Robbie Gould is excited about a new season and going to training camp, and he credits the 49ers for making it happen.
The veteran kicker, who appeared to be headed toward a holdout, was re-signed earlier this week to a multi-year deal to stay with San Francisco. He says the team "made a really aggressive push" to work out a deal before camp, and he’s grateful.
"The 49ers stepped up big time to get this done," Gould said this week on the podcast of ESPN’s Adam Schefter. "And they stepped outside the box and had an open mind and we were able to get something done."
Gould had said he wanted to play somewhere closer to Chicago, where his wife and kids live during the season. He then requested a trade after the 49ers put the franchise tag on him to retain him for another season. At that point, Gould hoped he and the Niners could work out a longer-term deal, but had his doubts it would happen.
Looking back, he said it was a "weird offseason."
Now, he’s eager to help his teammates shake off a 4-12 season and get back on the winning track in 2019, a journey that begins with the start of training camp on July 26.
"I know it’s been a crazy 17 months," Gould told Schefter. "There’s been a lot that’s happened, there’s been a lot that’s been said and done on both ends, but I’m glad it’s done. I’m glad we can put this behind us and I’m excited to play football and go win a championship."
Sports
General manager John Lynch said it was a priority to retain Gould – even though it appeared for months that it might be a long shot. The loss of Gould would have created an enormous weak spot on special teams.
"Over the years, Robbie has established himself as one of the best at his position in the NFL, which is precisely why we were so committed to working out a new contract with him," said Lynch in a statement released by the team.
