousin, Adrian Colbert, as a player who stands out among the defensive backs. On Thursday, Colbert shared what makes Goodwin such a tough player to go against during practices.
"His speed is electric, bar none," Colbert shared. "Nobody in the league is as fast as him, in my opinion."
Colbert, who, like Witherspoon, enters his second NFL season, said that covering his cousin in practice helps to raise his game. It will do the same for the rest of his teammates on defense.
"There's not many guys that are running at that speed," Colbert said. "We're not going to face that many people that run that speed. I mean, Tyreek Hill is fast, but Marquise is fast, fast."
Goodwin made headlines earlier this month when he surprised his mother, Tamina, and sister, Deja, with a new home. He shared with reporters what being able to do that for his family means to him.
"Surprising my mom and my sister with a house was the biggest thing to date I've done in my life, besides getting married to my best friend," Goodwin said. "It's something I've always dreamt about. I've got chills on my arm because, I mean, it's real."
Cerebral palsy has confined Deja to a wheelchair for her whole life. Earlier this month, he shared what it was like being younger, living at home, and hearing his sister wish that she could walk and do the things that most people take for granted. That wasn't the only adversity that his family faced.
"I know what it's like not to eat at night," Goodwin said. "I know what it's like to see my mom have to go to the hospital because of domestic violence. That's being at rock bottom for me. It's humbling to be in this position to make this money and to do for my family and the people that I care about like I do."
While Goodwin's story and humble nature have made him a fan-favorite, his on-the-field talent has earned him the respect of his peers.
