While some 49ers are (justifiably) spending time with their families and recuperating from the rigors of a 2012 campaign that fell just short, others are already back to work. That list includes quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is training alongside 49er wideouts Chad Hall and Ricardo Lockette at CES Performance outside Atlanta.
When Kaepernick burst onto the scene midway through 2012, observers marveled at his physical gifts. More importantly, they were awe-struck by the young quarterback's verteran-esque leadership and poise in the spotlight. Yes, Kaepernick took two quarters to settle in at the Super Bowl, but that can hold true for any quarterback, at any age.
As a budding superstar playing the NFL's most glamorous position, Kaepernick has to deal with the pressures of becoming an overnight celebrity—television spots, "Kaepernicking", book deals, a plethora of public appearances, the list goes on and on. With so much pressure and so many distractions piled up on his plate in such a short span of time, it would be easy to understand if things "got too big" for Kaepernick. It would also be understandable if he was at least mildly content with reaching the Super Bowl in his first season (and merely his tenth game) as a starter...
But Kaepernick's not content. Nor is he complacent. Nor is he distracted. Nor is he dwelling on 2012's shortcoming.
Instead, he's back to work in Georgia—getting stronger and faster, and forging chemistry with his young wide receivers. News like this should thrill 49ers brass and fans alike. All too often, athletes of Kaepernick's stature/caliber fall victim to the pitfalls of stardom and rely solely on their physical abilities to get by.
Kaepernick, on the other hand, is declining invitations to the Grammy's and Oscar's in favor of doing what it takes to improve upon last season. His work ethic and unflappable focus represent a razor-sharp competitive edge and maturity beyond his years. They also signal that he has the ever-important "it" factor—the unyielding desire to win, to be great—a quality that is palpably contagious to teammates. This was apparent last season when a veteran team swiftly rallied behind Kaepernick in his new role as commander-in-chief, catapulting an explosive offense to the league's biggest game. And while it's easy to rest on one's laurels, it takes a special person to strive for further greatness...for the great ones are never satisfied.
Following Super Bowl XLVII, the young quarterback was asked how he'll remember the 2012 season. His response? "As not being good enough." But as the old adage goes, "actions speak louder than words."
Right now, few are speaking as loudly as Kaepernick.