The day after being drafted #2 by the San Francisco 49ers, defensive lineman Nick Bosa came to Levi’s Stadium to meet the press.
Socially Minded
Bosa addressed some of the more concerning comments he’s made on social media, as well as his behavior on social media.
“I definitely made some insensitive decisions throughout my life, and I’m just excited to be here with a clean slate,” Bosa said. “I’m sorry if I hurt anybody. I definitely didn’t intend for that to be the case. I think me being here is even better for me as a person, because I don’t think…there’s anywhere, any city that you could really be in that will help you grow as much as this one will.”
Specifically, Bosa called former 49ers’ QB Colin Kaepernick a “clown” for his decision to kneel for the National Anthem in the name of social justice and racial equality.
“It’s not like I’m saying his stance and what he was doing, that’s not what I was calling or talking about at all, Bosa explained. “It was just me, a specific thing that happened and me as a young kid, a thought popping into my head and boom, decided to tweet it out. Bad, bad decision. I respect what he’s done. If it empowers anybody, then he’s doing a good thing. I apologize for that.”
The irony of him ending up a 49er was not lost on Bosa. His social media has since been scrubbed, which the defensive lineman said his agent handled.
General manager John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan said yesterday that in evaluating Bosa, his reputation as a teammate became more important than the social media issues. For Bosa’s part, he believes his teammates will quickly get to know the person he is.
“I think once they get in and I meet the guys and they learn who I am, I don’t think there’s going to need any explaining,” said Bosa. “I think they’re going to see who I am as a person and that’ll be enough.”
All in the Family
Bosa was joined by his parents, John and Cheryl Bosa, today and last night. Also with him in Nashville was his brother and Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive end Joey Bosa, who was very emotional when his younger brother was drafted.
“He’s an emotional guy under that rough exterior,” the younger Bosa said.
Not surprisingly, the Bosa brothers have been compared in terms of their style of play, but they are their own men.
“I think we play pretty similar,” said Bosa. “We use speed and power. We’re not one-dimensional players. I think, yeah, we have a lot of similarities in our game, but I’m just excited to start my own journey and show off some of my attributes.”
It does pay to have an older brother in the NFL to show you the ropes though.
“Just maintaining your body, eating right. He’s got a chef out there. She’s amazing. She comes over like once every couple days. So, just the nutrition and maintenance. He has a gym in his garage that he built. Just constant maintenance throughout an NFL season is key.”
Defense
Now, it’s time to get to work as Bosa joins a talents 49ers’ defensive line. He will play opposite Dee Ford, who the 49ers acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason. Bosa is familiar with Ford and his ability.
“He was on the Chiefs, so he played Joey twice. So, I was watching him. I like what he does. He’s a really, really great speed rusher. He switches it to power and he’ll knock you on your butt. I’m just excited to get with some guys that have been in the league for a while and know the ins and outs and the tackles. Just pick up tips from them and show them some of the stuff I’ve learned, as well.”
Is it September yet? Go Niners!