SANTA CLARA — Reuniting with the 49ers was an easy decision for Dre Greenlaw, especially after the challenges of the 2025 NFL season. The linebacker did not practice with the 49ers on Thursday but spoke to local media after the session, explaining why the season away from the Bay Area was a test of his mettle.
“Last year was tough, real tough,” Greenlaw said. “But it’s just part of ball, it’s part of life. Life [doesn’t always go] the way you want it to go. I had to learn a lot about myself last year, take a step back.”
Part of the challenge for the linebacker in Denver was making his way back from the Achilles injury suffered in the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11, 2024. Adapting to a new defensive scheme also was part of Greenlaw’s journey.
“I didn’t get a chance to play football a lot, so I’m just grateful to be able to be healthy right now,” Greenlaw said. “Definitely had times when things weren’t going good, that you felt like, ‘Damn,’ but I don’t think it was a mistake.