Upton Stout Exclusive: How breakout rookie is fueled by doubters, a mantra of this 49ers team

When 49ers rookie cornerback Upton Stout was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, his first phone call with the organization went viral. He showed a charisma and passion in that first interaction that has carried over onto the field. Stout will start at nickel Saturday vs. the Seahawks in the NFC divisional round of the NFL playoffs, a far cry from the hills of Western Kentucky where he started making a name for himself. On this episode of "49ers Talk," Matt Maiocco sits down with the determined rookie to reflect on what motivates him to be successful, his biggest adjustment since becoming a professional and what a return of Fred Warner would mean to this team and special season. Matt also joins co-host Jennifer Lee Chan to discuss the news that Fred Warner was officially ruled out for Saturday's playoff game, as well as injury updates on WR Ricky Pearsall's status and other limited players. The duo discuss the impact Warner's presence at practice has had on the team this week, and how Seahawks QB (and former 49ers backup) Sam Darnold's lack of success in big games will follow him throughout his career unless he can turn it around; an apparent oblique injury won't help that cause.

--

(0:00) Discussion around Fred Warner being ruled out for the divisional round of the NFL playoffs
(4:00) Even though he’s not going to play, he’s going to travel with the team to Seattle -- why Warner being there will positively affect the team
(8:00) How Pearsall looks on the practice field, if he plays he won’t be 100%, not until his PCL is more healed
(10:00) The 49ers are the biggest underdog (+7) of all the divisional playoff games this weekend, they like being in this position
(15:00) Upton Stout Interview
(20:00) What gave Stout confidence to compete at this level, what did he learn at Western Kentucky to help him achieve that
(23:00) How Stout has been quieting doubters his whole career, motivated to earn respect of the league
(36:00) Sam Darnold’s lack of past success in the playoffs will follow him throughout his career unless he starts winning in big games

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.