SANTA CLARA -- Richard Sherman might be known as a resource for his 49ers teammates, but the star cornerback shared that he learns from them as well, including fellow All-Pro George Kittle.
Sherman might be entering his tenth NFL season, but the shutdown corner credits consistent learning for his success and longevity. He shared that Kittle has been a great resource for him, even at 26 years old.
“There’s so much I learn from him, day in and day out,” Sherman said on Thursday. “Even the way he approaches practice every day, with the same energy, the same conviction, the same detail.”
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The younger 49ers players might call him Uncle Sherm, but the veteran cornerback played some of his best football in 2019. The veteran racked up three interceptions and only allowed one reception out of eleven 20-plus yard pass attempts on his side of the field.
You frequently can see Sherman on the practice field and during games talking to both his offensive and defensive teammates. It turns out, these conversations are both teaching and learning moments for the veteran. Sherman shared that even practice squad players offer important insights.
San Francisco 49ers
“The moment you stop being open to learning, the moment you stop accepting teaching and coaching is the moment you should be done because you’re not getting better,” Sherman said.
“The moment you stop learning you stop elevating.”
“Guy like George Kittle, who obviously is at the top of his game, has a ton to offer,” Sherman said. “I’ve never played the tight end position, but I can pick his brain and find out things that he knows, so when I’m guarding a tight end, I know what they are thinking.”
RELATED: Sherm calls his shot, says he's talked contract with 49ers
Kittle remained humble hearing how his teammate complimented his play and demeanor. The tight end turned it around, sharing how his relationship with Sherman has affected his own process.
“He’s always learning, that’s why he’s so good,” Kittle said. “He learns everything so then he knows everything. That’s what I’m trying to learn from him. How do you know so much? Do I need to get a bigger brain or something?
“But I’m going to try my best to do what he does, and if I can teach him something or two, then I’ll do my best to do that.”