Santa Clara, CA – June 27, 2025
A San Francisco 49ers’ $18 million defensive star expressed overwhelming joy at joining the team, vowing to chase Super Bowl LX with his “second family.” His commitment signals a championship push.
Yetur Gross-Matos, 27, spoke on the Faithful Podcast: “I turned down more lucrative offers to join the 49ers, but 2024 was a tough year for me. Though I didn’t meet expectations, George Kittle always encouraged me and urged teammates to embrace me. I love this team; it’s my second family.”
Signed from the Carolina Panthers in March 2024 for two years, $18 million, Gross-Matos recorded 4.5 sacks and 36 tackles in 12 games, per Pro-Football-Reference. Injuries, including knee and ankle issues, limited his snaps to 52%, per NFL.com.
George Kittle, with 928 receiving yards in 2024, championed Gross-Matos’ integration. “Yetur brings grit and heart,” Kittle said, helping him bond with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, per The Athletic.
Gross-Matos’ 2024 struggles didn’t dampen his love for San Francisco. “The Faithful’s energy is unreal,” he told ESPN, contrasting his time with the Panthers’ 5-12 squad in 2023.
With $46.57 million in cap space, the 49ers’ 2025 roster, bolstered by Mykel Williams and Jauan Jennings, eyes Super Bowl LX. Gross-Matos’ 13.5 career sacks position him as a key pass-rusher, per NFL.com.
His commitment, amid contract talks with Colton McKivitz, uplifts a 6-11 squad. “This is home,” Gross-Matos said, echoing Kyle Shanahan’s culture, per 49ers Webzone.
As the 49ers gear up for their September 7 opener, Gross-Matos’ resolve strengthens their title chase. Can he spark a Super Bowl run? Follow ESPN for updates!
