So get this: just days before the 49ers hop on a plane to Melbourne, Australia, for their season-opening showdown with the Rams, a bunch of their biggest stars hit up a high school football game. This wasn’t some casual drive-by, either. We’re talking a full-on field-level descent on St. Francis High School in Mountain View to support coach Kyle Shanahan’s son.
The A-List Sideline for a High School Debut
We’re talking George Kittle and his wife Claire, Kyle Juszczyk and his wife Kristin, Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and even Mac Jones. Yeah, *that* Mac Jones. They weren’t just showing face, either. Instagram stories from Kristin Juszczyk and Claire Kittle had them en route, and the school’s livestream caught the whole crew sitting right under the scoreboard for St. Francis’s first game against Manteca High School. It really shows you the kind of bond these guys have when they’re spending their pre-season downtime cheering on their coach’s kid, especially with such a massive season opener looming.
Shanahan’s Son and Deep 49ers Ties
The reason for the star-studded sideline? Kyle Shanahan’s son, Carter, is a junior and takes after his dad, who played wide receiver at the University of Texas. Carter plays wide receiver for the Lancers and was a starter on Friday night. Not only that, he was even the team’s primary kick returner! The Lancers pulled off a 31-23 win over Manteca. But the 49ers connection runs even deeper at St. Francis. Former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bryant Young were both hired as assistant coaches for the varsity team this summer, marking their first seasons on staff. Plus, two former St. Francis players are currently with the 49ers: defensive end Villami “Junior” Fehoko Jr., signed just last week, and Michael Lauck, a former quarterback from the school, who now works on the 49ers’ video team. It’s clear the bond between the team and this high school runs strong.
Next up for these guys? That wild flight to Australia to kick off the season against the Rams. You gotta wonder if seeing young Carter ball out fires them up even more for their own opener. What a way to get the season rolling, huh?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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