San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) - Stephen Lam/The Chronicle
With the NFL season officially here, the 2024 49ers captains have been announced. The team announced eight captains, which is two more than usual. The San Francisco 49ers have a big year ahead of them, and these captains will step up as leaders to help bring them to playoffs, and hopefully more for them. Here is a look at the eight 2024 49ers captains, and why they are deserving of the role.
Why 8 2024 49ers Captains?
Usually, when the 49ers announce their team captains, there are six of them. This year there is a big difference. Six players will be captains this year. So the next question is why? According to Tim Kawakami, it is because the two running backs earned a lot of votes. Though there may be more, they are all deserving of the role. This is very lucky for these eight, as head coach, Kyle Shanahan has informed the team that the captains will get reserved prime parking spaces at team HQ.
Fred Warner
Up first is linebacker Fred Warner, a known leader of the team. He is such a leader that he could be called the quarterback of the defense. It is no surprise that he is a 2024 49ers captain. Warner is a difference-maker on and off the field. He is arguably the best linebacker in the league. It is no surprise that he is a captain, as he works hard for his team.
Trent Williams
Star left tackle, Trent Williams is once again a team captain. This one is not surprising, but at the same time, he has not been around the facilities this offseason. Williams has spent the 2024 offseason and preseason under a hold-out. Just a couple of days before being named team captain, he earned a restructure getting his guaranteed money. Williams is known as a leader on this team and demonstrated that by pushing for a new deal and returning to the facility once he learned his teammate, Ricky Pearsall was tragically shot. Williams chose to be there for his team, and once again earned the role of team captain.
George Kittle
Tight end George Kittle has once again earned team captain. Kittle has been on the team since 2017 and has grown into a true leader. Not only is he a great player, whether it be receiving or blocking, but he is always there to cheer up his team. This game can get rough not only on the body but on the mind. He is always there to remind his team that football is fun and helps them refocus.
Nick Bosa
Defensive lineman, Nick Bosa is back as a team captain. He did not get the role last season, as he was holding out while waiting for a contract extension. Bosa has stepped up big time as a leader throughout the offseason, even attending OTA’s this year. Usually, he spends this time away from the team. Bosa had a bit of an off year in 2023, but now that there are fewer distractions, he could have another big year and step up big time as a leader.
Deebo Samuel
Wide receiver, Deebo Samuel has earned team captain in back-to-back years. Samuel is another veteran that has been stepping up big time throughout this offseason. On days when veterans were allowed to take off, Samuel attended practice. He took off when needed, but he truly put in the work in the offseason. This will not only have a positive impact on him, but he set an example for the young players on the team.
Brock Purdy
Quarterback Brock Purdy has been named one of the 2024 49ers captains. This is his second year in a row. Yes, as a quarterback this is something to expect. But Purdy has shown he can be a leader on and off the field. This has also been his first year to be able to go through the offseason program as the team’s starter. This is an exciting season with Purdy, who is heading into year three with the 49ers.
Christian McCaffrey
Star running back, Christian McCaffrey is the seventh team captain this year. McCaffrey is one of those players that is just truly dedicated to the team. He is hardworking and will do whatever he can to bring the 49ers to a victory. The way he pushes for extra yards on every play and his work ethic both set an example for the guys on the team.
Kyle Juszczyk
Fullback, Kyle Juszczyk is the eighth and final player to be one of the 2024 49ers captains. Juszczyk is currently the 49ers’ longest-tenured player. He has been with the team at low points and high points. He also does it all whether it be to receive, rush occasionally, and block. Juszczyk also restructured his deal over the offseason to help the team out. He is a veteran and a leader who will do as much as he can to help his team win.
