Golden Nuggets: A tribute to Staley

There are very few people that can breakdown film and make it enjoyable. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger is one of those people. On Friday, Baldy put together a six, yes, six-minute tribute video for San Francisco 49ers newly retired left tackle Joe Staley. The All-decade left tackle will receive an injury settlement from the 49ers after the team officially terminated his contract on Friday.

As for Baldy’s video, video, all of the clips were from 2019, where Staley missed nine starts to injury, and had several other neck, back, finger, and leg injuries that lingered. That didn’t stop Staley from dominating down the stretch. Most of the highlights you’ll see below happened when Staley was still battling a neck injury. Most of us understand the physicality and ferocity of the NFL, but we can’t know how much pain these guys tolerate and play through.

The first play shows Staley running 35-yards down the field. Baldy highlights Joe’s effort, hustle, and consistency down the field. Even after battling injuries, Staley still showed off some high-level athleticism.

What I’ll remember most about Staley’s play on the field in 2019 is how Joe stepped it up in the games that mattered most. For San Francisco, the playoffs started in Week 16. From the Rams to the Chiefs, Staley pitched a no-hitter. His level of consistency is unparalleled.

Baldy should be on TV, and Staley shouldn’t be far behind.

Onto some links:

7 available free agents that make sense for 49ers (Madson)

Breaking down 49ers running back depth chart post-2020 NFL Draft (Niners Noise)

49ers face contract dilemmas with Kittle, many more before 2021 (Inman)

Morning sports update: What Kyle Shanahan said to Jimmy Garoppolo after the 49ers considered signing Tom Brady (Boston.com)

By the Numbers: 49ers 2020 Draft Class (49ers.com)

Will Aaron Rodgers be on 49ers radar in coming years? (Niners Noise)

49ers: Mike Florio speculates that Kyle Shanahan may deliberately hide information from John Lynch (49ers Webzone)