Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Players Speak to Media Following NFC Championship Game | 49ers

Summary

The transcript covers post-game press conferences with the San Francisco 49ers players and coaches after their dramatic comeback victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. It focuses on quarterback Brock Purdy and how he engineered the second half comeback, the key late defensive stops, George Kittle's thoughts on returning to the Super Bowl, and Brandon Aiyuk's incredible bouncing catch. The team shows its resilience and discusses maintaining belief down 17-0 at halftime to pull off the win in a game that exemplifies the 49ers' toughness and talent.

Takeaways

• 😊 The 49ers came back from a 17-point deficit to beat the Cowboys in the playoffs.
• 👏 George Kittle talked about the team's resilience and refusal to give up.
• ⚽️ Brandon Aiyuk made a clutch diving catch that ignited the 49ers' comeback.
• 🏈 Brock Purdy's scrambling and playmaking energized the 49ers in the second half.
• 👍 Nick Bosa said the defense locked in during halftime to fix mistakes.
• 🔒 The 49ers defense got key fourth down stops to shift momentum.
• 🙌 Kyle Shanahan praised the team's character and "love for each other".
• 🏆 The 49ers are excited for a Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs.
• 🧠 Fred Warner's high football IQ helped the 49ers dominate on defense.
• 🏟 George Kittle said the home crowd gave the 49ers a major boost.

Q & A

What was the mood of the 49ers players at halftime when they were down 17 points?

The players were extremely pissed off and focused. Kyle Shanahan said they had too much respect for themselves and the team to go out that way in the first half.

How important was the fourth down stop by the 49ers defense in the third quarter?

The fourth down stop was huge in shifting momentum. It prevented the Lions from extending their lead and gave the 49ers offense an opportunity to cut into the deficit.

What sparked the 49ers comeback in the second half?

A few key plays ignited the comeback - Brandon Aiyuk's clutch 25-yard catch, the turnover forced by Gipson, and Brock Purdy's scrambling for big gains. This shifted momentum fully in the 49ers' favor.

How did Brock Purdy perform in bringing the team back from a 17-point deficit?

Purdy made big plays with his legs, converting key first downs. He kept drives going and competed fiercely. His scrambling was a major factor in the comeback.

What makes the 49ers so resilient in playoff games?

The 49ers have strong team chemistry and care deeply about each other. They have a core group used to adversity, which allows them to bounce back when faced with challenges.

How did the 49ers feel about matching up with the Chiefs in the Super Bowl?

They have great respect for the Chiefs as a team and organization. But after falling just short the past few years, the 49ers are extremely excited and determined to seize this opportunity.

What did Brandon Aiyuk say about the 49ers starting slow the past two playoff games?

He credited their opponents for having good game plans early on. But he emphasized the 49ers' ability to figure things out at halftime and dominate in the second half.

What has George Kittle learned from losing in the last two NFC title games?

He is focusing on what he can control - working harder in the offseason physically and mentally to put himself in a position to succeed.

How did Nick Bosa try to rally the defense at halftime?

He was screaming random things to fire up his teammates, telling them to just do their jobs, take away the QB's first read, and the defense would start getting pressure and stops.

Why does George Kittle think overcoming 17-point deficits in the playoffs will help them?

It creates an urgent sense that they have things to tighten up and prepares them better mentally for the challenges they'll face against a great Chiefs team in the Super Bowl.

Outlines

00:00

🏈 Halftime Reflections and Turning the Tide

The speaker discusses the team's mindset during halftime, facing a 17-point deficit with a sense of hope given they were to start with the ball in the third quarter. Despite the discouraging first half, the narrow margin of the deficit was seen as an opportunity for a comeback. The team's determination in the third quarter, marked by a field goal, a crucial fourth-down stop, and a touchdown, quickly shifted the game's momentum. Key plays, including a long catch and a defensive turnover, played pivotal roles in evening the score by the end of the third quarter, setting a renewed tone for the final quarter.

05:00

🔥 Post-Game Reflections and Super Bowl Aspirations

Reflecting on the post-game atmosphere, the speaker highlighted the exhaustion and difficulty in delivering a speech due to the presence of families and the limitation on language. Despite the challenges, the message was one of pride in the team's character, grit, and mutual support observed over the past two weeks. The importance of the team's resilience and the anticipation of facing a formidable opponent in the Super Bowl were underscored, acknowledging both the talent and the historical context of their upcoming adversaries.

10:01

🌟 Player Perspectives on Performance and Team Dynamics

The speaker offered insights into individual and team performances, emphasizing the importance of scrambling plays by the quarterback in the second half and the critical role of such plays in the game's outcome. The narrative also touched upon the team's ability to rally from behind, dispelling myths about the team's resilience. The discussion included reflections on the interception, the collective mindset during the game, and the significance of a specific explosive play that shifted momentum.

15:02

🏆 Celebrating Victory and Anticipating the Super Bowl

The narrative captures the euphoria and relief post-victory, emphasizing the contrast between the game's challenging moments and the ultimate triumph. The speaker reflects on the journey from injury to playing a pivotal role in a championship game, underscoring personal growth and the significance of team effort in overcoming adversity. The anticipation of facing a renowned opponent in the Super Bowl is discussed, highlighting the respect for the opposing team's capabilities and the excitement for the rematch.

26:12

🛡️ Defensive Strategies and Halftime Adjustments

The focus shifts to the defensive strategy and the adjustments made during halftime to counter the opponent's offensive plays. The discussion includes the team's approach to stopping the run, the importance of gap discipline, and the specific challenges faced in the first half. The narrative also covers the defensive team's halftime review and the strategic changes implemented to improve performance in the second half.

31:25

💥 Key Plays and Momentum Shifts

This section delves into the critical moments that changed the game's momentum, including significant catches, defensive stops, and strategic decisions. The narrative highlights the importance of explosive plays, the impact of successful fourth-down stops, and the emotional lift provided by these pivotal moments. The speaker also reflects on the broader strategy and team dynamics that contributed to the comeback.

36:26

🔙 Reflecting on Comebacks and Team Resilience

The narrative explores the team's mindset and resilience, particularly when faced with a significant halftime deficit. The emphasis is on the collective determination to not succumb to the pressure and to rally back into the game. The discussion includes reflections on past experiences, the importance of maintaining focus and aggression, and the psychological aspects of staging a successful comeback.

41:28

🌪️ Defensive Turnaround and Post-Game Thoughts

This section examines the defensive improvements in the second half, contributing to the team's comeback. It includes player reflections on the game's emotional rollercoaster, the strategic adjustments made, and the significance of specific defensive plays. The narrative also touches on the personal and team growth experienced throughout the season, leading up to this pivotal moment.

46:28

🎉 Victory Celebrations and Looking Ahead

The closing paragraphs capture the joy and celebration following the victory, alongside preparations for the Super Bowl. The speaker reflects on the team's journey, the emotional significance of the win, and the anticipation of facing a familiar foe in the championship game. The narrative conveys a sense of accomplishment, unity, and forward-looking optimism as the team prepares for the final challenge of the season.

51:29

🏁 Final Reflections and Super Bowl Expectations

The narrative concludes with player reflections on the victory's significance.

Keywords

💡comeback

The video focuses on the 49ers overcoming a 17-point deficit to defeat the Cowboys and advance to the Super Bowl. The word 'comeback' refers to their ability to fight back after trailing by so much at halftime. Multiple players and coaches discuss how the team rallied together, made adjustments, and 'came back' through clutch plays in the second half.

💡momentum

Momentum is used to describe the shift in energy and confidence levels for the 49ers. After big plays like Brandon Aiyuk's catch or stopping the Cowboys on fourth down, the momentum swung back in the 49ers' favor, energizing them to keep scoring.

💡resiliency

Resiliency refers to the 49ers' ability to bounce back from adversity. Despite trailing big and having lost previous NFC championships, the team showed resilience by staying focused, believing they could still win, and ultimately completing the comeback.

💡leadership

The video references leadership from players like Fred Warner rallying the team at halftime. Coaches also discuss leadership in terms of keeping players focused on the next play and not getting too high or low based on the score.

💡playoffs

Making the playoffs and advancing in high-pressure playoff games is a key theme. The 49ers discuss being battle-tested from close playoff wins that prepare them for the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.

💡defense

The 49ers' defense stepped up in the 2nd half, getting stops and turnovers that fueled the offense's comeback. Players discuss defensive adjustments, effort, and key players like Fred Warner playing at an elite level.

💡super bowl

Players discuss excitement and emotions around finally getting back to the Super Bowl after falling short the previous two seasons. They also look ahead to facing the Chiefs again after losing to them in Super Bowl 54.

💡scoring

Scoring points was critical during the comeback, as coaches and players talk about needing to capitalize on drives and finish with touchdowns at key moments, like Brandon Aiyuk's TD catch to regain the lead.

💡mindset

The 49ers discuss mindset in terms of resiliency, focus, and determination - not letting the deficit or outside opinions affect their belief in themselves. Their mindset shifted momentum and enabled the comeback.

💡brotherhood

The bond between teammates is referenced as 'brotherhood' and 'love for each other' that kept them fighting instead of giving up. Their connection and caring for one another was integral to the comeback.

Highlights

The team's determination to overcome a 17-point deficit at halftime, showing resilience and hope for a comeback.

A critical field goal early in the third quarter provided a glimmer of hope despite not being sufficient.

Defensive efforts led to a pivotal stop on fourth down, followed by a touchdown that significantly shifted momentum.

An impactful turnover by the defense further narrowed the score gap, demonstrating the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities.

By the end of the third quarter, the game was tied, showcasing a remarkable comeback effort.

A long catch that changed the game's dynamics, emphasizing the importance of seizing key moments.

The halftime focus on offensive and defensive adjustments to counter the opponent's strategies.

Quarterback's mobility and scrambling ability played a crucial role in the second half, leading to key first downs and maintaining drive momentum.

The team's ability to come back from a significant deficit challenged the narrative around their previous performances in similar situations.

Preparation for the Super Bowl against a team that had previously defeated them, highlighting the significance of redemption and strategic planning.

An exhausted but proud team celebration, underscoring the collective effort and emotional investment in the victory.

The significant role of a key catch in maintaining the team's momentum, illustrating the importance of individual contributions to the team's success.

Adjustments made during halftime to address weaknesses in stopping the run, showcasing the team's ability to adapt and improve.

The emotional and strategic response to being down by 17 points, highlighting the team's resilience and determination.

The quarterback's perspective on making crucial plays under pressure, reflecting on the fine line between risk and reward in game-changing moments.

The team's character and brotherhood were pivotal in the comeback, emphasizing the role of team dynamics in overcoming challenges.

Transcripts

or was it just to maintain focus at

halftime when nothing was going right

for you guys um I mean you no you had no

other choice I mean it was nice that we

were starting out with the ball in the

third so it gave us some hope in that

way um and also it being a 17-point game

was encouraging because it looked like

it should have been worse uh that's

definitely how it felt that's how the

numbers looked um but we were only down

17 which that's not too much but you got

to start playing a lot better in order

for that not to be too much and came out

in the third quarter and

um we finished with a field goal

definitely thought that wasn't uh enough

but then I think our D stopped him on a

fourth down the next time then we got a

touchdown then I want to say the next

Drive was the turnover and then just

like that it was just three three drives

and I think by the end of the third it

was a tie game and then I was like all

right it's first quarter again but it's

the fourth let's

start's C auk's long catch and and how

did that sort of just change change

things for you guys uh I mean they had

that safety sit in the middle of the

field Brock did an awesome job

recognizing it we had Debo on a Crossing

route and that safety cut it and Brock

made the right read and just launched it

but the corner did an awesome job

staying on top I mean the safety cuts

and that means there's no one in the

middle but the corner was aware of it so

he stayed on top um I was worried that

um for it to be a pick when it's like

that Brock makes the right read but then

he launches it and ba just did a hell of

a job going up for it um so it wasn't

going to be a pick and then he came down

with a catch which was huge I was never

able to see whether he was down or not

they said was so um it's great we

punched it in later what did that play

do for you guys you know just toite

things um I mean anytime you get a big

explosive one like that it makes it a

lot easier we we felt we could go on

drives we we just had to get it going we

I think we had four in the first half I

want to say we scored on two of them had

a pick on one and um and then punted on

the other and I mean credit to their

defense I mean they mix things up they

play really hard um we thought if we

could get it going and make it a game on

both sides it would be a matter of time

before we could score some points but

the way their offense was going their

defense doing a couple things to get us

off the field um but once ba made that

play it kind of unlocked it with such an

explosive and and kind of unlocked the

whole team because right after getting

that turnover that I believe Gip forced

um that was huge and right after that

you could feel the whole momentum with

our players on our sideline in the

stadium kind of flip and um you felt it

was on after that why did you took so

hard in the first half to stop the run

what what did you see from um I mean we

knew they were a good running team going

in

um but it only takes a couple guys I

mean we had a couple eight man fronts

and um there's definitely two that I saw

that we got one guy out of a gap and

when that happens you get right to that

middle third player and I mean that's 15

at the best and then they they had a

good real good call on that reverse that

was probably their best look that they

got us in um but we had a couple missed

tackles a couple guys out of gaps and it

was um it's hard to win like that um but

the guys tightened it up there in the

second half and got it done did you talk

about it halftime what adjustments did

you want to make heading into the second

half

um we just go over or we come up with

eight plays to go over with the offense

and how we're going to start it out and

go with them and the defense goes and

they all meet and they break up and they

talk about all their stuff from

positions and um then we just pulled

them up before and so guys it's it's

only 17 points been a lot of football

games where you're down 17 points or

starting with the ball um it's that's

that's plenty of time to come back

plenty of points to come back but

regardless of any of that stuff we're

not going out like this we got to be a

lot more aggressive here in the second

half and um in everything we do um

offensively defensively special teams um

I thought we switched up a little bit

more tightened up on some things um with

some pressure some man coverage and um

the guys didn't want today to be the

last day and we put oursel in a hole but

they played like it in the second half

and we're able to get the ball to bounce

the right way and we made up for what we

did in the first half Brock scrambling

what's that Brock scram bling in the

second half how big how big of impact

was that for you guys I me thought it

was the difference between winning and

losing um he made some big plays with

his legs um getting out of the pocket

moving the chains and some first downs

getting some explosives he competed his

ass off today and wasn't easy for any of

us but uh he kept grinding and was

unbelievable there in the second half

have heard people talk about colan teams

don't come back they have to play up

front Rock P can't come back does that

strike you in this moment and what you

you know like hey that's over now in

your mind um I mean that's up to you

guys to decide I never I never thought

it had started and and

I mean coached a long time guys play a

long time I get some of those

circumstances but I've never felt like

we didn't have a team who could come

back or win a game like that um just had

to do it today when it mattered the most

what are your add questions Kyle of

going to be going to the Super Bowl

playing the team that beat you there

four years ago um I haven't had a lot of

time to think about that you I didn't

watch any of their game um wasn't sure

who woned until someone told me right

before we went out but it's I mean

they're hell of a te team they got a

hell of a coach hell of a quarterback

hell of a defense uh haven't got to see

him much this year just cuz we haven't

had a lot of crossover tape but we

already have a pretty good idea how it's

going to look I mean they've been doing

it for a while and um since since we met

them in 19 it seems like they've been

there every year since and we've been

trying really hard to get back to that

moment we've been close a number of

times and this time we got it done and

going spend these two weeks to prepare

and make sure it's a hell of a game what

was your message in there after the game

to the team um not a very good one I was

exhaust Ed it took for everyone so long

to get in then it was really hard to

talk cuz everyone had their family and

kids in there and I struggled to talk

when I can't use all the words I want to

use um but it was my my message I was

just so proud of the guys I mean these

last two weeks I mean we've had some

talented teams um we have we do have a

talented team right now um but that just

the character and the GD of the guys

there I mean you could see it on their

faces at half time I've seen I could see

it on them all week our guys got a lot

of love for each other and um every year

when the season's over it's always a new

team the next year regardless of how

many times people return I mean how many

people return and our guys didn't want

this to be the last day and we had to

really fight for it to make that happen

but we pulled it off and couldn't be

more proud of the

group not usually obviously known for

his legs do you think there's any

element to surprise at how efficient and

productive he was with that no I think

Brock's been scrambling and making plays

ever since we got him in and all you got

to do is go back to the first game

versus Miami and Brock makes a lot of

plays with his legs did it in college

too um makes a lot of off schedules so

and thought it looked like how Brock

looks every time he plays was Christian

okay at the end of the game there is he

dealing something uh yeah I think he got

I mean he said he got like a little bit

of stinger when he went down there I

mean that's just what his words were he

had to come out for a play and I know

Elijah went in there and scored but I

know at the end Christian was good to go

back Dan Campbell's obviously know known

for taking risks and going forward on

fourth down how big was it a swig and

momentum when you were able to stop stop

him on that fourth and two oh it was

huge I mean both of them I mean to make

it a three-score game and us to be able

to hold it to two scores especially the

way the game was going I mean I felt

like we kind of blew it when we started

out with the ball and we didn't get a

touchdown and we got three points so um

for us to hold him there and them not to

get any points which you stop them on

fourth down really look at that almost

the same as a turnover so um that was

huge by us today and but I mean this you

liveing die with that stuff it would

have been it would have been really hard

to deal with it if they moved the chains

on that fourth and two also so um that's

why everything comes down to certain

plays and what happens in those plays

you got to live

with is that how you practiced it pretty

much uh I mean that that definitely is

the read when middle third safety cuts

um the high cross that's where the

ball's supposed to go uh last time he

did that I think was versus Arizona um

at home I think it was like week five or

something and he did it again they cut

they threw it to ba but the corner was

on top and ba went up and made a hell of

a catch and it's really almost exactly

what happened to day too I mean when

they cut usually The Middle's open but

the corner was disciplined and stayed on

top so you couldn't run by him and but

Brock read the defense gave ba a shot

and um ba made him right just going back

to the fourth shorts by d k you already

explained it but were you shocked just

given the situation that he decided to

go for it instead of opting for the

field goals uh not really I mean I think

that's pretty that's how they've done it

most of the year and I think that's one

of the reasons why they were here so

like I

mean

[Music]

you win a lot of games making some of

those decisions and then you make some

decisions and you lose them I mean I

don't think it always comes down to that

there's lots of plays that happen in the

game but I mean that's a decision that

we all have to make and um doesn't

surprise me because he's made a lot of

those decisions um throughout the year

that have won them a lot of games also

what sense did you get from your players

was it calm even when you're down 17 was

it a little virgy what what mood did you

get from those guys as this was starting

oh I think we were just pissed off I

think guys were extremely pissed I mean

that that first half wasn't just that we

were down by 17 it was the way we were

down um they were kind of having their

way in the Run game um we weren't

getting much in our Run game either and

we don't want to go out like that we

didn't know how we dug oursel in a big

hole but I wasn't just talking about how

to win this game I was talking about how

to start playing right U we got to we

got too much respect for our team and um

I just that would have that would have

been a real rough way to end it if if we

could have played better with with our

group and that's why I was so proud of

the guys they didn't they didn't really

care about anything except finding a way

to win and you could see it on their

faces you could see it at halftime and

you could see it in that third quarter

and you could see it all the way to the

end of the game

extraordin thoughts on a Super Bowl 54

rematch um none I'm excited that we're

going there um H happy for the Chiefs

too um I'm going to have a lot of fun

tonight probably with my family and

everything and come in a little bit slow

motion tomorrow and um figure out all

the Super Bowl tickets all the traveling

and stuff that takes a lot of time for

the players and their families and uh

the coaches will start getting to go on

Kansas City while they do all that and

probably give the guys a couple days off

and then we'll get to our game plan and

practicing either by Wednesday or

Thursday Fred Warner's been good all

year but he had an extraordinary game

tonight uh what's your your thoughts of

of Fred tonight Fred um I mean Fred

played like to me like a NFL defensive

MVP I mean he's played at that level to

me I mean he does every year and there's

always a group of guys who can deserve

it but um Fred is always one of those

guys and you know um you you hope when

you have players like that they do it in

these type of games and U Fred did and

that's one of the reasons we're still

playing last one I just going to ask why

do you anticipate being in slow motion

tomorrow morning because you guys won't

let me get out of here I'm getting real

no it's um I know guys are gonna have

some fun tonight and you know you do

have two weeks and we're going to have

meeting with all the ticket guys and

stuff and so we'll put it off a little

bit longer uh lots of families in there

and stuff so let the guys sleep in a

little bit for treatment but uh we'll

still get our work in all right guys be

next all right guys

thanks

you made a number of plays scrambling

tonight the most we've seen you scramble

in some ways you that does that kind of

Define who you are as a

player um yeah I mean obviously my job

is to distribute the ball to guys that

are open um and then you know if

something's not there especially in this

kind of game it's like you know you got

to find a way so um I feel like

throughout my life I've scrambled and

stuff here and there but um you know

since I've been here I feel like I

haven't done a whole lot um but

obviously tonight something wasn't there

I was just trying to keep the chains

moving keep the ball moving forward um

and then obviously give our team some

momentum and some juice so um I had to

do it so I had I did it and yeah what

was your what was your view of the

Brandon catch and and how it all

unfolded and and what did that do for

you guys just in terms of jolt yeah I

mean obviously to have an explosive play

like that um was huge in that moment we

needed it to get down the field pretty

quick and you know we were still down I

think two touchdowns so um in that

moment it was it was like all right

here's a shot here's an opportunity for

BA um it was a single high safety you

know didn't get back or anything he sort

of stayed flat footed and you know in

our offense in that play it's like you

can you know expect your receiver to to

get on top and trust him and so Corner

did a good job with actually staying on

top and and then tipped it up ba did a

great job with

um just tracking the ball all the way

and and making a huge play for us man so

he's a baller um that was was clutch on

his part that was almost team when you

were down 17 when you down by so much at

happen I mean yeah no one was raah RA no

one was freaking out it was just it's

football I feel like there's a lot of

experienced guys on this team veterans

that have you know been in Crazy

situations and and so everyone was like

right we just got to do our job straight

up like the offense has to move the ball

we got to put up points convert on third

Downs um defense get some stops for for

us and that was really about it there

wasn't really much said Kyle said a

couple things Fred said a couple things

but we kept it simple and so went out we

all knew what we had to do season on the

line we're down 17 so um I think

everybody stepped up and when we played

really good complimentary team football

from there could have been obviously an

interception to VA um do you consider

the fine line of like dude pry through a

horrible pass and no pry through this

pass that changed the game yeah I mean

in that moment I'm looking at it like

you know we need a we need a play I'm

not going to be stupid and just throw

the ball up but you know ba is

one-on-one so I'm going to take I'm

going to take that op and especially in

this kind of game U we need that kind of

play um yeah so people can say what they

want but I was giving my guy a shot and

it worked out so much of the Year people

have said last week this week you guys

seem to do well with your backs against

the wall what does that say about the

resilien yeah I mean it's just the

character man the the love the

Brotherhood it's real you know it's the

NFL I guess you could say it's a

business but but you know guys care

about each other in this locker room and

and what we've been through and um we

got a core group of guys that have been

here for the last couple years and and

the standard and culture that they've

built um and then the guys that Kyle and

John brings in like everyone fits that

mold and um you know it showed tonight

in a huge Moment Like if you're down 17

you got to care about each other you got

to love each other to to get a comeback

going and so I think we showed that

tonight and I'm really proud of this

group what happened on the

interception yeah stepped up it wasn't

the look that you know we really thought

we were going to get get um I went to

try to rip one to to Debo over the

middle um from what I can remember

there's a hand that that hit my hand and

the ball got tipped and flirted up to

the linebacker what did it feel like in

that moment when you're out there you

know celebrating with your teammates

when the clock hit zero yeah it's huge

um obviously just the feeling of of you

know Redemption coming back um it's huge

man and and for all of us to what we

went through I guess last year this

whole year has been crazy you go through

highs you go through lows and even in

this game Seasons online you're down 17

and then to to see the the clock hit

zero and you're up it's special to all

of us and so obviously we have one more

job's not finished but um I'm just I

can't tell you guys how proud I am of

the team to fight do you feel the

momentum start to Shi when they went for

it on Fourth and two and didn't make it

and can you just talk about kind of feel

in the stadium yeah I mean you could

definitely feel it like everybody knew

we were all trying to get back into it

and so when the defense got a stop like

that obviously the stadium erupted and

then everyone on on offense when we're

jogging out there we were like all right

it's it's our time you know this is the

m momentum that we've been looking for

um our team created that as a whole and

so as an offense like we got to do our

part and and pick up the defense after

they just got that stopped so um we all

felt it the way your with the way your

season ended last year what's it like to

be able to come out and perform like you

did in in an N NFC Championship game

yeah I mean honestly this was just like

the next game up um you know you look

back a year ago got hurt which sucked

and then you go through the whole rehab

process all of it it's been a long year

but at the same time it's been pretty

quick and so uh for me I've just try to

enjoy every single day enjoy these guys

enjoy the wins enjoy honestly the lows

that come with it you got to learn from

that kind of stuff and um you know

obviously to pull a comeback like that

in the NFC championship and play um it

it was was special for me so like I said

we still got one more to go but um to

have a performance like that like we did

as a team it was huge regard always

going to remember that early thoughts on

the Chiefs facing catrick Mahomes yeah I

mean what a challenge you know you got

um Mahomes and what he does and their

team they're special man um they're

winners you know they've proven that

over however many years he's been there

um so for us to be able to to go back

and play them it's going to be sweet

it's going to be special for all of us

and uh you know I wasn't here obviously

in 19 but from just like you can just

tell the guys that have been here like

if anybody that be it' be special for

them to play these guys so I'm excited

to be a part of it

on the thr I did you immediately there

was a flag there he made this diving

catch did you immediately know that's a

catch I'm sorry on what play the throw

to IU deep throw to IU there was a flag

and you know was like did he catch it I

mean did you immediately know that's a

catch or was there some confusion on

your part um yeah I saw the flag go up

for sure but um and then I heard the

whole stadium erupt and I see ba you

know curled up around the ball and I was

oh my gosh he caught that so after that

you know we're all jogging down down I'm

like dang and then we're all trying to

figure out if he scored or not and got

touched so but uh when I saw him catch

that I was like that that's insane so at

the end of the day I was like just try

like I said trying to give him an OP man

it's one-on-one huge game we need a big

play and explosive here's one of our our

best receiver to go down and and make a

a clutch play for us so yeah how did

your personal Journey over the last

couple years get you ready for not only

this game but the second half in

particular I mean you come from you know

Rel of nowhere uh to be now the third

youngest player quarterback to ever

started a Super Bowl game like how did

that Journey get you ready for yeah it's

uh like honestly I think it's just a

testament to God and where he's taken me

in life um I've never been the biggest

the fastest or strongest or any of that

um I feel like I've always sort of had

to fight for what I get and work for

what I get um but God's always given me

an opportunity whether that was in high

school college and then obviously in the

NFL getting dra drafted last people you

know Overlook you and all that kind of

stuff and then all you need is an

opportunity and when watch and see what

he does you know I put my faith and

trust in him and he's gotten me where

I'm at so um when I'm down 17 at half

honestly I'm just like thinking like all

right God you've taken me here and um

win or lose I'm going to glorify you and

and uh that's my peace that's the joy

that's the the steadfastness that's

where I get it from and that's the

honest truth so I I leaned into that and

sure enough we were able to come back

all right thank you guys thanks

guys

said that the kind of mood from you guys

was when you're down 17 half time is

kind of mad you're angry you got to that

point what would you say your mood was

at that moment I think everybody was

pretty focused um you know we knew we

didn't start the way we wanted to but

it's why football's for quarters and uh

we knew we had the guys that if we were

going to do it we got the guys that can

make it happen and um just so proud to

be a part of this group showed a lot of

resilience this week last week and uh

yeah just pumped

up what do you say about Brock birie and

the way he was able to just engineer

that comeback in the second half man I I

have I don't have you know enough good

things to say about Brock you know he's

all he's done since he's been here uh is

play at an elite level and everything

starts with him

um and I'm just really we're lucky he's

our quarterback you know I mean he takes

a lot of heat for absolutely no reason

you know all he's done has been a great

leader been a great player and um so

proud of him and um pumped up that I get

another one with him this year is there

a moment in your mind something happen

hey this really is going to happen is

there a specific moment you think you

you thought that you know it's so hard

when when it's live and and you're in it

because you know the only thing you're

really focused on is the next play and

so um you know you you don't really feel

a lot of the emotions that maybe people

in the stands do because you're just

locked into doing your assignment so um

and I think that's why uh we

orchestrated a pretty good comeback

because everybody was just focused on

doing right longer and that's something

we say all the time is just do right

longer and um I thought we showed that

tonight you start to feel that emotion

do you start to feel it when the clock

hits zero and you can hug your teammates

yeah I mean it's it's always tough

because you never know you know I've

seen enough games that you know a lot of

things can happen at the the end there

and when it hits zero that's when you

just you're just kind of flooded with

emotions and um you know I think a lot

comes in at you at once but there's

always that thing in the back of your

head that we got another one when

Brandon makes that catch in the second

half there one that bounc out in the air

did you get a good view of that was your

sense of how important that was to maybe

kind of give you guys a spark there yeah

I was I was one of the coolest catches

I've ever seen a huge spark um now

that's what ba does man he made a play

when it counted and and uh really set us

up for a lot of momentum feel like the

first half when you it must felt like

you running into a wall you and the team

yeah that's a really good defense really

good run defense so for us it was just

about um continuing to Chip Away uh you

know you never know which one can be the

one to break but um as long as we're

physical you know guys were blocking all

night and um you know sometimes those

two three yard runs can be pretty

beneficial to a drive so so um like I

said we just wanted to make it about

next play mentality and uh you know just

sticking to the script you scor the ti

touchdown in the third quarter course

did you sense that this thing was going

to go your guys way or did it take until

that 25 yard run down to the three I

think the same feeling that you have

when you're down 17 or whatever it was

is the same feeling you have when you

tie it you know you know there's a lot

of football left and obviously you're

excited and um I think our team does

really well when momentum's on our side

but it's just next play mentality still

even even then because uh it's playoff

football it's NFC Championship game um

Anything Could Happen what was going on

physically U and how difficult was it to

get out the lineup there and see uh

Elijah you know take the cross the go

line yeah I just uh I had my shoulder

felt a little weird and I just didn't

want to not be able to grip the ball

especially in a crucial time like that

um and Mitch is unbelievable so he goes

in there and gets a touchdown I mean I

was happy and proud of him and uh our

whole team but that's you know I didn't

care at all I mean as we scored that's

all I cared about this was the the

biggest comeback uh this team's come

back from since you've been on the team

why uh do you think you were able to do

that and and the game didn't get away

from you uh like it has in some other

scenarios where it played out like this

uh I just think we have a really

resilient group that's been through a

lot together and um with a lot of

experience and I think when you've gone

through uh hard times I look back a year

ago and and what happened in Philly um

you know it kind of it hardens you and

it and it makes your team a lot closer

and so when you get in these moments and

you know how crucial every single play

is um it allows you guys to all focus on

what's most important and that's going

out and executing so I was just proud of

our

teames and the Chiefs Super Bowl yeah

that's obviously a great team um great

defense guys that fly around I haven't

watched you know obviously any yet um

but be big challenge uh on a big stage

and we're excited about

it was the shoulder did that turn out to

be a sort of a nerve Stinger thing um I

don't know I'm not a doctor but I feel

fine now yeah all right thanks thanks

guys hey Brandon are you

what was going through your head on that

catch and were you surprised at all that

you I was surprised

um I felt like the look before um pre-

snap I had a chance to get the ball but

they was just on

top I don't even

know did you have a sense of how big

that catch was in terms of maybe just a

spark or something that ignited kind of

your sideline after that play uh we

definitely felt moment with we came out

after

half uh got Debo going with like back to

back plays and the third play got the

momentum going just got the fire nighted

a little bit um got to move the ball we

felt the energy and then to finish off

with seven points we were just uh happy

with that cuz we knew what we could do

and where we could take it you're

probably aware of the talk that 49ers

always can't come back they don't you

know Kyle shanan teams don't record you

know when they're down what do you feel

about that right now that's back toback

weeks

uh with wins that we weren't supposed to

have apparently um but just two goody

wins two wins that just show you the

type of team that we have um the mindset

the will the heart that everybody

has I realize it's it's just a split

second thing but I was that was almost

an interception and then it's bouncing

to you I mean the emotion are there

emotions in the moment or you just

reacting to what's happening yeah it's

just bang bang like you don't really

realize until afterwards even still now

um I just finally got to my phone but uh

in a moment just playing football just

whistle to whistle so when you look at

it on on on your phone you're like wow

that's crazier than I thought it was

yeah that was

late as big as that play was it wouldn't

have meant anything if you didn't scor

that touchdown uh third and goal from a

six take us through that play just how

big was that to finish that off

that was big I felt like I scored I was

looking to the sideline uh after the

first catch feeling like like just like

that was a touchdown U but KY was like n

Hank was like Noah Debo trying to pull

me back into the Huddle cuz I was I was

like that was touchdown I was trying to

get a touchdown U but they came back to

me and we got a

touchdown Brandon it was uh you know

back to back weeks you guys did get

behind is is there um you know a reason

for that is that something you feel like

you guys got to solve you know for the

Chiefs in the Super Bowl and just your

thoughts on that for sure definitely is

for sure credit to those guys they came

out um I haven't watched the tape yet

but uh they they had a good they had a

good plan coming out um and credit to

our guys in the second half figuring out

um how to go get after those guys um we

felt in the first half that we had a

chance to get after him but we just

wasn't standing on the field a little

stuff here and there um and then the

defense pretty much a shut out in the

second half so team effort one more hey

Brandon after failing in the NFC Title

Games the past two years and then to get

over the hump this time how can you put

that in

perspective just a bunch of fun so much

fun uh our third time with the with

these group of guys some people's fourth

time um we were just working working

working praying hoping for a

breakthrough um and we got it today all

right thanks appreciate

it how hype are you when Brock scra was

for a b man it's just amazing cuz uh I

don't think too many people knows how

fast and Elusive Brock is until he get

the running uh I think I kind of messed

up one his touchdown trying to get a

lead block and he ran right into me and

bounced off but uh I feel like if I

would have made that block he probably

would have

scored your thought process after you

guys are down you know so big you're

down 247 to the half I'm sure you guys

didn't feel like you your season was

over but was there any concern at all at

that point um I don't think it was any

concern we just knew what we had to go

out here and do uh the second half and

that was the score points and defense

had to get off the field and and you

know starting the U third quarter off

with you know three points and then G

made a big play in the fumble we go down

and score and then just a CH of events

you know what made this that win so

emotional for

you uh I mean this my fifth year and uh

been the one Super Bowl and that was my

rookie year and these past couple years

you know we kind of fell short at you

know the NFC Championship what a

coincidence last year you know we lose

Brock but the year before that you know

we just lose the game and you know we

down 17 and a half and it's just like

whatever is it going to take for us to

get this win and we went out there and

did it you ever lose Faith oh no not at

all how different do you feel just as

your on your journey as an NFL player

now that you've been in the league for

so many years reaching the Super Bowl

again um I don't only just want to reach

it I want to win it um and that's the

goal and you know that's what we've been

set out to do uh since the beginning of

the year first fourth down stop did you

feel like that was the momentum changer

where you had a chance to win at that

point oh yeah um like I said our defense

in the second half have kind of really

was a out they came out and you

know coach wils came to halftime and Co

and Coach K came in halftime it's like

yo man it's time to man up trying to get

stops and it was time for the offense to

do what we do did you get a look at

Brandon's catch um either on replay on

the board no I seen it live uh cuz I

seen I seen the guy cut the high the

high cross that I was running and I just

look up and Brock cut it loose and I see

the DB dropped the ball and I'm just

like and then I see Brandon catch it I'm

like I'm thinking he scored and then we

getting in the huddle

Brandon looking at KY like he just said

and and hang like no touchdown and I'm

like bro get in the H we got to run

another play but it was a crazy play

that he made

couple when it hits zero on the clock

what goes through your head we going to

Super

Bowl

yeah a lot of um chatter between you and

CJ G Talk the whole week just seeing you

know the personal follow the game just

how does feel this hey man you got to

get me when I'm looking that's the only

way you going to get

me any else all right thanks

you

this no no can I hold it yeah

put I know I shouldn't say anything was

on your mind down 17 team played real

well I was just trying to Galvanize the

group and um there's so much football

left uh we could score really quick on

offense we just need to get off the

field so we could get our offense

rolling how do you try to Galvanize the

group in that moment just just trying

and tell everybody do your job that's

all we need to do is do your 111

and uh in that first half there was

breakdowns one guy each time obviously

it's hard for me to know exactly what's

going on but you just got to do your job

and this defense is as talented as it

gets so that was that was it know that

Dan Campbell does like to go for a lot

and fourth did you expect that fourth

down try and what did it mean to get it

I kind of saw him saying we're going

we're going so I was like here we

go big a turning point was that in huge

the first one yeah huge I think that was

the Turning Point um and just getting GF

off the spot kind of making them

uncomfortable back there we knew we

finally had a quarterback is going to be

be on that spot

often um so yeah how much do you PR of

game time that you scor 17 points to tie

the game did did it feel that quick and

once you get there how good do you feel

about your chances in that when it was

tied I honestly just block out

everything that's going on offensively

um and just try and keep everybody even

ke I think uh my guy Sherm taught me

that um you can't get too high when our

offense is doing great because you know

you got to go out there and do do your

job first that was that discouraging for

you guys embarrassing how'd you feel it

was embarrassing yeah it was

embarrassing kind of felt helpless um

and we we didn't want to go down as

failures and we know our defense is way

too good to play like that you talk to

more than your position group did you

talk to other guys linebackers secondary

yeah I kind of just I was on the ground

with a heat pack on my back just scream

scaming random things trying to get

people can you give us one example of

one of the random things you screamed

not that random but um I was just like

there's so much football left we made a

couple adjustments I said just take that

first read away and we're getting home

and uh and our guys did it Nick is there

a lot of pressure when you enter the

playoffs as a seed and you're playing at

home you feel that pressure that you

pretty much have to get through or like

you said I mean is an

embarrassment I wouldn't say it's an

embarrassment to lose it's just an

embarrassment as a defense of how they

were just going right down the field um

but yeah playoff football is there's not

one moment where I feel comfortable out

there even back in 19 Kyle showed some

of that a couple weeks ago and um we

were killing them and I knew Aaron

Rogers was on the other side so there

was no oh we got this it was four

quarters we got to end

it perspective how different than 2019

see it from an emotion perspective how

is this different than

2019 uh we just kind of rolled in 2019

and I was a rookie so I I didn't know

what was going on I just thought this is

how it goes um but the the way we did it

the past two weeks um I think there was

a stat with Kyle not coming back um

after being down and I think it's it's a

testament to our group that we're able

to battle back and you got to do stuff

like that to have a special season think

the match up ni knowing that you're GNA

be facing the Chiefs the team that beat

you guys four years ago on there it's

perfect it's perfect and there is great

as an organization coach quarterback as

there is and they were down not looking

great this year either and they're

playing their best ball now so it's

going to be a big challenge a couple

more Nick you talk about 2019 how you're

a rookie then so now you've developed as

a player you also mentioned that you

never let down like every minute every

second of the game you kind of were like

just waiting for that final minute can

you walk us through the difference

between then and now and how it felt

when that clock finally hit zero then

and now when was then as a person now

like how different it is it from back

then to now how you develop as a player

just uh just being a leader um and the

relationships that we've uh built

throughout the years um I just want to

do everything I can for the guys I

want the most for Kyle I want the most

for Chris I want the most for all of our

de line guys I want the most for

everybody so um I'm just trying to leave

it all out there as far as um getting

the number one seed as early as you guys

did Looking Back Now I mean do you do

you think that that disrupted your

momentum at all you had to sort of get

back after I think we weren't playing

our best ball towards the end there I

think we kind of got up for those big

games that we really wanted to make a

statement but um but there's aot lot of

holes in what we were doing and and we

weren't executing great down the

stretch um and I attributed it a lot to

just a long season stuff happens you're

not going to play your best ball through

the whole year but um I think these two

games we got through them and um and now

we kind of understand what needs to be

done on those big place in the second

half did you feel Levi Stadium Shake is

in the Press Box we could kind of fil

him in the earthquake yeah Levi Stadium

were they pumping noise in

there I mean before the game it was it

felt like uh New Orleans super is it

Super Dome like for an outdoor stadium

to be that loud and honestly I'm not

paying attention to anything like when

we score I'm grabbing my helmet like

taking some deep breaths hitting a

smelling salt and getting ready to go

all right thanks thank you

howdy how would you say this maybe the

biggest comeback win you guys have had

maybe since you've been the

ner

um what' you ask would you say it's like

the biggest comeback you guys have you

exper literally I think so yeah do you

want me to comment on that all right you

got to give me a better question dog

figure way to say it how how to pra it

because it's such a crazy comeback I'm a

little tired right now yeah uh it was I

mean that's a cool thing about football

you know if you just keep trying and

your team comes together make a couple

stops on defense hit field goals when

you need to hit field goals and then

your offense starts to execute your guys

make big plays I've been saying all year

we have a very talented football team

and you know there's been times where um

you know we weren't firing in all

cylinders and for us to be able to you

know kind of Bunker down hunker down and

start to fire in all cylinders I mean

that's what you see you know an

explosive offense a very talented

defense that flies around and hits

people causes turnovers and then our

special teams make plays when they need

to George with the history that you guys

have of losing twice in the NFC

Championship Game to be down in this

game what does it take to remain focused

and still believe that you can win I

mean we have a vet group we have a very

good foundation of players that Kyle and

John have brought in here since the

start and you have a lot of High

character guys and you know this team

doesn't really you know give up you turn

on the tape from last year's NFC

Championship game and we are without a

quarterback for a quarter and a half two

and a half quarters and you know didn't

give up it wasn't very pretty you know

hard to win that game but you know guys

are you know flying around hitting

people trying their best putting good

stuff on tape and you know that's what

you get all year round you know with

this team it's just you have a vet team

who we really want to win we're not

going to give up this our one

opportunity and you know the halftime

speech was there's not really a raw R

spee that's going to get it done for us

guys just figure out a way to get it

done that's what we did the Super Bowl

against the Chiefs the last time there's

the video of you vowing to get back

there what does it mean to you not only

to to get back there now but have

another shot at the Chiefs

also shot of the chief I mean nothing

really and that was 2019 that was a

while ago you know they were very

different football team a lot of the

same great football players obviously

you know they got uh Chris Jones Travis

Kelce and you know Mahomes like and Andy

Reid like they still like really good

they got their core guys as well but not

really you know worry about you know

that game plan when the time comes um

I'm very happy for this team this

organization franchise to get back and

get this opportunity because yeah lose

an NFC Championship game two more times

it's not very fun um you know you put an

extra two weeks in and then you lose

it's like ah that stings and then you

move on to the next one and you just hey

well what am I going to do differently

this year how am I going to work harder

how am I going to train my body

differently what's my mindset going to

be you know there's a lot of questions

and you know for us to be able to you

know extend this out a little bit and

not have to think about those things at

this current time just think about okay

how we're going to get everybody healthy

as healthy as we possibly can be for

this next game and you know what is our

game plan going to be and just to be

able to be in that opportunity with this

group of guys is very fun for someone

who did not see that Brandon I catch how

would you describe what happened to I

didn't see it I was I was way in the

back back and I saw a flag I was like oh

thank goodness we got a flag all a

sudden everyone was celebrating he's in

the end zone like fake dunking on the

goal post I was like he caught it like

so I was like did he one hand catch it

like what did he do and I saw the replay

I was like just how we intended it to

look off the guy's face mask right to ba

dang Brock's good at football isn't he

how much did you feel that fourth down

stop on the offense oh for our defense

yeah that was that was cool cuz I think

what we came out got a field goal and

then that was the next one then we go

down and score and then they have a

turnover the following play that we go

down and score it's crazy uh the fourth

down stop was huge you know and I'm

assuming the defense got up here and

they're like yeah we didn't play our

best ball but we played better you know

in the second half when we need to make

plays that's what we did you know our

defense flies around we had a lot of

great players on that you know Gibson is

just you know playing with his hair on

fire what's whatever's left of it and

he's playing at an incredibly high level

I'm kidding guys I L call him young giip

every single day um but it's just it was

a huge stop huge momentum for us I I

have a question for you guys why does

analytics people say that momentum isn't

a real thing like what that is I had a

conversation with Pat McAfee and he was

like yeah all these people are telling

us that momentum is not real and that's

just the biggest load of horse crap I've

ever heard of in my entire life but we

can move on iess did you feel when did

you when did you feel that the momentum

really start to turn I mean I think our

Stadium did a fantastic job like when

Nick said yes like for some reason

playoffs and Levis it feels like there's

crow like crowd noise being pumped in

it's not our fan base is just phenomenal

um really know we had a good opening

drive out of the second half and that

fourth down stop you could just kind of

feel an energy we go down and score all

right this is huge turnover I was like a

man all bets are off now like bang

bang is real how come you guys didn't f

it in at halftime obviously had all you

know CU in every in every opportunity

that you have in every circumstance you

have a choice am I going to back down or

am I going to do something about it and

that's the really cool thing about

football the really cool thing about

life is I have a choice and I'm going to

do everything I can to be my best self

on every single play whether the ball's

going my way whether it's you know

whether matter how good the defense is

playing no matter how good the special

team is playing no matter how good the

quarterback's no matter what's going on

I have a choice to go out there and play

at my best and that's the decision that

our entire team made

today those couple scrambles get two 21

yard runs sick's what's your what's your

view of those what kind of spark does

that do it more what are we doing just

don't get hit like scramble you know

maybe tuck the ball a little bit faster

but like he he scampers I think that's

the best way to describe it he's he's

scampers like you ever seen one of those

little water dragons run across the

water like that's what I Envision every

time he's running with the football and

I just thought of that too that was not

pre-planned um pretty proud of myself

for that and then um but let's just like

he does a really good job of avoiding

contact he dives into areas he could

slide once in a while probably get a 15

yard penalty you know but um he's just

he's a tough kid a lot of grit to him

and he understands that like when when

when he's playing at a high level when

he needs to play at a high level

everyone around him is

better you mentioned that you guys

actually didn't play your best today

you've come from behind to win both

games without playing your best all four

quarters can you beat the Chiefs that

way or or uh do you yeah um well yeah I

mean nothing like the playoffs that try

to win from behind multiple times for

the first time in a season um can I beat

the Chiefs that way you know you never

want to give Patrick Mahomes the lead

he's a fantastic football player one of

the probably is going one of the best

ever do it him and Travis have what 18

19 touchdowns in the playoffs like they

know how to win big games they've won it

twice like so no would that be good for

us probably not I believe in the team to

be able to win in any circumstance

though we proved it again tonight that's

a you know fun thing to be able to say

along those lines along those lines you

last one back in were you just wearing a

Northwestern hat now you're in a

Virginia hat you have all three

OS

Fair strong thank you back in 19 okay

won those two playoff games pretty

handily that we did um we ran the ball

like 45 times a game so one of my

favorite games I've ever played in my

life this is a a totally different

scenario I mean any sense that the way

the playoffs have gone this year you

know sets you up prepares you better for

a Super Bowl I thought our team in 2019

did a fantastic job of handling those

games you know teams coming to the

stadium and just kind of whooping up on

them I think we did a really good job of

that and I think we handled that

whatever the pressure was I that we did

a good job of handling winning by a lot

we did a good job but when you have to

come back and win and you have to win

two very gritty games I think it kind of

sets a sense of urgency into the entire

building and all right hey guys look

there's I don't know if there's things

we have to fix but there's things we

have to lock down tighten up refocus on

and I think it just kind of throws some

gas on the fire of a sense of urgency

and like hey guys we're almost out of

this two different times and luckily

we're a good enough team with good

enough coaches that we're able to come

back can get those wins but um let's try

not to do that again that's what I would

say what cam you keep the ball from your

kick recover I toss it over to somebody

you know I was actually it was funny cuz

the last onside kick I had I didn't

recover versus the Lions in 2021 so yeah

fun and so no but I was like in my head

I was like watch me get a op at this and

I did look at me speaking things into

existence how fun goodness gracious see

you

guys