San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida is preparing to enter his third NFL season after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He has proven himself to be an important part of Kyle Shanahan's offense and gained 814 rushing yards on 153 carries with three rushing touchdowns even while dealing with injuries last season. Breida also recorded 27 catches for 261 yards with two receiving touchdowns.
Breida recently took time to answer several questions from fans via Instagram. Below are the questions sent to the 49ers running back, which have been edited for legibility. Breida's answers, however, are quoted exactly as they appeared (or close to it — minus emojis) within his Instagram story.
Why did you pick No. 22 for your jersey?
Matt Breida: "32 is my favorite number but 22 was the closest number that I could get at the time of my rookie year so it grew on me."
What is your favorite food?
MB: "Pizza or Pasta"
Is your ankle in top shape and are you ready for the season?
MB: "Ankle is 100 percent and I'm ready to ride"
How is the backfield looking?
MB: "Backfield is looking [ice cold emoji]"
What's the longest game you played in?
MB: "Longest game was in college when we went into triple OT against UGA"
How does it feel playing for so many fans?
MB: "Feels great knowing you have an Empire behind you 100 percent"
Did you know that you have fans from Germany?
MB: "Yess we never forget about you guys"
Which team are you most excited to play against this season?
MB: "Tampa bay because it's week 1"
What were you thinking during your 66-yard run against the Detroit Lions last year?
MB: "Get to the end zone and celebrate with my guys"
Why are you so fast?
MB: "All God given"
What is your favorite thing to do besides football?
MB: "See different places and chill with my peeps"
Should I go on The Faithful Cruise?
MB: "Yessssssss"
Have you ever traveled to Canada?
MB: "No but I plan too"
What's your favorite play from last season?
MB: "When @gkittle46 broke the single season rec record for TE"
Who was your favorite running back growing up?
MB: "Walter Payton / Emmitt Smith"
Who is better at ping pong? C.J. Beathard or Trent Taylor?
MB: "CJ — don't tell trent"
What do you love the most about Kyle Shanahan's system?
MB: "Never know what your gonna get — Keeps you on your toes"
How did you start liking football?
MB: "Watching it with my Dad when I was lil"
How do you overcome adversity?
MB: "Just always be humble and patient. Everything happens for a reason good or bad. As long as you work hard you can overcome anything."
Do you have any advice for me going into my freshman year of football?
MB: "The more work you put in the better results you'll see. Take advantage of every day and don't be afraid to fail."
What were your favorite courses in college and do you plan on earning your master's degree one day?
MB: "Accounting — I got my bachelors in accounting. Eventually wanna get my CPA after football."
How old were you when you started playing football?
MB: "6"
What if your favorite spot other than football?
MB: "Basketball"
Was football always your dream?
MB: "Yess and hasn't changed"