Quarterback Brock Purdy has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication by attending the San Francisco 49ers’ voluntary workouts immediately after finalizing his five-year, $265 million contract extension. This commitment highlights Purdy’s focus on team cohesion and preparation ahead of the upcoming NFL season, emphasizing the importance of his role beyond just his financial agreement.
Purdy expressed his intent to be fully present from the start, showing trust in both his agent and the 49ers’ management throughout the negotiation process.
“Being here day one was a huge emphasis for me, regardless of having a contract done or not,”
Purdy said, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
“But I had a lot of faith in my agent and the Niners that we were going to get something done. I didn’t know when exactly, but being here for phase one was huge for me.”
Expressing Gratitude and Focus on Team Success
After securing his new contract, Purdy emphasized his gratitude for the outcome and his commitment to leading the 49ers on the field.
“I think where we ended up was exactly where we needed to be,”
he stated.
“I’m extremely happy with where we ended and I know the Niners are, too. … However they use the cap space and all that kind of stuff, that’s not my job. My job is to now go and win games and lead this team, but I’m extremely happy and grateful for where we ended.”
Along with Purdy’s extension, the team also secured contract renewals for tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner. Purdy highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with the organization to build a strong roster.
“We want to make sure that we’re working together with our organization and setting up everybody for success,”
he said.
“It’s not just for me to get all the money as much as I can, but also, hey, let’s surround yourself with a great team and players and a great locker room, and all those things mattered.”
Rookie Defensive End Mykel Williams Brings Grit and Strength to the 49ers
The 49ers used their No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on defensive end Mykel Williams, a player known for his relentless effort across multiple sports during his high school years. Before his collegiate career at Georgia, Williams competed as a high school wrestler, a background that helped develop his toughness and perseverance.
Williams’ wrestling coach, Mike Smith, described him as indefatigable on the mat.
“He was just a dog, to be honest with you,”
Smith said, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic.
“He doesn’t know what quit is. He’d just keep going until it was over.”
Williams also played basketball in high school, and his father, John Johnson, noted his potential to have played at the Division II level if that had been his focus.
“He’d be playing Division II basketball if he’d made it his sport,”
Johnson said.
“And that wouldn’t have been a bad thing.”
Williams’ football skills were further highlighted by his high school coach, Michael Woolridge, who recalled Williams’ dominant performance against some of Georgia’s top offensive linemen in an all-star game.
“These were the top offensive linemen in the state of Georgia,”
Woolridge said.
“And he destroyed ’em. He absolutely destroyed ’em. I think that was a turning point. We all saw that he had size and strength, and we always knew he had a chance. But that all-star game, it was an exclamation mark. After that, it was, ‘How high can this kid go?’”
Cardinals Rookie Cody Simon Adapts to Advanced Communication Methods
Meanwhile, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Cody Simon is adjusting to new helmet communication technology, which was approved by the NCAA in April 2024 and is increasingly used to enhance defensive coordination. Simon, a fourth-round draft pick, shared his experience transitioning to this system.
It was definitely a transition, Simon said, via the team’s official website.
“I definitely learned a lot through helmet communication, and it just makes communicating even easier and faster. We’ve done it a lot at Ohio State, and it’s something I’m ready to do here now.”
Simon also emphasized his desire to contribute early in his professional career and take on a leadership role among the defense.
“My job is to contribute as early as possible,”
he added.
“I know the game is mental as much as physical now, so I need to be ready to help at all points. They drafted me to be able to contribute early, and I know my job is to be able to go onto that field and do my job. If your younger guys aren’t trying to push to be a leader, I think your younger guys may not be trying to be the best version of themselves. I think that’s what the NFL is about. When you have that pressure from behind and you’re pushing the older guys up, I think that’s great for your team and can only make the team better.”
Building Momentum for a Competitive NFL Season
Brock Purdy’s early participation in workouts and his large contract extension represent more than personal success; they signal a clear intention to lead the 49ers with dedication and focus. Alongside key extensions for George Kittle and Fred Warner, the team is positioning itself for a strong campaign, emphasizing unity and preparedness.
The addition of promising young talent like Mykel Williams brings fresh energy and toughness, while players like Cody Simon are adapting to technological advances that can impact game performance. These developments indicate both established and new players are embracing their roles fully as the NFL season approaches, aiming to deliver competitive results for their teams and fans alike.