49ers’ rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey has never missed a game of football. Like, never.
“If I’m able to play and if I’m moving and if I can stay in front of people, I’m going to be playing,” McGlinchey told the media. “That’s the mindset that I’ve always had since I’ve been playing football.”
That’s a good thing, because since the 49ers traded Trent Brown to the New England Patriots for a third-round (95th overall) 2018 draft pick, McGlinchey is going to be the guy on the right side of the field.
“I was picked by the 49ers to come in and compete and play football and that’s all I’m going to do,” McGlinchey said. “I’m not the one in charge of shaping the roster. I’m not the one in charge of making those kinds of decisions. They brought me here to play offensive line and that’s what I’m going to do no matter if it’s first-year starter or riding the bench for a little while.”
The new Niner had a chance to meet the man with the longest tenure in red and gold and the man who will be playing on the other side of the line at left tackle, Joe Staley.
“Joe’s obviously one of the most accomplished tackles in the NFL and has been for a long time,” said McGlinchey. He and I played under some similar coaching trees, so he’s one of those guys I’ve studied for a long time on top of admiring him from afar. It’s going to be an unbelievable opportunity to play across from Joe and learn from him and the kind of guy and player that he is. I mean, his reputation exceeds him and he’s deserving of all the credit that he has and very, very excited to get to work with Joe and learn from him and hopefully elevate my game to the level that he’s been playing at for a long time.”
And yes, he did meet quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and continues to be very excited to get on the field with him.
McGlinchey’s mother told us he was an 11 pound baby, which is a fun fact and he’s Matt Ryan’s cousin. To more about McGlinchey and his many cousin, watch below for 5 Fun Facts with Mike McGlinchey!