"At this point in my career, I've had a lot of individual successes," Juszczyk recently told Matt Maiocco during an interview for NBC Sports Bay Area's "49ers Talk" podcast. "I've had the Pro Bowls, the All-Pros, I've signed three contracts, widely known as one of the best fullbacks in the league. So I take a lot of pride in all that, and I love that. I truly do."
Juszczyk has yet to catch a pass this season but has 151 receptions for 1,576 yards and nine receiving touchdowns in his seven seasons with the 49ers. He loves catching passes, and the accolades he has earned are nice. However, in his 11th NFL season, the veteran player is focused on team goals, not individual ones.
"My favorite thing in the world to do is to catch the ball," Juszczyk shared. "I've always said if I could choose one thing or the other, I don't care that I'm a fullback, I want to catch the ball. That's what always motivated me to block harder, is so I could stay out there, so I have another chance to catch the ball.
"But, all that being said, having all those individual goals, having already done them, but I haven't won a Super Bowl, now my focus is just so much on that ultimate goal and team goal of winning a ring. That means more than anything to me."
That goal could be reached this season. Juszczyk is part of a talented 49ers roster and a team that is the betting favorite to win Super Bowl 58. His Niners have come close, reaching the NFC Championship Game three times and a Super Bowl over the past four seasons. They just haven't been able to bring him the organization's sixth Lombardi Trophy, though.
"At the end of the day, if I finish the season with my 20 to 30 catches, but we lose in the playoffs, I've done that," Juszczyk said. "That's cool and all, but I want something more. I really do want that ring. And so right now, if that requires me just doing more blocking, more decoys, that kind of stuff, and seeing other guys succeed, that's fantastic. That's okay."
The fullback is willing to do whatever his coaches ask of him. There have never been so many offensive weapons around him. The 49ers boast other playmakers like running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and tight end George Kittle, to name a few. If that means less involvement in the passing game for Juszczyk as San Francisco continues to rack up wins, so be it.
"I'm genuinely happy that we're winning and we're scoring 30 points a game," Juszczyk added. "I will take that right now. I hope I get the ball more, but it's not absolutely required."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Juszczyk, 49ers teammates react to NFL celebration fine
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle spoke to the media in the locker room after Thursday's practice and wanted to make an opening statement before taking questions. "I think we're gonna sign a petition to Juice's new nickname [being] 'Beer,'" Kittle said. "So, that's... -
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk fined $14,926 for what NFL labels an 'offensive' celebration
The National Football League was not fond of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk's celebration after he caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy in the third quarter. The NFL fined Juszczyk $14,926 and provided the fullback with the following... -
49ers Notebook: Shanahan not ruling Brandin Cooks out vs. Cardinals; Players need to step up amid injuries
We'll start this edition of the notebook with the San Francisco 49ers' defense, specifically the defensive line. The unit has endured several injuries early in the season, particularly along the interior. Projected starting defensive tackle Alfred Collins was lost for the... -
49ers vs. Cardinals injury report: Mike Evans among several who did not practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 3 contest against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. San Francisco made several roster moves Wednesday, including placing defensive tackle C.J. West on injured reserve with a knee...