The Start of the 49ers' Journey: Hope Amidst Struggles

They’re heading to the Super Bowl for the second time in five years. But back in 2018, they were coming off a long losing streak — and that’s the year we sat down with 49ers  players, coaches, and executives to hear their turnaround plans. It’s probably time to consider the turnaround a success. 

• SOURCES:
  • Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders; former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Al Guido, president of the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Kyle Juszczyk, fullback for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Bob Lange, senior vice president of communications for the Philadelphia Eagles; former vice-president of communications for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • John Lynch, general manager of the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice-president of football operations for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Victor Matheson, economist at College of the Holy Cross.
  • Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Malcolm Smith, former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Joe Staley, former offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Solomon Thomas, defensive tackle for the New York Jets; former defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.
  • Jed York, C.E.O. of the San Francisco 49ers.

• RESOURCES:
  • "49ers Overreactions: Have Shanahan, Lynch Built Team That Can Last?" by Matt Maiocco (NBC Sports, 2023).
  • “Jimmy Garoppolo Leads a 49ers Resurgence,” Victor Mather, The New York Times (December 29, 2017).
  • “Why American Sports Are Organized As Cartels,” Tim Worstall, Forbes (January 14, 2013).
  • NFL History - Super Bowl Winners (ESPN).

• EXTRAS:
  • "When Is a Superstar Just Another Employee?" by Freakonomics Radio (2023).
  • "How Does Playing Football Affect Your Health?" by Freakonomics, M.D. (2023).
  • "Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million?" by Freakonomics Radio (2022).
  • "The Hidden Side of Sports," series by Freakonomics Radio (2018-2019).
  • "An Egghead’s Guide to the Super Bowl," by Freakonomics Radio (2017).