SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Richard Sherman spoke up Thursday as the 49ers' newly elected player rep and matter-of-factly predicted a 2021 NFL labor lockout.
That buzzkill can wait.
The 49ers open their season Sunday in Minnesota, and it can't be understated what it means to also hear Sherman talk about his impending comeback from last year's Achilles tear.
"I'm going to go out there and cover the guy I'm on and keep catching balls," said Sherman, who has a NFL-best 32 interceptions since 2011.
Sherman, 30, will be starting at left cornerback and leading the defensive gusto, just like he did in his days as the 49ers' archenemy on the Seattle Seahawks from 2011-17.
"He's out there moving, stopping on a dime, and I'm really looking forward to seeing him Sunday," wide receiver Marquise Goodwin said. "He brings leadership and attitude _ a winning attitude."
The 49ers defense, which ranked 22nd in points allowed and 24th in total yards, needs Sherman's presence not only as a potential playmaker but as an all-knowing, all-inspiring leader.
"We're going to be really dynamic," Sherman said. "We're going to be incredibly multiple and varied in our sets and you're going to be surprised by some of the guys who stand out."
Linebacker Reuben Foster's passion and flare will be missed as he serves a two-game suspension. Sherman can pick up that emotional slack for a defense that must rise up in a hostile environment against a top-notch quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
"Sherm's been a great leader for us," defensive end Arik Armstead said. "Talk about a guy who brings a mentality to the game. He's been great out there leading our defense to where we need to be. He's a guy you can depend on."
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh agreed: "We haven't seen speed deficiency. His communication, his instincts, his quickness, all of it looks fantastic. He's ready to go."
