The Super Bowl is a time for celebration, excitement, and anticipation. It’s a chance for the best teams in the NFL to battle it out for the ultimate prize and for fans to come together and cheer on their favorite players. But for San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and linebacker Fred Warner, the Super Bowl 60 pregame show on NBC brought back some painful memories.
As part of the pregame show, Shanahan and Warner sat down with NBC’s Michelle Tafoya to relive the heartbreaking loss they experienced in Super Bowl 54 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers were leading by 10 points with less than seven minutes left in the game, but the Chiefs mounted an incredible comeback, ultimately winning 31-20. For Shanahan and Warner, it was a devastating loss that they will never forget.
But despite the painful memories, both Shanahan and Warner approached the interview with grace and positivity. They used this opportunity to reflect on their journey and to motivate themselves and their team for the future.
Shanahan, who has been the head coach of the 49ers since 2017, opened up about the lessons he learned from that Super Bowl loss. He admitted that it was a tough pill to swallow, but he also acknowledged that it was a valuable learning experience for him and his team.
“I think about it every day,” Shanahan said. “It was a tough loss, but it’s also a reminder of how far we’ve come as a team. We were a young team with a lot of potential, and that game showed us that we have what it takes to compete at the highest level. It’s a painful memory, but it’s also a source of motivation for us.”
Warner, who was a key player in the Super Bowl, echoed Shanahan’s sentiments. He talked about how the loss fueled his determination to come back stronger and better than ever.
“It was a tough loss, but it also showed us that we have the talent and the drive to compete with the best teams in the league,” Warner said. “For me personally, it was a reminder that I have to keep working hard and improving every day to reach my goals. That loss has only made me more motivated to come back and win it all.”
The interview also gave Shanahan and Warner a chance to reflect on their journey together. Shanahan spoke about how he saw Warner’s potential from the moment he joined the team in 2018 and how he has watched him grow into a leader on and off the field.
“Fred is a special player,” Shanahan said. “I remember watching him during his rookie year and thinking, ‘this guy has what it takes to be great.’ And he has proven that time and time again. He’s not just a talented player, but he’s also a great teammate and a natural leader. I’m proud to have him on our team.”
For Warner, the admiration is mutual. He praised Shanahan for his leadership and for the positive impact he has had on the team.
“Coach Shanahan is one of the best coaches in the league,” Warner said. “He’s not just a great strategist, but he also knows how to bring out the best in his players. He has created a winning culture here in San Francisco, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
As the interview came to an end, both Shanahan and Warner expressed their excitement and determination for the upcoming season. They are both eager to put the Super Bowl loss behind them and focus on the future.
“We’re ready to move on and start a new chapter,” Shanahan said. “We have a great team, and we’re ready to compete for the Super Bowl once again.”
Warner added, “We have a lot of unfinished business, and we’re determined to come back even stronger this season.”
The interview with Shanahan and Warner was a reminder that even in the face of defeat, there is always something to be learned and gained. It was a testament to their resilience and determination, and it served as a source of motivation for the entire 49ers team. As they look ahead to the new season, one thing is clear – the 49ers are ready to rise from the ashes of their Super Bowl loss and come back stronger than ever. And with the leadership of coach Shanahan and the talent of players like Warner, anything is possible.
