On the surface, the hiring of Jim Harbaugh seemed to make all the difference. The Niners went 13-3 in 2011 and ultimately made three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl with him at the helm. Harbaugh left little doubt that he was an elite head coach, but the team was also full of talented players who were still hitting their stride upon his arrival. Vernon Davis was one of those players.
The Pro Bowl tight end ranks seventh all-time in franchise history in receiving yards (5,640) and fourth in receiving touchdowns (55). He was also a prolific playoff performer with 600 yards receiving and seven touchdowns over eight postseason games.
Davis was recently a guest on the No Huddle podcast and was asked why he thought the 49ers were able to turn things around in 2011. Was it the arrival of Harbaugh, the growth of the players, or a little of both?
"I think the players were evolving. We all gelled together and we really cared about each other," said Davis. "We hung out, we stayed together. When you have that togetherness I think it says a lot because a lot of times I've been on teams where guys are just together in the locker room. They go to work, they don't hang out outside of that. But the team that we had, we stuck together, man"
Davis also discusses his new book, the infamous Mike Singletary press conference, Harbaugh's return to the NFL and more. You can watch the entire interview here:
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Donte Whitner believes 49ers' signing of Ashtyn Davis is a threat to Ji'Ayir Brown's starting role
When the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran safety Ashtyn Davis last week, the move didn't create the same buzz as some of the team's bigger offseason additions. But one former 49ers defensive player believes the signing could have a much bigger impact than many expect,... -
49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith
The San Francisco 49ers have issued the following statement following the passing of former linebacker Aldon Smith. "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith. Aldon's undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment... -
49ers star Nick Bosa's contract ranked among NFL's worst
When healthy, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa remains one of the NFL's premier edge rushers. After a dominant 2022 campaign in which he led the league with 18.5 sacks, Bosa earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and was rewarded with a five-year, $170... -
49ers fans take note: NFL insider warns 'the 18-game slate is coming'
San Francisco 49ers fans would undoubtedly welcome another opportunity each season to watch their favorite team take the field. According to one NFL insider, that extra game is likely on the horizon—it's simply a matter of when the league and players can agree on the...