San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa has already earned the coveted NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, three years after being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. According to new 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, the talented pass rusher has his eyes set on more significant achievements.
Wilks believes Bosa is among the few who are completely dedicated to their craft and trying to get better every day, comparing the 49ers defender to players like Luke Kuechly and Brian Urlacher.
"And all those guys that I just mentioned, along with Bosa, is about really trying to create a legacy," Wilks said on Wednesday. "And that was probably one of the things that I did talk about, beyond just him as a person. It's just What are we building towards now? Each step is towards Canton, and I think that's his mindset as well.
"But you got to stay in the moment each and every day, be where your feet are, and check it as it comes. But ultimately, that's his goal."
Bosa racked up a league-leading 18.5 sacks to go along with his 51 tackles, 48 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and pass defensed last season. He's brought down opposing quarterbacks 34 times over the past two seasons.
It's not enough for the defender, though. On Tuesday, he discussed what he has been focused on improving this offseason, and surprisingly, it involves knowing when not to push himself so hard.
"Overall, there's improvements to be made at each facet of my game," Bosa told reporters. "But mostly the offseason is just preparing myself for a long year and making sure that my body's going to be able to take on a load of 21 games. So, just taking days off. I'd say I have been taking a little more time, not forcing myself to push through things.
"I'm learning my body every year, making small tweaks, but I'm improving speed, strength. My body comp is probably similar. But yeah, just taking those days when I need them and not forcing myself to push through when it's May or April—those months when I push through something and it's kind of pointless at that point."
Bosa is due to receive a heft payday in the form of a contract extension before the start of the season. However, in speaking with the defensive end, Wilks knows the talented player isn't motivated by money.
"He has that focus and determination," Wilks said. "I just love coaching guys like that. It's not about my status. It's definitely not about the money. He's committed to trying to be one of the best."