Newly signed 49ers’ cornerback Richard Sherman spoke to the Bay Area media on Monday, and he had plenty to say.
The former Seattle Seahawks’ star, who is recovering from an achilles’ injury, is looking forward to getting back on the field and showing everyone – especially the good people in the Seahawks’ organization – that 2013 Richard Sherman is alive and well.
“I’m going to try my best to ruin their day,” Sherman said. Make that two days, as the 49ers play Seattle twice a year.
Outside of Seattle, Sherman knows he’s had a lot of doubters after the aforementioned achilles’ injury for which surgery was required, as well as a procedure for bone spurs on the other heel.
“I have a lot of people to put a show on for,” Sherman said.
Sherman will be reunited with 49ers’ defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and is looking forward to playing opposite second year corner Ahkello Witherspoon, who he sees as a future star.
But there was another factor that made San Francisco an attractive destination. If you guessed Jimmy Garoppolo, you’re right!
“That had a huge part in it,” said Sherman. “The way he played down the stretch was inspiring and incredible. Quarterbacks can get hot over a limited amount of time and the next year fall off the face of the earth and you never hear from them again. But what I saw from him was consistency. I saw poise. I saw leadership. I saw respect from his teammates, command of the offense.”
On top of that, he’s pretty impressed with the offensive prowess of his new head coach.
“I think [Kyle Shanahan] is one of the most creative and innovative offensive minds in football,” Sherman said.
In reference to the famous Turkey Leg Incident of 2014, let’s let bygones be bygones, shall we?
“We played pretty well that game,” said Sherman. “I honestly didn’t think it was disrespectful. But people can take it any way they want to.”
Let’s move on. The former Stanford Cardinal is a Niner now.
“I’ve spent a lot of time wearing a red jersey in the Bay. I’m sure I’ll get it figured out.”
Totally not worried. Is it September yet? Go Niners!
In Other News
- It has been reported that free agent offensive lineman is choosing between the 49ers, the Giants and the Colts, with the initial report coming from Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com.
- Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller added another name to the free agency list.
- The 49ers confirmed that running back Raheem Mostert signed his one-year exclusive rights tender.
- San Francisco signed former Minnesota Vikings Punter Jeff Locke to a one-year deal.