Eric Branch
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Articles by Eric Branch
A no-drama wideout? 49ers embrace Mike Evans as a coach, dad and ‘real dude'
Players such as Mike Evans are often known as coaches on the field. That could certainly be the case with the 13-year veteran. But in Evans' case, he's unquestionably a coach off it. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has toggled between two teams since he signed his three-year, $42.4 million contract in March: His new team, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Mike Evans Elite AAU basketball team based outside Houston in Katy, Texas, which includes one of his three daughters.
A no-drama wideout? 49ers embrace Mike Evans as a coach, dad and ‘real dude’ Original
Players such as Mike Evans are often known as coaches on the field. That could certainly be the case with the 13-year veteran. But in Evans’ case, he’s also a coach off it. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver has toggled between two teams since he signed his three-year, $42.4 million contract in March: His new team, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Mike Evans Elite AAU basketball team based outside Houston in Katy, Texas, which includes one of his three daughters.
Keena Turner, four-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker, to enter 49ers' Hall of Fame
Linebacker Keena Turner, one of five players who was on the San Francisco 49ers' first four Super Bowl-winning teams, will be the 34th inductee into the franchise's Hall of Fame. Turner, 67, will be enshrined during the 49ers' game against the Commanders on Oct. 19 at Levi's Stadium. Turner spent his entire 11-year career (1980-1990) with the 49ers and became their first player to have at least 10 career sacks and 10 interceptions.
Keena Turner, four-time Super Bowl-winning linebacker, to enter 49ers’ Hall of Fame
Linebacker Keena Turner, one of five players who was on the San Francisco 49ers’ first four Super Bowl-winning teams, will be the 34th inductee into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. Turner, 67, will be enshrined during the 49ers’ game against the Commanders on Oct. 19 at Levi’s Stadium. Turner spent his entire 11-year career (1980-1990) with the 49ers and became their first player to have at least 10 career sacks and 10 interceptions.
The 49ers’ most important offseason acquisition? Surprise: It’s not Mike Evans Original
Osa Odighizuwa was blindsided and devastated. And it was clear last week that the defensive tackle is feeling a lingering sting after he was traded from the Cowboys to the San Francisco 49ers less than three months ago. But the tough transition has been made more tolerable by the welcome he has received from his new employer. There was no parade or red carpet. But there have been unmistakable thank-heavens-you’re-here vibes.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Mac Jones' decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn't see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn't see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. "What if it went the other way?" Jones said.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Mac Jones' decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn't see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn't see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. "What if it went the other way?" Jones said.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Mac Jones' decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn't see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn't see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. "What if it went the other way?" Jones said.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Mac Jones' decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn't see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn't see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. "What if it went the other way?" Jones said.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Mac Jones' decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn't see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn't see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. "What if it went the other way?" Jones said.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn't regret?
Mac Jones' decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn't see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn't see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. "What if it went the other way?" Jones said.
What was the contract decision that 49ers QB Mac Jones says he doesn’t regret?
Mac Jones’ decision to sign a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers last year now looks like a mistake. But Jones doesn’t see it quite like that. Of course, Jones doesn’t see many things like most NFL quarterbacks. Asked Wednesday about the multi-year deal that prevented him from reaching free agency in March, where he might have signed a contract that could have dwarfed his current salary, Jones offered an alternative what-if. “What if it went the other way?” Jones said.
49ers' Trent Williams may have only two more seasons left. He has one goal
On Wednesday, Evans, the San Francisco 49ers' decorated, 32-year-old wide receiver, beamed like a 22-year-old rookie when a reporter relayed praise Williams had just offered during his preceding interview session. "Trent said I'm a Hall of Famer?" Evans said, excitedly interrupting the reporter in mid-question. "OK, y'all heard that.
49ers’ Trent Williams may only have two more seasons left. He has one goal
Trent Williams’ words have weight. The evidence? Mike Evans’ face. On Wednesday, Evans, the San Francisco 49ers’ decorated, 32-year-old wide receiver beamed like a 22-year-old rookie when a reporter relayed praise Williams had just offered during his preceding interview session. “Trent said I’m a Hall of Famer?” Evans said, excitedly interrupting the reporter in mid-question. “OK, y’all heard that.
49ers' blunt reaction to Rams' blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett? ‘It sucks'
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead, left, defensive end Myles Garrett and head coach Sean McVay pose for a photo after practice on Tuesday in Woodland Hills. The Rams acquired Garrett from Cleveland Browns on Monday. (Kyusung Gong/Associated Press) The San Francisco 49ers' thoughts on one of NFL's best players joining the league's best division? About what you'd expect. "It sucks," said left tackle Trent Williams.
49ers’ blunt reaction to Rams’ blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett? ‘It sucks’ Original
The San Francisco 49ers’ thoughts on one of NFL’s best players joining the league’s best division? About what you’d expect. “It sucks,” said left tackle Trent Williams. Williams’ teammates weren’t quite as blunt when they addressed the media Wednesday, two days after the NFC West rival Rams traded for generational pass rusher Myles Garrett. But no one was offering a positive spin. Not even perpetually upbeat tight end George Kittle.
49ers assistant Matt Eberflus was NFL's next big coaching star. Now he's back on his feet after two pink slips
Matt Eberflus, seen as defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys last season, oversaw a defense that allowed 511 points, sixth most in NFL history. (Smiley N.
49ers assistant Matt Eberflus was NFL’s next big coaching star. Now he’s back on his feet after two pink slips
Matt Eberflus’ boyhood heroes were among the most menacing men in a violent sport: Raiders safety Jack “The Assassin” Tatum, Steelers defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene and Pittsburgh linebacker Jack Lambert, the “Man of Steel.” Eberflus, 56, smiled Tuesday when recalling front-yard tackle football games in Toledo, Ohio, with his brother and his sister’s boyfriend. He always wanted to be an all-time defensive player, not the all-time QB. From an early age, grit had more appeal than glamour.
Why 49ers' Colton McKivitz passed up millions but isn't losing sleep over it
Last week, Colton McKivitz offered a variation of a familiar phrase used by professional athletes - it's not about the money - and the appropriate reaction is almost always this: baloney. However, the San Francisco 49ers right tackle makes a convincing case that those millions he missed out on in March haven't caused him to lose a second of sleep. "There's a lot more than the (amount) of money that a contract gives you that's available in this town, in the city," McKivitz said.
Why 49ers’ Colton McKivitz passed up millions but isn’t losing sleep over it
Last week, Colton McKivitz offered a variation of a familiar phrase used by professional athletes — it’s not about the money — and the appropriate reaction is almost always this: baloney. However, the San Francisco 49ers right tackle makes a convincing case that those millions he missed out on in March haven’t caused him to lose a second of sleep. “There’s a lot more than the (amount) of money that a contract gives you that’s available in this town, in the city,” McKivitz said.
Why 49ers’ Colton McKivitz passed up millions but isn’t losing sleep over it
Sports 7 hours ago Isaac Guerendo might have cost himself a roster spot at 49ers OTAs ninernoise.com - Tee Epps • 7h The battle inside the San Francisco 49ers running back room was already going to be fiercely intense heading into the 2026 season.
For 49ers, Rams’ Myles Garrett trade means more exhaustive game planning, less sleep
In late November, a few days before he was set to line up against Myles Garrett, San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams said he hadn’t lost any sleep over the matchup. Then he smiled. “Nah, I lied,” Williams said. “Yeah, I have.” On Monday, about six months after Williams’ confession, the 49ers’ bitter NFC West rivals made a trade that could have their entire franchise sleeping more fitfully: Welcome to the division, Mr. Garrett.
For 49ers, Rams' Myles Garrett trade means more exhaustive game planning, less sleep
The Cleveland Browns traded defensive end Myles Garrett (95) to the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster deal on Monday. (Jeff Dean/Associated Press) In late November, a few days before he was set to line up against Myles Garrett, San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams said he hadn't lost any sleep over the matchup. Then he smiled. "Nah, I lied," Williams said.
How 49ers' Nick Bosa got his mind right after fleeting post-injury thoughts of retirement
Nick Bosa has developed ways to cope with adversity, stress and anxiety during his seven-season NFL career, and one of his tools was on display Thursday: gratitude. As the San Francisco 49ers' All-Pro edge rusher detailed his mentally taxing recovery from his third torn ACL, the second on his right knee, his answers were sprinkled with silver linings.
How 49ers’ Nick Bosa got his mind right after fleeting post-injury thoughts of retirement
Nick Bosa has developed ways to cope with adversity, stress and anxiety during his seven-season NFL career, and one of his tools was on display Thursday: gratitude. As the San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro edge rusher detailed his mentally taxing recovery from his third torn ACL, the second on his right knee, his answers were sprinkled with silver linings.
49ers’ young WRs show up in shape, Kaelon Black tests hands on Day 1 of OTAs Original
Thursday offered a first look at the 2026 San Francisco 49ers with voluntary OTAs underway. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted a near-perfect attendance sans All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams, who is expected to report to Levi’s Stadium sometime next week. Mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 9-10, and until then, all team activities are optional. Franchise quarterback Brock Purdy was one of a select few veterans who practiced during the hour-and-a-half session.
How does 49ers' top pick look? Will rookie RB catch? Top questions as OTAs begin
Among quarterback Brock Purdy's initial takeaways from the San Francisco 49ers' offseason workouts: Sticky handed Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans has a mind to match his mitts. "I'm so excited," Purdy said, "because this guy sees the game like a quarterback does." Purdy gushed about his new teammate's on-field acumen last week at the annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series event in San Jose.
How does 49ers’ top pick look? Will rookie RB catch? Top questions as OTAs begin
Among quarterback Brock Purdy’s initial takeaways from the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason workouts: Sticky handed Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans has a mind to match his mitts. “I’m so excited,” Purdy said, “because this guy sees the game like a quarterback does.” Purdy gushed about his new teammate’s on-field acumen last week at the annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series event in San Jose.
49ers backup QB Mac Jones would have preferred a trade. He got a raise instead
What's a great gift for a backup quarterback who prevented a season from spiraling? The San Francisco 49ers settled on cash. The 49ers have rewarded Mac Jones for last season's stellar fill-in work by giving him a $300,000 roster bonus, according to multiple reports. Jones, 27, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract in 2025, will now earn $3.55 million this season and could pocket $5.8 million if he reaches all his incentives. In other words: He's still a bargain.
49ers backup QB Mac Jones would have preferred a trade. He received a raise instead
What’s a great gift for a backup quarterback who prevented a season from spiraling? The San Francisco 49ers settled on cash. The 49ers have rewarded Mac Jones for last season’s stellar fill-in work by giving him a $300,000 roster bonus, according to multiple reports. Jones, 27, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract in 2025, will now earn $3.55 million this season and could pocket $5.8 million if he reaches all his incentives. In other words: He’s still a bargain.
How 49ers' George Kittle and an S.F. photographer created a Hall of Fame action photo
November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images (Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-Imagn Images) On Nov. 9, with three minutes left, the San Francisco 49ers trailing the Rams by 22 points and Levi's Stadium half-full, George Kittle was going all-out in a blowout.
How 49ers’ George Kittle and an S.F. photographer created a Hall of Fame action photo
On Nov. 9, with three minutes left, the San Francisco 49ers trailing the Rams by 22 points and Levi’s Stadium half-full, George Kittle was going all-out in a blowout. The Niners’ tight end caught a pass from quarterback Mac Jones along the left sideline at the 4-yard line, slammed on the brakes to avoid stepping out of bounds and leapt, fully outstretched, Superman-style, toward paydirt.
How 49ers’ George Kittle and an S.F. photographer created a Hall of Fame action photo
Tim Ream 7 hours ago Ahead of the World Cup, pressure to win and grow American soccer is on Tim Ream's mind NPR - Jeffrey Pierre • 7h There's a lot riding on the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer – especially for the American co-hosts. There's the hope that the U.S. Men's National Team will not just play well, but make a deep run in the tournament.
She had an NFL dream. When 49ers drafted her brother, they made it a reality
David Vogt, who was Carver Willis' head coach at Durango (Colo.) High School, provided this scouting report: competitive, rugged, driven and smart - the "quarterback" of a rough-and-tumble position group. But he wasn't describing the San Francisco 49ers rookie guard who was selected in the fourth round of last month's NFL draft. Vogt was discussing Carver's sister, Kayla, who helped pave her brother's path to the pros.
She had an NFL dream. When 49ers drafted her brother, they made it a reality
David Vogt, who was Carver Willis’ head coach at Durango (Colo.) High School, provided this scouting report: competitive, rugged, driven and smart — the “quarterback” of a rough-and-tumble position group. But he wasn’t describing the San Francisco 49ers rookie guard who was selected in the fourth round of last month’s NFL draft. Vogt was discussing Carver’s sister, Kayla, who helped pave her brother’s path to the pros.
How the NFL came up with a plan to keep 49ers from becoming jet-lagged zombies in 2026
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay will square off again in their regular season opener in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, Sept. 10. (Stephen Lam/S.F. Chronicle) The NFL didn't just receive feedback from not-happy head coach Kyle Shanahan about the San Francisco 49ers' taxing travel schedule this season. They also heard from general manager John Lynch and CEO Al Guido.
How the NFL came up with a plan to keep 49ers from becoming jet-lagged zombies in 2026
The NFL didn’t just receive feedback from not-happy head coach Kyle Shanahan about the San Francisco 49ers’ taxing travel schedule this season. They also heard from general manager John Lynch and CEO Al Guido. The conversations centered around the 49ers having to log an NFL-record 38,105 miles due to a 2026 schedule that will send them to Melbourne, Australia, Mexico City and across 58 time zones.
49ers' 2026 schedule provides inviting stretch between treks to Melbourne, Mexico City
Congrats, Kyle. It appears the complaints you lodged effectively landed in the NFL schedule-maker's office. On Thursday, about six weeks after San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan publicly moaned about his team's million-mile travel schedule - Melbourne, Mexico City, oh my - the league unveiled a 17-game slate that might soften those international blows that landed earlier this offseason. The 49ers, of course, will still make unwanted NFL history in 2026.
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