The Richard Sherman Podcast - Inside 49ers Training Camp: Kittle, Purdy, Lenoir & Kyle Shanahan join Richard Sherman

Summary

Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: The Richard Sherman Podcast - Inside 49ers Training Camp: Kittle, Purdy, Lenoir & Kyle Shanahan Join Richard Sherman
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: August 6, 2025

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Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Richard Sherman takes listeners behind the scenes of the San Francisco 49ers' training camp. Featuring deep conversations with star players George Kittle, quarterback Brock Purdy, and cornerback D' Amador Lenore, Sherman delves into team dynamics, personal growth, and the strategic vision under head coach Kyle Shanahan. The episode offers an intimate look at the players' mindsets, their preparations for the upcoming season, and the camaraderie that fuels the team's drive for success.

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Interview with George Kittle [02:29 - 17:15]

Key Topics Covered:

• Personal Life & Team Support: George Kittle discusses the balance between his professional responsibilities and personal life, emphasizing the importance of keeping his wife happy to maintain overall well-being.

• Confidence & Team Strength: Kittle expresses his confidence in the team's diverse talent pool, highlighting key players like Ricky and the reassurance of having experienced teammates.

• Growth & Adaptation: Reflecting on his growth over the years, Kittle shares how his anxiety levels have decreased, allowing him to perform more naturally and effectively during training camp.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:02] George Kittle: "I try my best."
• [10:31] Richard Sherman: "So you thought he was a great football player... but he's a great husband as well."
• [14:18] George Kittle: "Being a George in, like, third grade was really weird."

Insights & Conclusions: George Kittle emphasizes the significance of a supportive personal life in enhancing his on-field performance. He highlights the strength of the current team roster and the positive impact of having reliable and talented teammates. Kittle's focus on maintaining low anxiety levels translates to a more composed and effective performance, reflecting his evolution as both a player and an individual.

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Interview with Brock Purdy [22:16 - 36:47]

Key Topics Covered:

• Balancing Fatherhood & Football: Brock Purdy shares the joy and challenges of becoming a new father while managing his responsibilities as the starting quarterback.

• Coaching Relationship: Purdy discusses his dynamic with head coach Kyle Shanahan, emphasizing mutual trust and the continuous learning process that enhances their on-field strategy.

• Handling Expectations & Motivation: Addressing external opinions and expectations, Purdy focuses on internal motivation and teamwork as the driving forces behind his performance.

• Memorable Career Moments: Purdy recounts pivotal plays that have defined his career, highlighting the importance of specific game situations in shaping his development.

Notable Quotes:

• [30:03] Brock Purdy: "I have a chip on my shoulder and I go prove myself every single year."
• [35:14] Brock Purdy: "That play, if that play didn't happen, none of this wouldn't have happened."
• [28:57] Brock Purdy: "Everybody's going to have something to say. That's the nature of the sport."

Insights & Conclusions: Brock Purdy underscores the importance of balancing personal life with professional commitments, finding fulfillment in both roles. His relationship with Coach Shanahan is portrayed as a cornerstone of his success, built on trust and mutual respect. Purdy's focus on internal motivation over external criticism highlights his resilience and dedication to continuous improvement. Memorable career moments serve as milestones that have significantly contributed to his growth as a quarterback.

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Interview with D' Amador Lenore [40:33 - 63:17]

Key Topics Covered:

• Defensive Strategy & Role: D' Amador Lenore outlines his responsibilities as a lockdown cornerback, emphasizing the transition to shutting down top receivers.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Lenore discusses his role in mentoring younger players, drawing from his own experiences and the support he received early in his career.

• Team Dynamics & Coaching Changes: Addressing the high turnover in both players and coaching staff, Lenore shares insights on adapting to new strategies and maintaining team cohesion.

• Goals & Aspirations: Lenore sets clear objectives for the season, aiming for both team success in winning the Super Bowl and personal accolades like Pro Bowl selections.

Notable Quotes:

• [49:19] D' Amador Lenore: "I'm gonna be the best corner in the league this year."
• [48:33] D' Amador Lenore: "That play... shaped me to get better."
• [61:53] D' Amador Lenore: "It's about figuring out scheme... putting those guys in the best position to win."

Insights & Conclusions: D' Amador Lenore highlights the critical role of defense in the team's overall strategy, emphasizing adaptability and leadership. His commitment to mentoring younger players reflects a dedication to fostering a strong, cohesive unit. Despite high staff turnover, Lenore maintains optimism about the team's direction, focusing on strategic adjustments and the integration of new talent. His aspirations for both team and personal achievements demonstrate a balanced approach to success.

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Overall Conclusions

This episode provides a multifaceted view of the San Francisco 49ers' training camp, showcasing the interplay between personal lives, team dynamics, and strategic development. Through in-depth interviews with George Kittle, Brock Purdy, and D' Amador Lenore, Richard Sherman uncovers the dedication and resilience that drive the team forward. The players' insights into their roles, relationships, and future goals paint a picture of a team poised for growth and success under the guidance of Coach Kyle Shanahan. Listeners receive a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the 49ers' preparation for the upcoming season, making this episode a valuable listen for fans and sports enthusiasts alike.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [05:02] George Kittle: "I try my best."
• [10:31] Richard Sherman: "So you thought he was a great football player... but he's a great husband as well."
• [14:18] George Kittle: "Being a George in, like, third grade was really weird."
• [30:03] Brock Purdy: "I have a chip on my shoulder and I go prove myself every single year."
• [35:14] Brock Purdy: "That play, if that play didn't happen, none of this wouldn't have happened."
• [28:57] Brock Purdy: "Everybody's going to have something to say. That's the nature of the sport."
• [49:19] D' Amador Lenore: "I'm gonna be the best corner in the league this year."
• [48:33] D' Amador Lenore: "That play... shaped me to get better."
• [61:53] D' Amador Lenore: "It's about figuring out scheme... putting those guys in the best position to win."

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This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, player insights, and memorable moments. It provides a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened, offering valuable perspectives on the 49ers' training camp and team dynamics.

Transcript

[Richard Sherman]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[George Kittle]

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[Richard Sherman]

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[Brock Purdy]

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[Richard Sherman]

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[George Kittle]

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[Brock Purdy]

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[Richard Sherman]

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[George Kittle]

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[Richard Sherman]

Create an [e-mail] hey, it's Ryan Seacrest.

[Unknown]

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[George Kittle]

Hey everybody, I'm here with Richard Sherman. Welcome to our podcast. We just started it.

[Richard Sherman]

We just started it. We prayed for it. I prayed for it and I got it. I. I have George Kittle here on the Richard Sherman and George Kittle podcast. Hey, hell of a beard.

[George Kittle]

Thank you. You have beer? You said.

[Richard Sherman]

You know I do. And I want you to. I want you to crush it like you did with Morgan Waller.

[George Kittle]

Thank you. I enjoyed that.

[Richard Sherman]

I know it was right you. You in your element.

[George Kittle]

I was me in my element. It was like a WWE walkout. Couldn't have been any easier for me.

[Richard Sherman]

I said, who set this up? Because this is perfection.

[George Kittle]

Hey, did anybody think that Trent Williams was going to do it?

[Richard Sherman]

No.

[George Kittle]

There wasn't a single person that stand that thought Trent Williams would do it, and I got him to do it. I was so excited.

[Richard Sherman]

I wish I would have been in on that parlay. I would have bet a lot, dude.

[George Kittle]

I. I literally the. I sent it. I actually set Trent up before I asked him to do it. I sent him Drake doing it in Houston, and I sent him Marshawn lynch doing it. And he was like, oh, dude, that's really cool. I'm like, you want to do it?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[George Kittle]

Easy.

[Richard Sherman]

That means you're important.

[George Kittle]

Yeah. Thank you. Trent Williams.

[Richard Sherman]

They asked me, but. But I knew they had asked like five people before me, so I said no. I said, I can't be the sixth. I can't be the sixth choice. I just don't feel great being the sixth choice. You asked Ken Griffey Jr. You asked Marshawn. Again, you asked. I think they might have said Ichiro. And I said, those are all greats. Yeah. But I don't like to be the next one.

[George Kittle]

I would have picked you and Ichiro. That would have been the best.

[Richard Sherman]

That would have been a great combination together.

[George Kittle]

Richard Sherman, have you hung out with Ichiro at all?

[Richard Sherman]

No.

[George Kittle]

Oh, that's would have been so sick.

[Richard Sherman]

Have you?

[George Kittle]

No. I'd love to, though.

[Richard Sherman]

I think he's. They showed some stat of, like, guys who had three amount of hits before they were like 27, and Ichiro had zero and other guys had like a thousand hits before they got to 3,000. He had zero. He was the only one on the list with zero, and he got 3,000 before he was like 40 or something.

[George Kittle]

That's insane. Actually.

[Richard Sherman]

It's dumb, but how are you feeling?

[George Kittle]

I'm feeling fantastic. I play football in California in the nice weather, so I'm doing fantastic this year.

[Richard Sherman]

Your beard looks amazing.

[George Kittle]

Thank you. It's pretty thick and grizzly right now. I haven't gotten it trimmed in a while.

[Richard Sherman]

I was about to say, is that what we're going for this year? You switch it up sometimes?

[George Kittle]

I do switch it up sometimes. It's honestly, I only trim it when my wife tells me I need to trim it, so whatever she wants. But she's in Cabo right now, so she's not Here to tell me to trim it.

[Richard Sherman]

I'm going to let you know something. What you're saying right now is great advice for everybody out there. Happy wife, happy life.

[George Kittle]

Well, you're the one that told me that when you're in training camp, your wife's in training camp. I went the opposite route, and I shipped her to Cabo. And I said, please go enjoy the ocean and the sun, because it's not like I'm doing. That's not like we're going to hang out at all. Like, I'm going to be in a hotel hanging out with the boys.

[Richard Sherman]

Ladies and gentlemen, you want to see how to be married for the next 50 years? 100 years, successful marriage. Do what this young man is doing right here.

[George Kittle]

Keep your wife really happy.

[Richard Sherman]

Keep your wife really happy.

[George Kittle]

It makes your life way better.

[Richard Sherman]

It does, doesn't it? So much.

[George Kittle]

If she's in a great mood, I can't not be in a good mood. It's pretty easy, right? I know. Buy her flowers once in a while, boys.

[Richard Sherman]

Every once in a while. Do great things, do nice things. Yeah. Out of nowhere, for nothing.

[George Kittle]

Yeah. Just do it. They remember it because they remember everything.

[Richard Sherman]

So. So you thought he was a great football player. You thought he was just an all pro tight end. You thought he just, you know, a beer. Stone cold Steve Austin. But he's a great husband as well.

[George Kittle]

I try my best.

[Richard Sherman]

Dude, I hate to put this on you.

[George Kittle]

Put it on me right now.

[Richard Sherman]

Children. Where are they?

[George Kittle]

Oh, whatever happens, it happens at this point.

[Richard Sherman]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Because I. Because now they say you can invest in people's kids and you can put, like, a stock market kind of deal.

[George Kittle]

You want to invest on mine?

[Richard Sherman]

No question about.

[George Kittle]

I think I already. I. I'm pretty sure when I was playing, I asked. You and Joe Staley are both. You're. You're like one and two for investing into my child.

[Richard Sherman]

No question.

[George Kittle]

That's fine.

[Richard Sherman]

I'm right there. That's why I'm asking. You know what I mean?

[George Kittle]

I'm in right here. As soon as. As soon as, you know, we get down to that path, I'll let you know, and then you can invest.

[Richard Sherman]

Will you go? If it's a boy, will you go? Junior? Very important question.

[George Kittle]

No, I doubt it. Not George. Probably not a George Jr. No chance. Yes, George is a. It is. That's an. That's an old name.

[Richard Sherman]

It's your name.

[George Kittle]

It's an old name, though.

[Richard Sherman]

Okay.

[George Kittle]

Being a George in, like, third grade was really weird.

[Richard Sherman]

It had to be rough.

[George Kittle]

Hey George. What?

[Richard Sherman]

What's your middle name?

[George Kittle]

Krager. It's my mom's maiden name.

[Richard Sherman]

You know, I'm going to use that.

[George Kittle]

Couldn't be more German. Could not be. George Crager. Kittle.

[Richard Sherman]

Kittle, yeah. That's a hard one to get out. George Craig.

[George Kittle]

Yeah. George Kraeger. Kittle. Everyone always says Krieger. I'm like, it's not that German.

[Richard Sherman]

Don't do that.

[George Kittle]

Don't do that to me, please. He always calls me the killer. That's scary sometimes too.

[Richard Sherman]

It is if people don't. I didn't realize people didn't say it because I thought there's. It's not as pure. No, it is.

[George Kittle]

I've missed that one though. In the locker room. That was always one of my favorites.

[Richard Sherman]

So how you feeling right now? This is kid training camp number nine.

[George Kittle]

I think I was nine or ten. Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

One or the other ten, ten. Whichever.

[George Kittle]

Yeah. Whatever it is, it's a lot. We're in there.

[Richard Sherman]

All of them with Kyle.

[George Kittle]

Yeah. Training Camp 9. Sorry, it's Practice 10. But yes. It's my ninth training camp with Kyle.

[Richard Sherman]

We don't keep what numbers of.

[George Kittle]

Yeah. No.

[Richard Sherman]

Today.

[George Kittle]

No.

[Richard Sherman]

How are you? How is George Kittle the player, the man, the husband, the future father? How are you feeling compared to George Kittle the first year player who was just didn't know his buns from a hole in the wall?

[George Kittle]

I didn't know anything. No, I was just out there. I would say like the biggest difference for me is that this is like this training camp. My anxiety level has been lower than it ever has going into a training camp. Like just like comfortable with the offense, comfortable with the guys that I'm around. Like yes. We don't have really any healthy receivers out there right now, which is always a stress. You know it's great to have Ricky's back for his like second day in a row, which is fantastic. But like just going into like just not anxious every single day about football and like knowing and having the confidence that you know I've done it, I know what I'm doing. I'm like not really thinking. You're just reacting to stuff. Like that part has been really fun for me because you're not just laying up at night just like, oh no.

[Richard Sherman]

The burden of like. And I tried. I talked to Kyle earlier and I said this is the first season in a long time that you guys aren't like the presumed front runners for sure. And people don't understand the pressure and the Anxiety of a day to day, like, there's no win in that. Because even when you win, they're like, you didn't win by enough. Even when you're like doing great, they're like, hey, you were 13 and 4. They were like, why weren't you 14 and 3? It's like, well, I guarantee you we tried to be.

[George Kittle]

Yeah, we tried. It's not like we. It's not like I go into a game expecting to lose. Like I'm expecting to win every single game. It's just other teams also are expecting to win. It's really hard for people to understand that sometimes.

[Richard Sherman]

Sure, it's really hard. And that's why I want to get it through to him. Hey, you're coming in as. Not the. The favorite. 17. He said, the last two years you guys were favored in all 17 games. And I said, people are like, man, that must feel great. I said, no, it's the opposite. I kind of want to come in an underdog and just surprise you every now and then because then you can appreciate what we're putting out on the field. But when, when you go in the favorite and you just win, there's like, well, we expect you to beat that team. Well, how? They're an NFL team with NFL players. Don't expect it.

[George Kittle]

That's what's crazy. It's like the NERS have the easiest strength to schedule this year. It's like, it's the NFL. It's hard regardless. Like, sure, yeah, you're. We're not going up against the number ones from every single conference or division, but still, it's an NFL game. Like, you still have to go out there and perform at an incredibly high level because every team is doing that same. So it's just like, what are you talking about? Easiest schedule? Like, relax. I still have to go out there and play for 60 minutes and find a way to get a dub and.

[Richard Sherman]

Find a way to get a.

[George Kittle]

Find a way.

[Richard Sherman]

A motivated and hungry team.

[George Kittle]

Exactly. Especially all the teams that are at the bottom of the vision. No one likes to lose.

[Richard Sherman]

No.

[George Kittle]

So they're all like, usually the teams that didn't play well last year are usually the most hungry to go out there and do it again anyway. So you're getting the most hungry damn teams every single year.

[Richard Sherman]

And as a All Pro premier player at your position, the highest rated on Madden, by the way. Thanks, Chad.

[George Kittle]

I think that's four years at 98. Can you get me to a 99 one of these times? Sure.

[Richard Sherman]

I'm going to Go talk to him.

[Brock Purdy]

Thanks.

[Richard Sherman]

Because at this point, they're, they're just kind of.

[George Kittle]

Just give me one. Just give me one more, please. Yeah, just give me one of them one of these days.

[Richard Sherman]

How, how, how crazy is it when you get into games? Because everybody's like, man, it feels good to be the best. But it's like every kid that steps in front of you also thinks this is their moment.

[George Kittle]

It is, it is. Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

And you gotta, you gotta, you can't let them down. You gotta give them what they expect. You gotta give them what the film shows and. Tell me how fun. Cause you're. You're crazy, man. How fun that is every week.

[George Kittle]

It's an absolute blast. One of my favorite things that I learned really early in my career was that there are hundreds of thousands of kids who would love nothing more than to be the starting tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. And it is my job to ruin all of their dreams. And that is so basically, fuck them kids. Excuse my language, everybody.

[Richard Sherman]

Jordan said it best.

[George Kittle]

Yeah, but literally. So that's what my mindset is. Every single time. Every time I go against a new first round draft pick defensive lineman, it's like, hey, I'm happy for you that you were drafted in the first round, but welcome to my world. Like, I'm going to put my hands on you, I'm going to headbutt you, and then next thing you know, I'm going to release, pass you and go like, catch a pass and score a touchdown. So it's like, yeah, there are fantastic football players out there. But, like, I'm me for a reason. I work the way I work for the reason, I have the confidence I do for a reason. And like, that's all still with me. I don't give a shit that I'm 31 years old. Like, I'm still out there and I'm going to, I'm going to hit you really hard in the face and I'm going to laugh while I do it.

[Richard Sherman]

Yes, yes.

[George Kittle]

Like, why not? Them kids.

[Richard Sherman]

Them kids.

[George Kittle]

Thank you.

[Richard Sherman]

Like Mikael Williams. Mikael Williams is guy first.

[George Kittle]

Awesome. Fantastic.

[Richard Sherman]

I get to get blocked by tight ends. Have you got a chance to block him yet?

[George Kittle]

Yeah, multiple times. I mean, in OTAs, he was like, I don't let, like, Titans don't block me. It's disrespectful. I'm like, you're in a different world now, but it's. You're in a different world. I promise you that. It's different now with A different beast. It's just different. I don't care if it's like I'll take a one on one pass pro versus anybody. I do not care. Nick Bosa is really hard to block, but I'll still take the challenge any day of the week. So it's really fun. But like all these. Yeah, you get the first round draft picks, you get second round draft picks, all these defensive ends. It's just like, yeah, you were really good in college. Congratulations. Welcome to the show.

[Richard Sherman]

You get a lot of respect. Well deserved in this league. Well deserved. But as a former fifth round pick like myself, like what pick were you? 154, 146. You were before me. Oh my God. You. What's up Hawkeyes? Now think about this. Think about this. What about the Iowa tight ends? Now that gets the respect that you get now that you didn't get when you were coming.

[George Kittle]

Yeah, two were drafted in the first round the year after I broke a record. Good for them.

[Richard Sherman]

They're like, they're like, look George Kittle.

[George Kittle]

I know. Good for them, you know. And then I say, at least they're all good players too. That's the nice thing, right?

[Richard Sherman]

Do they ever call you?

[George Kittle]

And why train with Hawkinson every offseason? So that's nice.

[Richard Sherman]

See.

[George Kittle]

No, every once in a while. See to Sam Laporte every once in a while. But it was always fun. I always. I told Noah and TJ the year they got drafted, like you guys should throw me each a mil. At least tj, especially now. Tj, you got your second contract. You. You can afford it.

[Richard Sherman]

I mean tj, come on. You. You know the originator. Like let's. Let's give him credit. Let's give him credit where it's due.

[George Kittle]

No, but he got paid. He was highest paid for there for. For a reason.

[Richard Sherman]

So it's nice until. Until. Until they.

[George Kittle]

I got another one. So it's nice getting. Getting another big contract at 31 is really fun.

[Richard Sherman]

It is. But it's well deserved.

[George Kittle]

It is. And I earned the shit out of that.

[Richard Sherman]

No question. I talked to Kyle about you guys foundational pieces. Because you guys are the only pieces that were here when I was.

[George Kittle]

You're not wrong.

[Richard Sherman]

You, Trent, All Pro Fred Bosa. Christian wasn't here when I was here, but he's another piece. And now Brock And Juice. And Juice. And Juice. Thank goodness. Juice. Juice.

[George Kittle]

Thank goodness.

[Richard Sherman]

It just didn't feel right.

[George Kittle]

No. Sarah, my wife would have been mad the whole season.

[Richard Sherman]

Oh, I. I should have been so angry. I Could see it. I kind of feel like she made a call.

[George Kittle]

I think she called multiple people. She called multiple people on that one.

[Richard Sherman]

How, how fun is it to, to know the challenge of what you guys have coming up this season, but to know at a lot of positions you guys have elite players, not just good players. At tight end, at running back, one of the best players in National Football League. At left tackle, at dn, one of the best players in the National Football League. At the cornerback spot, at the quarterback spot. Does that give you a ton of confidence?

[George Kittle]

Yes. Like, being on a team that I know that, like, it's not just on two people that have to win every single game and you can rely on other guys gives you more confidence because it's like, well, hey, I have a clear on this, but I'm on the best clear out of my life. So then when Christian McCaffrey catches a choice route, I'll be downfield blocking for him and it's going to create space. And then, hey, the next time that we run some type of play action, he's going to sell his heart out on this play action run. And I'm going to be wide open, running across the middle of the field. And when you can count on guys, it definitely gives you a lot of confidence. But like, it's just so fun being around guys who have the desire to win so bad and then that also being around guys who you've gone through shit with. Like, that's like one of my favorite things is we've won a lot of games together, we've lost games together. And like, it builds this, I know this unity, this like confidence in this group and it like allows us just to continue to plow forward. And then for all like the young guys and you guys who get on the team, it's like you can either hop on this and rise to our standard or you're gonna, you're gonna fall off the boat and you'll be exposed really quickly. And so it's fun to be able to have guys that just have that desire all the time, that want to go out there and kick ass because it just brings everybody along with them.

[Richard Sherman]

This is gonna be a hard question.

[Brock Purdy]

Do it.

[Richard Sherman]

This is a very hard hitting question. What is your favorite play of all time?

[George Kittle]

Like, that I've done personally or like my favorite, my favorite play to run?

[Richard Sherman]

And could it be that trap play play in the NFC championship play against Green Bay? I don't know. It could be any play.

[George Kittle]

Let's see. One of my, I mean, most niners fans love my fourth and two against New Orleans Saints where I ran an out route choice route, broke out and then carried guys. That was fun. I thoroughly enjoyed that. That was one of my favorite games I ever played because our offense was on fire and their offense was on fire. So those are just fun games.

[Richard Sherman]

It wasn't my favorite game.

[George Kittle]

No, it was not a rough game. Yeah, you guys had a rough game. But like, those are fun for us because Jimmy threw for like 400 yards. Like, that's just always fun to see your quarterback throw for 400. That's definitely up there. I would say, like there's been like when we played Green Bay in the NFC championship game out there and then like our outside zone was just so dominant. We ran the ball 46 times and like every single play we just dog walk them up and down the field. I mean like, as a defensive player, is there anything worse than just giving up like eight yards of carrying? No, because there's nothing like, you know that you're not going to get a lot of action. There's in the past game, like playing cornerback and the team throws the ball seven times against you has to be one of the most disgusting things of all time.

[Richard Sherman]

Demoralizing.

[George Kittle]

It's demoralizing. And so like my favorite plays are just games that we are running the hell out of the football. Like even the game before that, we played the Minnesota Vikings and I just remember both their defensive ends were talking crap to all of our players. How about they're going to, you know, be more physical than us and all this stuff. And then we ran the ball 48 times and threw the ball six times.

[Richard Sherman]

Didn't Jimmy throw a block that game?

[George Kittle]

Jimmy threw a block. He had a pancake that game. I was just like, those are the games and the plays that I remember the most. It's just like those physical games where you come out there and you just kind of tell them to go themselves. Those are definitely my favorite games.

[Richard Sherman]

I love it. Well, I appreciate you joining us as always. I love you so much.

[George Kittle]

I love you as well.

[Richard Sherman]

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[Richard Sherman]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc, so when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total, you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you, so visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Unknown]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com foreign.

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals time where you can enjoy store wide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Hershey's, Cheez It, Kellogg's, Gatorade, Smart Water, Skinny Pop, Oberto, Zoa and Activia. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions.

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[Richard Sherman]

Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast and today we have an incredible guest, the starting quarterback for The San Francisco 49ers, the man of the hour, Brock Purdy. Congratulations on your new deal.

[Brock Purdy]

Yes, sir. Appreciate it, man.

[Richard Sherman]

And congratulations on your new baby girl.

[Brock Purdy]

Yes, sir.

[Richard Sherman]

How has that been?

[Brock Purdy]

It's been awesome. Just be able to see your own little creation and little baby and have her just look up at you and take naps together. All the things, man, of being a dad. There's nothing that compares to it.

[Richard Sherman]

Nothing at all. Nothing. As a dad of a boy and a little girl. The girls never leave you, by the way. They love you endlessly. But enjoy the chest time while you can because they get bigger and then they don't want to lay on your chest anymore. Yeah, that's just a.

[Brock Purdy]

That's what I've heard.

[Richard Sherman]

And the cheeks aren't as chubby. My daughter's losing a little bit of chubby in her cheeks and I'm like, oh my God, no. Yeah, please, your youth.

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, stay there, stay there, stay.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, but that's, that's awesome, man. I'm so happy for you. It's, it's such life changing stuff. But you've remained humble through it All. How has that been. How has the life been this offseason compared to every other offseason?

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, I mean, it's been different. Obviously. You got a little baby, wife being pregnant for the most of offseason, trying to get a contract done. So there's just been a bunch of different, like, pieces moving. But more than anything, man, I think, you know, her and I just trying to stay present, enjoy where God has us in life and. And just take it all in. And obviously continuing to work hard, being real with myself from what I saw last year, and getting better, finding ways to push myself, but also, like, man, like, this is going to go by so fast. Your career is going to go by so fast and everything. So we're just trying to soak up all the little things, the little moments and little victories and. And enjoying it, so.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, I'm happy to hear that, man. I mean, you look as good as you ever have on that practice today. You guys look like you have an incredible QB room. It's different, though. You got Lombardi now. You had Brian Greasy for the last couple years. How has that changed been?

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, I mean, I think two different styles of coaches. Obviously, Brian Greasy played the position he played for 11 years. His dad, obviously a Hall of Fame quarterback. So he's had this more of, hey, I played it. This is what I saw. I can relate to you by, you know, the situational football and. And I learned a lot from his perspective and things. And I think with Mick, he's been. He's just really smart, you know, X's and O's, he keeps it black and white. Been with Brady in New England and. And his tree there, obviously in Vegas and then now here. And so to pick his brand on, like, what, you know, he did with Brady and all the guys there and. And how he sees the game, man, I love. And he's. He's got so much energy and fire, and he's the kind of coach, man, that is going to push you, not hold it back when it comes to where you need to be better, which I love. But then he also does a great job of building us up as quarterbacks. And so overall, it's been great. Obviously, the season, we're going to have a lot of fun, and I'm excited to work with them.

[Richard Sherman]

You got a lot of your weapons back this year. Thank God you got Christian back. He looks very explosive. He looks good. Obviously, they're holding him back and taking care of him. George looks as good as he's ever been. Trent looks amazing. How important is that? You know, just to start the season, you guys don't have, you know. Thank you. Fingers crossed, knock on wood. The distractions of the holdouts and all that. You got your contract done and everybody's just rolling, ready to go. The expectations there, the energy's there. How exciting is it?

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, it's been nice, you know, get our deals done and whatnot. Yes. And now get, get back to work with all of us, really. George, Fred, myself. And so now for us, like, we feel healthy, we feel good, guys are all practicing. Christian looks great. Obviously not having him last year and what he can do within our offense, man, like, you know, it's. As a quarterback, it's like, man would love to have this hall of Famer in the backfield with me. The way he runs the ball, the way we can split him out, throw him the ball, and then it just opens up. Other guys too, man, like George and, and jj, Ricky, Pierce, all, like all those other guys can now come into their role and play really well. And it's crazy what one guy can do. So having him back in healthy is great, but I think overall we have a, we have some new faces and a new really team that we're trying to find our identity right now during this period of time. But it's all guys that have chip on their shoulders and we got to go prove ourselves, which is a good thing.

[Richard Sherman]

Well, one guy that's not new and that's Kyle Shanahan, he's the guy calling the plays. Talk about the way you guys relationship has evolved because I don't know if all the fans know, but there's a lot of input that quarterback and play callers, a lot of communication, good, bad or indifferent. But it seems like you guys have been locking step, the, the entire step, even through a very tumultuous season last year, a very up and down season. You guys seem like you were a steady, steady force.

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, I think just over the years, man, just continuing to learn from him how he sees the game, tying everything together, the run game, play action, pass to quick game. Like there's all these different intricate details that he knows and remembers from all these years of coaching. And so for him to pour into me and teach me these things, it's. It's been awesome. And obviously I think I'm able to, you know, open up his, his playbook and his system with how he calls plays and he can trust me in certain moments. I'm still learning, he's still teaching me. But I think together, man, we We've done nothing but trust each other and go through things. I mean, you go from my rookie year to NFC championship, the super bowl year, the next year, last year, tough year. Like, we've been through some stuff together, which, you know, I think can be a good thing with a play caller and a quarterback, and it's been nothing but trust, man. So obviously excited for this year with.

[Richard Sherman]

Him, I'm excited too. It just seems like he has a lot of confidence in you and it shows each and every day, each and every play, each and every play call. I see the way he pushes the ball down the field and take risks. Do you take that as a. As a. As a badge of honor or a confidence builder? Just the way he believes and he kind of just rolls the ball out there and let you go.

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, I mean, it's been nice. You know, sometimes I feel like you can see, like, coordinators, you know, keeping things really simple for quarterbacks. But with him, it's been. Has been, hey, man, like, let's see if I. If you can handle it. And I feel like I've shown that. And then it's been, all right, let's take these shots downfield. Let's take an opportunity here. We trust you, Brock, that you're gonna make the right decision. If it's not there, let's check it down. So he's done a good job with that, with me explaining it and. And not, you know, handcuffing me at all. Like, hey, this is how I would call a game against this scheme and defense. And I trust in you and I know that you can make every throw out there and let's roll with it. So that's where we're continuing to rise together and trust each other in certain situations. So it's been really good.

[Richard Sherman]

Where do you see yourself in this league? You know, I think there's been a lot of list and all this stuff that comes out about top four. I've. Top 10 quarterbacks, etc. Etc. I think you're one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football Leagues. I think your numbers and your efficiently. Efficiency speaks for itself. But I'm sure you're a competitor like every other competitor. See the noise out there?

[Unknown]

How.

[Richard Sherman]

How do you take that? Do you take it as disrespect? Do you take it as a badge of honor? Do you take it as motivation? I always wondered how you feel about it.

[Brock Purdy]

I mean, I've always felt, you know, this like, you know, underdog kind of story. And that's been my Story, man, from high school, college to the NFL. But for me, every single year, all that matters, man, is if, you know, I'm leading these guys in this locker room, in this building, in this organization, and, and, and they trust me here. That's all that matters. And, you know, we've been able to go and show, improve that. What we do here, what I do as a quarterback works, and we've won games, we've been to a Super bowl, like, it's worked. And so as long as I just continue to focus on, you know, where God has me and learning with Kyle and Lombardi, all my teammates, and keep having their trust and gaining their trust, that's all that matters. And so everybody's going to have something to say. That's. That's the nature of the sport, and that's fine. But I don't buy into or listen. If I were to listen to criticism and everything, I wouldn't be where I'm at today, you know, like, so I've had the chip on my shoulder and I go prove myself right every single year, and. And so that's just where I'm at.

[Richard Sherman]

When was the moment that you knew, like, I could play in this league and I could play at a high level in this league? I remember for me, it was like one of our corners went down in the game and they kind of just threw me in there. I was like the fourth corner, and they had to. We didn't have any other choice. And I went out there and I made a couple tackles and I'm covering guys. I'm like, this is easier than practice. Like, I might be okay out here. I'm not. I'm not overwhelmed. This isn't too fast, it's not too hot. I'm not tired. I'm not overthinking it. Said I might be. This is easier than college for me. When was that moment for you?

[Brock Purdy]

I think, you know, at practice and stuff. I was making throws my rookie year, and I was trying to make the team, and I was like, all right, I think I can do it, but this is practice. And so once we got into week 13 against the Dolphins, Jimmy went down. My first third down pass was like a little five yard out to Christian on third down, and I completed it on the sideline. And in that moment, I was like, dude, this is football. I've been doing this my whole life. And during the game, I feel like it's a little bit more slower, actually. Everything seems open. You can see better. Practice sometimes is so hectic. You're trying to get different looks and whatnot. But in the game, in that moment, on that drive, I was like, man, I've been doing this my whole life. We went down, we scored, there was a two minute drill right before half. We're just executing and I was just throwing and going through my reads and I was like, you know, I can do this. And sure enough, we went on a run that year, my rookie year. But I think it was those two drives right there. Week 13, 20, 22, bro, it was cool.

[Richard Sherman]

It was cool to see you when the moment's not too big for you and you come out there and just execute and just play the game. Some of the layered throws though, that you put out there, I'm like, I don't, because I've never played quarterback. I've only played corner. So everybody's like, man, you got to know how it feels. Only people know how it feels to be an NFL quarterback or NFL quarterback. So just because we're out there with them doesn't mean we see the game the same. How hard is it to. Especially some of those throws to Juwan last year. It looks like you're getting it over the fingertips of a guy dropping it down. Explain it to me. I'm watching it and I'm like, I played football a long time and I'm still not knowing how he's getting there. I can't see him from the angle they're showing the catch. I can't see you throwing it. I just see the ball pop out and drop down. I'm like, bro, one day I want to ask him how it is to make those throws. And he, please.

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, I think, man, it's just years of playing, throwing certain routes, understanding coverages and stuff. And then like JJ Ba Christian George, like just getting reps on reps and I know where they're going to be. And yeah, there's. I've said this before, there's times where you can't see there's guys up in your face and. But you know that it's there. You know that this is the right look. And regardless of a, a defensive line getting pushed up or a linebacker getting his hand up, I know that if I just get this over this tall human being who's going to jump really high at the right time on this first hitch, then JJ is going to be right behind him and just drop it right in there. So it's just reps and understanding what I'm looking at, being prepared for certain coverages and things. But yeah, it's just the feel of the game, man, playing all. All my life I've been playing it, you know, so. Sort of hard to explain, but.

[Richard Sherman]

No, no, you explained it really well. What's your motivation at this point? You got. You got the big, big money. You've been to Super Bowls. You got a great team. What's. What's. What's propelling you? For me, it was always that underdog role. It was always that. That lack of respect. You know, even when I had great stats, I had the numbers. We had Super Bowls, we had great defense. We're number one, top 100. I'm like seven or eight. And, you know, it's like. But I still don't feel it, you know, I still don't feel like I'm respected. And I feel. Feel like the disrespect was always greater than the. Than appreciation I got, and it always fueled me. So I always felt like my gas tank was full. And I go out there and I'm like, I gotta prove them wrong. And it's like, well, you're. You're number one corner in the league. There's not really people to prove on. But somehow in the psychotic mind, I always felt like I had something.

[Brock Purdy]

Yeah, you have to. Whether it's true or not. Like, you have to tell yourself, like, dude, I was drafted last. I was. I'm Mr. Irrelevant. Like, that whole thing. But that fire that I came into my rookie year with, that chip on my shoulder, trying to show those guys on the field, my teammates, the defense, like, hey, like, I. I'm made for this. And just reminding you of yourself, of that and every single year. And for me, I'm a faithful man. I believe that God created me to be a competitor, to be a leader. And just because we got to the Super Bowl, I got a contract. That doesn't mean, like, any. Like, for me, it's the next season, man. It's. It's. How can I go lead these boys today for this practice, for this game coming up this season? Like, there's this drive of, you know, I still got to go show and use my talents that God's blessed me with, to go show him my teammates that, like, I'm. I'm this competitor that you can rely on. And so it's pushing myself every single day. It's not being content. It's being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Like, it's always this uneasy feeling that I can. I can get better so to where I'm at daily and still push myself.

[Richard Sherman]

You're doing a great job. And you're inspiring a lot of kids who, who are in similar situations where they're underdogs and the world's against them, and the world doesn't think they're. They're the tallest or the fast or this or they're supposed the prototype for this. And they know that they can. They know that it's possible, and it's possible to play at the highest level and to execute the way you have. It's really remarkable. Do you have a favorite play of your career so far?

[Brock Purdy]

Favorite play in my career. Honestly, there was one. I think it was the not NFC Championship game, the game before against the Packers. It was like a. We didn't play the best on offense, but we needed this drive at the end of the game to go up. And it was a third down play and it was Brandon Iuk over the middle, we call it Gucci. And it was a six step slant crossing the nickel's face. It was man to man, and it was in time. I threw it on plant ba turn at the right time. It was tight coverage. The DB reached across. We got the ball there. It was a diving catch. I was like, bro, boom. We get the first down. I was like, all right, we're staying on the field. And then from there, we won the game. We won the NFC Championship game. After that, we got to the Super Bowl. But it's like that play, if that play didn't happen, man, none of this, none of that, the NFC Championship comeback game, get into the super bowl, that wouldn't have happened. And those are the things I remember. Like, I love that stuff. I live for it. And so that was probably one of my favorite plays.

[Richard Sherman]

Oh, that was a great play. I remember that drive. I remember. I also remember the defense making a play. The next drive, it was, I love this game. And it's a game of inches and you for sometimes you forget those moments, get lost in it, and people just remember the results. They're like, oh, yeah, they beat him. And they went here and they went here. But without those plays, be a different. I really appreciate you joining me and I appreciate you taking the time. I know it's training camp and a lot of things going on. Congratulations on everything. Help your wife out, wake up sometimes and feed the baby, because that goes a long way. I promise you. Happy wife, happy life. Best advice I ever got.

[Brock Purdy]

Yes, sir. Appreciate you, man.

[Richard Sherman]

Appreciate you.

[Ryan Seacrest]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. So when you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really has your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. They keep you covered for just $25 a month with four lines without sacrificing the essentials like speed. With Total you get unlimited 5G data so you can stay ahead of the action and keep up with every knockout. Total Wireless understands you can't afford surprise blows any more than your favorite fighter can. That's why the price is guaranteed for five years, taxes and fees included. The best fighters don't make it to the Octagon alone. They have all in support along the way, and it shouldn't be any different for you. So visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Monthly rate on the Total Base 5G Unlimited plan for new subscribers applies only to the monthly rate for your plan. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Unknown]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals time, where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Hershey's, Cheez It, Kellogg's, Gatorade, Smart Water, SkinnyPop, Oberto, Zoa and Activia. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery subject to availability restrictions.

[Brock Purdy]

Apply.

[Unknown]

Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details.

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[Richard Sherman]

Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast. I got an incredible guest here, d' Amador Lenore Dahyena, one of the best players on this San Francisco 49ers defense. How you feeling, brother?

[D' Amador Lenore]

I'm feeling good, man. I feel good to be back in training camp, blessed, you know, to be playing football, able to do something I love, you know, for, for many years to come.

[Richard Sherman]

So speaking of many years to come, you've been putting on good tape for a number of years. Obviously, like I told you before, you, you played the best during the biggest games in the playoffs, getting those interceptions. Talk about your mindset coming into this year.

[D' Amador Lenore]

It's just really just being a lockdown corner. You know, I feel like I didn't transition to this role to play, you know, to be this cornerback one. So, you know, what's needed for a cornerback one is usually to shut down the best receiver. And I feel like I've just been ready for that challenge, you know, since I made my name for myself in this league.

[Richard Sherman]

Talk about the conversations you've had with Salah since he's been here. You know, you haven't got to play with him. Obviously I played with him before you got here and then you've heard about him from other guys. But how have those conversations been?

[D' Amador Lenore]

It's been always, it's been all positive really. Just being the CB1, you know, he kind of want to pick my brain and, you know, figure out how, how I operate. And just talking to him, he's seen like the confidence in me. That's why he came out like with the story, you know, when he was talking to the media last week, I was just telling them, you know, that I'm ready for any challenge. You know, if it's got to be 99 plays and man, or if it got to be 99 in zone, I'm ready for the challenge and I'm Willing to back up anything that I put out there.

[Richard Sherman]

I love that. I love that. It's such a different. Has it changed for you? You know, coming in, you've been scrappy, fighting for. I remember your first reps in rookie minicamp, where they were sitting there like, who is this dude? He38 on jamming everybody up to now. You got paid, and it doesn't seem like it's changed your hunger at all.

[D' Amador Lenore]

Oh, yeah, for sure. I feel the money didn't change me, you know, the love of the game. You know, I always had to love the game. I always played this game with just. Just love and just, you know, pure. Just want to. You know, some people, like, they just wake up and just, you know, they say. They say it, but, you know, actions speak louder than words. So I'm. I'm more one of them guys, you know, that. That just like to work, you know, I really rather come in and work and just prove my worth.

[Richard Sherman]

It's a young, young, young secondary now. And so your role, even in that with. With Tylenola gone, Gip gone, who else is gone? I mean, it's.

[D' Amador Lenore]

It's Trevarius.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

I mean, Charvarius gone, Mooney's gone. I mean, so now what role are you taking on? Are you taking on that veteranship role and mentoring these young guys, spending extra time with them?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Oh, yeah, yeah, for sure. I feel like, you know, always getting. Getting the room better and, you know, and spreading the knowledge because, you know, I was once one of them guys coming in that was trying to learn the game, trying to figure it out. You know, stuff was getting too hard. I feel like the coaches was on me, so I kind of had to let everything slow down. So I just kind of be like, you know, the shoulder that they can lean on, you know, and telling them, you know, it's never too big, and, you know, you just got to let the game slow down for you and really just lock in and just pay attention.

[Richard Sherman]

Do you feel like DB and the other coaches have kind of leaned on you to be that voice in the room?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Oh, yeah, for sure. You know, because, I mean, all our examples, like you said, has left. So I'm kind of like the last example. So, like, you know, I got to show that leadership, you know, to show them how we, you know, how we set the standard here.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, sometimes. Sometimes that role, you know, as an old guy who used to play a long time ago. Yeah, it takes a lot of time. You know, it takes. And sometimes you gotta sacrifice. Sometimes you're Here later than you want to be. Sometimes you're on that field later than you want to be. Sometimes you sitting there in a dude, in a dude's locker or next to a dude's locker, giving him motivation, you know, because they had a rough day. Yeah. Do you embrace that?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Oh, yeah, I love it. You know, it just takes me back to when I was a young guy, you know, I always needed that guy. Like, I had Jason Verrette, K, Juan Williams and Jimmie Ward, you know, those guys to lean on. Emmanuel Mosley, I had guys like that, you know, that I can lean on, talk to, you know, whenever stuff got hard or stuff was too complicated, or I'll just reach out to you, you know, and just pick you guys brand and just see how, you know, how y' all did it.

[Richard Sherman]

So what's the expectations? What. What are your goals this season and what's the expectations for this defense?

[D' Amador Lenore]

For one, just to win the Super Bowl. Because I feel like, you know, we got there too many times. Well, but just being NFC and, you know, going to the Super Bowl, I feel like we always just getting there, you know, I'm. I'm done trying to talk about it. I'm trying to. I'm trying to win, like, you know, I feel like that's the goal, a team goal. But my personal goal, of course, be All Pro, you know, Pro bowl and, you know, just be. Be CB1.

[Richard Sherman]

I love that. I love that. And you're gonna get there. You gonna get there. You've. You've been in this league five years now or going on five years. What's your favorite play?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Favorite play? I would say the interception versus the Cowboys in the playoffs. Cause I felt like that was like my coming. Like I made a name for myself that, that game. You know, I feel like a lot of people was counting me out. You know, they was talking about me having a decent season. Like, it wasn't really, like, I would say a strapped corner. I would say I was just like kind of getting my feet wet with everything, trying to learn the game, you know, trying to just make plays that I need to. That I needed to make. And then I felt like that moment was like my breakout moment.

[Richard Sherman]

No question about it. I mean, it was definitely a big game, a big play. And it never seemed like the moment was too big for you. It never seem like the playoffs were different. Honestly, it seemed like the playoffs were either. You had more books in the playoffs than any time.

[D' Amador Lenore]

Yeah, it was more. It was more like, I gotta get everybody off my back because I felt like a lot of people was coming at me because, like, the game before, I had. I gave up a touchdown to A.J. green, and it was like his retirement moment. It was like a crazy touchdown. Ain't gonna lie. I was like, I mean, I hit you up after that one.

[Richard Sherman]

It was.

[D' Amador Lenore]

It was crazy. So I was like, I really wasn't feeling that. And then the fans was coming at me. You know, they kept coming at me. So I was just like, man, I'm about to just go. And like, all eight tweets. I started liking all the tweets. And then I came back. Seattle game, I had to pick. And then I was like, nah, I still got more in the tank. We got two more. We got two more weeks. I know we finna go to the bowl. And then came Dallas game. And like, like you said, like we was talking about it earlier, you know, when you watch guys, you pick up certain tendencies. And I seen. Seen the tendency, and I just took it and ran with it.

[Richard Sherman]

You did that, and you've continued to do that and continue to elevate. Has your mindset changed as you've gotten more veteran in this league? Like, has it from that play when you got to pick against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys to now?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Yeah, I would say I watched way more film, like, after that play. Cause I was like, I never was a film guy. So, like, once it happened, I was like, oh, this works. Like, I could start. I should start doing this. So then I started picking up on more tendencies and tendencies. And then. And then I just created this. The hyena.

[Richard Sherman]

Yes. Yeah, yeah. And hyena is making a name for itself. You still don't feel like you get the respect you deserve, though?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Oh, yeah, no, I still. I still feel like I don't get that respect, you know, of a person that's been in the league five years who only gave up three touchdowns. You know, like, I could talk about all the. I could talk about it. Yeah. You know, all the statistics. But, like, you know, I just feel like when. When the work is proven, like, everything, it'll be a set in stone for itself.

[Richard Sherman]

It'll take care of itself. Yeah. No question it's going to take care of itself this year. You know, I think Pro Bowl, All Pro is always a goal for everybody. And if you continue to put it on tape, you know, this year, it's harder. It's harder for anybody to ignore you. You know, you're in this secondary. You're the guy. You're the guy with the. If It's a video game. You got the star.

[D' Amador Lenore]

Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

Under you. You right now on this defense. And it. And I think you embraced that challenge.

[D' Amador Lenore]

Yeah, I'm ready for it.

[Richard Sherman]

What's your favorite play in training camp? Of all your training camps that you've had so far in the National Football League, what was your favorite play?

[D' Amador Lenore]

Really? The play. It was like, my welcome to the NFL play. Like, I would say, when George Kittle.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah.

[D' Amador Lenore]

He scored a touchdown on me in the stadium right here, because it was like. It's my favorite play because it kind of shaped me to, like, all right, you got to get better. Like. Like, that can't happen because it was. It was an embarrassing moment to me, and, like, all the fans was there, and then he kind of, like, snapped. He jumped balled me and then snatched the ball all off my head, threw me on the ground. And I was like. I was sick, but I wasn't mad. But I was just like, I can't let that happen.

[Richard Sherman]

No.

[D' Amador Lenore]

Like, I don't care who it is.

[Richard Sherman]

Right.

[D' Amador Lenore]

And that's when I knew I belonged. I was like, oh, yeah, I belong in the league.

[Richard Sherman]

No question about it. Anything else you want to ask me or anything else you want to get off your chest? Why we here?

[D' Amador Lenore]

I'm gonna be the best corner in the league this year.

[Richard Sherman]

I love it. You heard it here first on the Richard Sherman podcast. The best corner in the league. D', Amador, Lenore. And I' ma hold you to it, baby. And we're gonna have you back on.

[D' Amador Lenore]

Oh, yeah. Let's do it.

[Richard Sherman]

It's been. It's been a crazy off season. Like, I don't. I don't. I don't know. A ton of. Not a ton of guys that were here when I was here.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Richard Sherman]

Obviously, the. The foundational guys. Nick and Trent and. And George Christian's here. Brock. But how has that been? Just this off season, so much turnover. Both. Both with the players and the staff. I mean, you lose Brian Greasy, the QB coach, you get Salah back, you get Gus. How has that been for you?

[Unknown]

It's been different. Like, it's been real different. And you knew it was coming. I've known for a while. I mean, you can't spend that money. You're in and you're out, and eventually you got to take one off. And, you know, I was. I was still living in hope at free agency that it wouldn't be as bad as I thought it was going to be. And. And then it was as bad as I thought it was. Going to be. And that took a little time to get over. Really didn't get over it till the draft because I just saw blank spots on the board for a while, and then the draft filled up A lot of those. Doesn't solve all the problems, but then you at least get excited because now you can see guys that you want to work with. And it's different because when I've looked up on our board, probably for the last six years, really probably since 2019, I always looked at no blank spots at starters. I was like, all right, we got to get some depth here. We're an injury away from needing a young guy here. But we had really built this, I'd like to say, the right way, in 17 and 18, and it was able to last us for about six years. And the difference now between 17 and 18 is those guys you just mentioned. We still got a number of dudes, some difference makers, some borderline hall of Famers, but they are surrounded by a team that is. You say starting over, it's hard for me to say starting over because of all those guys, but you are with the rest of the team. And, you know, when we got here in 17 and 18, you know, we added all these young guys, and we weren't counting on young guys, but, you know, on offense, there was only one guy who played from the year before, and that was Joe Staley. So it was 10 new guys. And then, you know, by the 19 was Joe's last time on defense, it was all new guys except for Jimmie, Ward, Armstead and Buckner. So we had three. So just to have to replace all those guys, it took a couple time. And so we're all relating to that moment now. But we remind ourselves, too, that, yeah, but Christian's out there, Nick's out there, Trent's out there, Fred's out there. We got Brock, you know, so those are things to be real excited about. And we're also excited working with these young guys because it's what you got to do, and it adds a lot of energy and youth to this place that I think is very needed.

[Richard Sherman]

I got to talk to Nick earlier in Fred, and that's what they were saying. They were saying how much it energized them and made him excited to come out here because he was like, it's so new just trying to get these guys to understand the standard and understand the approach every single day, the culture, and how great it is to have Salah who reinforces that, and just to have somebody. Nick is like, man, when Salah when you were here the first time, I didn't really understand all the stuff you were building. He said. Then you left and then he came back. He's like, I fully understand what you bring at the table. And so I think that's been really cool. But guys like d' Amador, who. Who are leaders now, who weren't here when Salah were here, he seems to just. He's like, the way Salah come came into meetings and the respect that guys and the buy in that guys have for him is incredible. And I thought that was pretty cool to hear.

[Unknown]

No, it's huge. And it's. I mean, that was the big thing in wanting to get him back so much when he became available, because it's nothing against the last. The guys that he's replaced, I thought they did a good job, but it was. We're going through a different transition than what we've been in. And I've already done it once with Salah and 17 and 18. We went through a lot of lumps, but we built it together. And now both of us having the experience of it, him going somewhere else and having to build it, it's so much more fun and so much more knowledgeable to have a guy to bounce things off of and who's been through it before and who understands some of the adjustments we got to make and it's not his first time doing it.

[Richard Sherman]

And sometimes, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but sometimes not the pressure, but the expectation and burden of being the favorite is a lot for a team. I've been on great teams and where you come in the favorite, then I've been on teams where you're young and people aren't expecting a lot, and then you slap everybody in the face with what you've built and what you go out there and the product you put on the field. How exciting is that challenge for you?

[Unknown]

I love that. I mean, I don't like being favored in every game, to tell you the truth. The last two years before the season started, we've been favored to win all 17 of our games two years in a row. So it's. That was a little different. And we did have a good team, so I understood it. But rarely do you look at it that way. And now I don't know how it'll be. I mean, I haven't checked those odds yet, but I don't think we're going to be in that situation. But we still do have a chance to win everyone. But I would much rather be the underdog doing it. I mean, when guys are up for you every week, it's. It makes it a little bit different and hope, hopefully people can sleep on us a little bit. I know no one would like that more than our guys. And then you come out and you shock them and you hit them in the mouth.

[Richard Sherman]

How has your approach changed? Because it's such a tough season last year, and I. And I know how much you put into it every freaking day and how hard you are on yourself and how. How much. What did you do this offseason to kind of like push the reset?

[Unknown]

Well, having five weeks longer off helped. I'm never wishing for that again. I didn't like having all of January off, but after not having that for a while, it was. It did help. By the time the players got back here, we were just. We were so ready for them. And we hadn't been that way in a few years. And the players also hadn't been that way, especially after the tough super bowl loss. It just. The off season was a little bit too fast. And to have all that time to really kind of get your mind right, get your health right, and really not just be like, all right, it's time to work. It's more like, I can't wait to work. And then when the guys came in at phase one, just the whole team being here, the way the off season went, it was a different energy, and it was something we needed because we have to build this. We have to earn this. We can't just expect to be what we've been. And we got to be more than that. We got to be something different than that. And that process has already started. I think it started a little bit last year. We talk about having to put three drafts in a row to kind of build a team the right way, which I thought we did 17 and 18 and 19. And when I look at some of our drafts last year with guys like Ricky, guys like Mustafa, I mean, guys who came out and played real well, I'm hoping they can step up in year two along with these rookies, and I'm hoping we had a whole other very good group next year, too. And hopefully when you do that three years in a row gives you a chance to compete there for five to.

[Richard Sherman]

Six years, hopefully, no question about it. And speaking about development, your QB room is a little different this year. You know, obviously Brock got his pay. Freaking looks incredible now. I mean, I don't know who 17 is. I mean, he looked like he was dropping doctors today, but you got Mac.

[Unknown]

Jones, 17, is Gus's son too, by the way.

[Richard Sherman]

No way.

[Unknown]

Yeah, that was like the only reason I almost didn't want to do it because I'm like, dude, we can't. Oh, wait, that guy throws too good. I don't care who his dad is.

[Richard Sherman]

So he dropped a dime in there between two on like a dig.

[Unknown]

I was like, yeah, going across the board. He did a real good job today.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, sorry, I got tie tracked. But, but you got Mac Jones, who, Who you guys were rumored to. To have been, you know, got drafted in 10th pick, but it just seems like such a strong room and, and then going back to, to what is that? Brock's rookie year when. When you guys had Trey and Jimmy. The next year, second year. Sorry, when you guys had Sam Darnold. Sam Darnold, yeah. And, and, and the way Sam's blossomed, do you find. Do you find any pride in that and his success and the success of Brock and just how you've been able to not only develop your quarterback in an incredible way, a seventh round pick, Mr. Irrelevant, all that nonsense, to one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the National Football League, one of the most efficient. And then also seeing Sam's success both out in Minnesota and then getting a starting job and make a lot of money, and then you bring. And Mack Jones, who looks like he's on a similar trajectory.

[Unknown]

Well, yeah, I mean, you do have a lot of pride in it, but it's also like, I can't tell you how good all those guys are. You know, it's not like we saw them and they weren't good. And then we're like, if they just come to us, they'll be good, you know, I mean, we watched all those guys in college and we thought they had a chance to be really good, you know, and then you watch them on NFL tape and the numbers aren't always great or the teams, you know, the wins, losses aren't. But you can still watch on film exactly what you saw in college and know that they have an opportunity to be real. Well, now you got to put them in a scheme. You got to put a team around them so they have a chance to. And then you don't know the guys, you've just seen them on tape. But when you get the guys here, guys like Sam, guys like Brock, Mack, and then you see what type of dudes they are, and you have the tape from college that, you know, you're like, all right, I don't get why this guy can't play he's got to be able to play. He seems too good and then you get him in the scheme. You go against everything and if they work and they're made of the right stuff, they usually end up showing you exactly what you thought they were a while ago. They just got to be in some probably better opportunities.

[Richard Sherman]

No question about it. Has anything changed philosophically, offensively? Obviously you've lost so many freaking coordinators and so many people on your offensive staff for the best of reasons, for head coaching jobs, et cetera, et cetera. But now you bring in Kubiak and he's new to it. Obviously you're still calling the plays, but how does that change your philosophy and the impact, you know, of the run game and what he's bringing?

[Unknown]

I mean, these guys, like we've built all these guys haven't been really brought in from outside. They've all like. I mean, Clay, you know, he's. Clay's been. Was in high school till he was 30 and he was. He was smarter than most of us. He knew he didn't want this lifestyle. He wanted to have a more comfortable lifestyle. He ran a hell of a program in high school, but he'd been around it so long, just like I have, you know, he was obsessed with everything that his dad did. So he had such a good background. And when I brought him here, I put him on defense for two years and he was there with d'. Ameco. And that's exactly what I did with Bobby Slowik too. That's what I did with Brian Fleury, who's our run game coordinator. So all these guys go over there and they get trained on football just how to know the X's and O's of defense. And then if there are guys that I believe will be offensive coaches, I bring them over to the offensive side and then they kind of be with us as QCs, as assistants, and they get to learn all the scheme. They're not just sitting in room only focusing on coaching the wide receivers are only focusing on coaching the quarterback. Those are the guys actually who work with me the most who can think a little bit more scheme because they don't have to run positions all the time. And then they're more than ready for it when they get that role. And Clay's been a stud. He's been as good as anyone I've had. I mean, yeah, I call the plays, but I have no problem with him calling it either. And there's times where I will just tell him to call it and I'LL do that this year at times. Brian Fleury, you know, he's been working our run game ever since Mike McDaniel left. And I think we've done very good since then, so he's done an awesome job. But he was also around here for a number of years so he could see how we do do it. And when his time came, he was ready for it. And then Chris Furster, who's as important as any coach I've ever been around, he was with me in Washington for those four years. He's been the best O line coach to me in the NFL and I feel extremely fortunate to have him. And he's a guy that I always plan on being together with.

[Richard Sherman]

Love that. Who. Cause the last eight years that you've coached here, you started training cup off with a run and then you bombed Salah the first play. What are we doing? What went into that? I said play action, bomb first play.

[Unknown]

Everything's a setup. You know how it is.

[Ryan Seacrest]

You're so rude.

[Unknown]

If we're talking run all day to him, you know, we're starting out with a pass and we're talking passes all day. We're just going to hand it off 40 times. So it's always got to be a setup with them.

[Richard Sherman]

Oh, I'm going to miss that. I'm going to miss how you, how you, you and him go at it. I'm sure it's going to be some. It's been some fun battles this training camp, I would imagine. Man, I miss, I miss you guys. I miss the. The mental battles, the mental gymnastics, the schematic gymnastics, and how you knew every hole in the scheme and tried to expose it.

[Unknown]

Well, that's what's fun. Because when you, when you do learn a defense, you should be able to get it eventually. And then that's why you try to get certain players to stop it. And then Solid will always say, yeah, but he doesn't have to adjust as someone else does it. But then in this league, someone else is going to do it pretty damn fast. And that's what's been cool about Salah. We know how we started out and we know where we are now. And that's just by life experiences. You go through things in games, you go against schemes, and you always have to be adding, that's when people ask me what my scheme is, I really can't answer. It has to do with what we're going against. It has to do with what your players are. And it's about figuring out scheme. It's about understanding your personnel and putting those guys in the best position to win, which is never an absolute answer. It's always changing.

[Richard Sherman]

And that was my last question. Because this league has pretty much been built to stop your quote unquote scheme. I mean, which is West Coast Bill Walsh, the old school, but it's what you, McVeigh, freaking LaFleur. A lot of teams, I mean, O', Connell, everybody's running similar, some version of, I don't know how your scheme. How tough is that? Because it's. Every year, the league is working hard to, like, come up with adjustments, new defenses, new coverages, new blitzes to stop that scheme.

[Unknown]

I mean, it gets more challenging. I think the most challenging thing is people practice against it more. When people implement stuff that we do, whether it's the motions, the run schemes, some of the concepts we do, when that's showing up in a lot of more people's offenses, that means they're practicing it throughout training camp, where when other offenses used to not do it, they would try to practice it on a carded period on Wednesday and Thursday, then they would try to do it half speed on Friday, and then they would get shocked on Sunday. Now it gives them a little bit more of a head start. So that part's a little frustrating. I wish we could patent some certain things, but they won't allow you to do that. So you just, you got to keep working and you got to keep trying to find better players than the people you're going against.

[Richard Sherman]

Right? And you guys got them. You guys got them. I'm excited to watch this year. As a fan and friend of yours, I think it's gonna be a great year, and I appreciate you giving me time, dude.

[Unknown]

Always, man. Love you coming down here, Dylan.

[Richard Sherman]

Love to come down. Appreciate you, brother.

[D' Amador Lenore]

All right, man.

[Ryan Seacrest]

This podcast is sponsored by Total Wireless, the official wireless partner of ufc. When you're streaming the fight or sharing those takedown highlights, you need a wireless provider that keeps you close to the action. With Total Wireless, you're covered by the Verizon 5G network, so you don't have to worry about your connection being knocked out at the biggest moments. It's not something you can usually say about a wireless provider, but Total Wireless really does have your back. They're in your corner every second of the day, so you never miss a thing. Visit totalwireless.com or visit your local Total Wireless store to learn more about how Total Wireless can be in your corner. 5G access requires a 5G capable device and a 5G service area. Additional terms apply. See website for details.

[Unknown]

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[Brock Purdy]

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[Richard Sherman]

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[Unknown]

This is an iHeart podcast.