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Dee Ford calls trade to 49ers ‘refreshing’ in first interview with 680

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© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports


Following Tuesday’s trade from the Kansas City Chiefs to the 49ers, pass-rusher Dee Ford joined Murph & Mac on Friday morning.

“I don’t think guys understand that it’s refreshing, it’s really refreshing,” Ford said of being traded. “You get in a certain comfort zone when you play somewhere for a while. It’s human nature to get complacent, you kind of have to create new ways to get excited.”

Ford had a career year last year and was finally able to show the organization just how good of a player he can be. After being traded to the Niners, Ford is excited to meet his new team and prove to them that he’s worth giving up valuable assets for.

“Im excited all over again, I get to meet a new team. We were really talented (Kansas City), but the 49ers needed my talents, so now I can rise the challenge. I’m an adventurous guy, so I need the competition and I need the pressure. It’s refreshing, it’s like having to prove yourself all over again. Especially with the new contract, making some money, you need something to keep you grounded. I want that opportunity on an elite team in a city like San Francisco.”

Coming into the league, Ford was a highly sought after prospect out of Auburn. In his first season he recorded double-digit sacks, but a back injury in 2017 halted his progress.

“It’s important to get better even if its small strides. I made small strides from 2016, but then in 2017, I was hurt. That year was actually my best training camp ever. My defensive coordinator, my position coach, they all agree that it was my best training camp ever. I knew that season was going to be great for me, but the back issue came out of nowhere. I was in denial for a little bit”

Remaining focused on his craft and his technique, Ford credits his upbringing and his passion for music.

“I grew up in a music and sports household. Church taught me the craft of music and music theory. Once you explore the musician’s side, your brain goes to another level. Instinctively, I really contribute that to me being more instinctive on the field. I ran into many great coaches, and it’s important to have someone who can see who you can be before even you can even see it. That’s so important because I had that.”

Ford’s career has had its share of ups and downs but remains focused on proving himself to a new team with the 49ers. He gives credit to his support system and the people around him that have helped develop his strong work ethic throughout his career.

“When you work to get there, it’s really second nature. I contribute that to my parents, my friends, my coaches.”

Listen to the full interview with Dee Ford here: