San Francisco 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz is making a bold statement as he prepares for the 2025 NFL season, publicly declaring his ambition to become a Pro Bowler this year. This audacious prediction underscores a significant shift in his mindset and a heightened sense of personal accountability as he looks to solidify his position as a premier offensive lineman in the league.
McKivitz revealed his firm resolve to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, stating, “I’m going to be a Pro Bowler this year.” He emphasized that this declaration, shared with “countless people,” is a deliberate strategy to hold himself accountable and drive him toward achieving his ambitious professional goals. This public commitment signals a new level of confidence and determination from the young tackle.
Despite his optimistic outlook, McKivitz remains a polarizing figure among San Francisco 49ers fans, with some expressing skepticism and a desire for the team to seek an upgrade at the right tackle position during the offseason. Pre-draft projections frequently placed the 49ers in a position to select a tackle early, potentially impacting McKivitz’s future role and sparking debate among the team’s faithful supporters.
The persistent offseason chatter and speculative discussions surrounding his position have clearly served as a powerful motivator for the veteran offensive lineman. Now entering his third season as a starter, McKivitz has channeled external doubts into an internal drive, aiming to decisively prove his critics wrong and demonstrate his indispensable value to the team as the 2025 NFL season progresses.
Adding to the stakes, McKivitz is also entering a critical contract year, intensifying his motivation to deliver a standout performance. He has adopted “Fight” as his guiding principle for the season, explaining, “I do a lot better when things are kind of hectic and in chaos and when I’m fighting for something.” This mindset indicates a player thrives under pressure and is prepared for a demanding challenge.
McKivitz’s dedication to improvement manifested in his 2024 performance, where he earned a career-best 72.2 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus. While he still allowed 36 pressures, which was the most among 49ers offensive linemen, this figure represented a substantial reduction from the 47 pressures he conceded during the 2023 regular season, highlighting tangible progress in his pass protection.
Furthermore, his significant reduction in sacks allowed—dropping from nine in 2023 to just two in 2024—illustrates his growth and increased stability on the offensive line. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has implicitly praised McKivitz’s contributions, explaining how “if anyone really studies Colton, and that’s really helped us,” in the context of the 49ers’ offensive line being underrated, indicating trust and appreciation for his development.
With renewed confidence stemming from his improved play and the unwavering support of his coaches, McKivitz is laser-focused on proving his worth throughout the 2025 NFL season. His ultimate goal is to secure a substantial new contract when the season concludes, driven by a philosophy of perseverance and a refusal to become complacent, as he stated, “when things get hard, don’t quit, fight through it, persevere… But then, fight for more.”
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