On Monday, running back Jeff Wilson Jr. took part in his first practice since re-signing with the San Francisco 49ers, the team where he began his NFL career. While many faces inside the locker room have changed, Wilson believes his familiarity with Kyle Shanahan's offense will make for a smooth transition after spending the past three seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Wilson admitted that before the 49ers called, he was in a "rough spot," uncertain about his NFL future. The outpouring of support from the fanbase made his return even sweeter.


"As soon as the news started circulating about me coming here, I had so many fans DMing me and texting me, 'Man, we miss you. We love you,'" Wilson told reporters on Monday. "It was like, man, there's people that still carry love. And that was the main reasons why it made it kind of sweeter to come back, because it was like having those people reach out, it's like, 'Man, we miss you. We love you. Thank you.'

"All those things go a long way. You never know what a person's going through. To hear those things at the right time, it could be a big difference."

Wilson noted that the warm welcome didn't just come from fans—coaches and players reached out as well.


"He looked good today," head coach Kyle Shanahan said of Wilson. "Has a different haircut, so I didn't recognize him right away, but got a few carries today and looked like Jeff."

Shanahan added: "Awesome player, awesome person, and pumped him back in here."


Reflecting on the end of his first stint with the 49ers


The 49ers traded Wilson to the Dolphins shortly after acquiring Christian McCaffrey. While the move wasn't a total surprise, it was still bittersweet.

"I knew coming in this, it's a business," Wilson explained, "so I kind of knew kind of what was brewing before they made the transaction, and Christian actually came here. I kind of always felt it.

"I didn't want to leave, and they didn't really want me to leave, but it was just, as far as the business side of it, and me having kids to take care of, a family to take care of, just like everybody else, it was just the business aspect.

"If I could go back and stay here, I'd most definitely try to find a way. But everything happens for a reason. I'm a firm believer in that, and you never know."

Wilson on 49ers QB Brock Purdy


The last time Wilson was with San Francisco, Brock Purdy was still a rookie who had yet to start an NFL game. Seeing how far Purdy has come has left a strong impression on Wilson.


Wilson was asked to reflect on Purdy in his first year and what has changed since then.

"It's just his aura," Wilson said. "He don't even have to speak. You can just feel it on him. You can feel his presence. It's kind of crazy because I just talked to him in the weight room. We just got done lifting. We was kind of just talking about that. He was like, 'It's good to see you,' telling me the things that I taught him, that I was telling him when he was getting ready to transpire, and go into his groove before everything already started.

"But it's just like I told him, 'You ain't done yet. The sky's the limit.' And I can't wait to see where he continues to go. Brock's my guy, for sure."

Wilson made it clear that he believes Purdy's success is no accident.

"Where he's at now is where he's supposed to be," he added. "Like I said, I just can't wait to continue to see him excel. I'm very happy for him."




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