New San Francisco 49ers safety Tony Jefferson joined NFL Total Access on Tuesday and discussed his return to the football field. He hasn't played since Week 5 of the 2019 season when he suffered a torn ACL, and the Baltimore Ravens released him on February 14, 2020.
Jefferson spent his first four NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He officially returned to the NFC West on June 7 when San Francisco signed him to a one-year deal. Jefferson is now preparing to face several talented quarterbacks in Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, and Kyler Murray. The veteran safety sounds more excited than concerned, though.
"As a secondary player, you look at the NFC West, you see the quarterbacks, and the new addition of Matthew Stafford," Jefferson said. "I love Matthew Stafford. I got to play against him a few times throughout my career. And then Kyler Murray, and, of course, Russell Wilson, you know the ball's going to be in the air. With the ball being in the air, that just means more opportunities.
"I think the (defensive) front we have, and the scheme we've got, I think it's going to give us ample opportunities to go make the plays. Ball is in the air, go get it. It's ours."
Jefferson also feels blessed for the opportunity to get back on the football field and prove his worth. He has enjoyed his time with the 49ers so far.
"It's been amazing," Jefferson said. "Just being back in the meeting rooms, being around the guys -- I've been at home just training and all that, and just wanting to get back, move around, and put a helmet on.
"So, it's amazing. Just thankful for the opportunity to be able to go to an organization like the San Francisco 49ers, giving me a shot, giving me an opportunity to go showcase my abilities. I can't wait until training camp."
49ers players report to training camp at the team's facilities in Santa Clara in one week.