Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice predicted in early November during a conversation with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that the 2019 San Francisco 49ers were Super Bowl-bound. He actually predicted that his former team of 16 years was going to win the big game. The Kyle Shanahan-led squad came minutes short of accomplishing that.
At the time, Smith accused Rice of overthinking with his emotions, indicating that the ESPN personality did not think the 49ers were capable of fulfilling Rice's prediction.
Rice on Monday joined team reporter Keiana Martin on the 49ers' official Instagram account for a Q&A session. Before getting to fan questions, Martin asked Rice what he saw from the squad back in early November that made him so confident that San Francisco would end up in Miami in February.
"I think it starts with [Jimmy Garoppolo]," Rice explained. "Then, I was looking at the receiving [corps] with Deebo Samuel and (tight end) George Kittle, Emmanuel Sanders. And then the running game. And then, on defense, with all those guys, (DeForest) Buckner and all those guys, Richard Sherman.
"I just felt like they had all the pieces in place. Now, it was up to those players to go out and compete every ball game, and to build confidence, to build momentum, and you could see that momentum towards the end in what they were able to accomplish."
"We came up a little short in the Super Bowl, but we had a great season last year, and I feel like they still have all those pieces in place right now. The time is now for the San Francisco 49ers. It's right now. You can't be looking down the road. You've got everybody in place right now, so you need to get it done."
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
By Marc Adams
Dec 11
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their...
How Jauan Jennings turned early disappointment into a 49ers success story
By David Bonilla
Dec 10
Jauan Jennings often reflects on the moment he received a life-changing call from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, informing him that he would be their seventh-round draft pick. While the wide receiver initially felt disappointed that his name wasn't called earlier, he's...
Why Ron Rivera would be wary of paying 49ers QB Brock Purdy top-market money
By David Bonilla
Dec 13
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face a pivotal decision in a few weeks. That's when they can start negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Despite some lackluster performances this season, the organization remains committed to keeping Purdy for...
Why Tuesday is crucial for Dre Greenlaw's long-awaited 49ers return
By David Bonilla
Dec 10
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is inching closer to his long-awaited return to the football field after suffering a torn Achilles in February. The San Francisco 49ers have targeted Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams for his potential 2024 season debut. However, that is...
