San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York spoke with NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe in Miami ahead of Super Bowl LIV Opening Night. A year ago, Kyle Shanahan and his staff were coaching the Senior Bowl following a disappointing four-win season. Now, they are a win away from earning the organization's sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy.
One of those players Shanahan was coaching at the Senior Bowl was Deebo Samuel, who the team went on to draft. He has emerged as one of the most exciting young players on the 49ers' offense.
"They loved Deebo," York told Wolfe when asked if he heard anything about the player from Shanahan or general John Lynch following the Senior Bowl. "I mean, you see a guy that just loves ball, and he can do anything. We line him up in the backfield. Obviously, he's doing really well as a receiver.
"But he's a guy that just loves football, and that's what Kyle and John are looking for. Not just talent, but guys that love the game. And [Samuel is] somebody that reminds me of some of the greats, like a Frank Gore. Nothing matters more to them than getting out there and playing the game."