San Francisco 49ers fans share their excitement over Jimmy Garoppolo

Chris Nguyen Image
ByChris Nguyen KGO logo
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Fans of the San Francisco 49ers are optimistic about the team's future after they posted a win over the weekend with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Fans of the San Francisco 49ers are optimistic about the team's future after they posted a win over the weekend with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- Fans of the San Francisco 49ers are optimistic about the team's future after they posted a win over the weekend with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

"I definitely think he's going to turn it around," says 49ers fan Lisa Cianflone. "He's going to get us to where we need to be."

Garoppolo, who is now off to a 1-0 start, took to the stage Wednesday afternoon at Levi's Auditorium, fully aware of the expectations that have been placed upon him by fans.

"The more prepared you are going into the game, the faster you can play, the more confidence you can play with," said Garoppolo.

The quarterback is trying to remain focused on the upcoming week. This includes an away game against the Houston Texas on Sunday. He blushed when asked about being compared to 49ers legend Joe Montana.

"I try not to listen to any of the outside stuff, the Joe Montana comparisons, I think it's a little early for those," says Garoppolo. "It's only been one game. Haha. We are both Italian, so we have that in common."

Comparisons aside, local fans are simply hopeful for better days ahead.

"It's not going to be a fast turnaround, but I think we're going to get there," says 49ers fan Jim Maggiore. "Each year, we get better and better, and so I think in the near future, we're going to be back on top."

The team's coaching staff is just taking it one week at a time.

"It's more comfortable here, talking with him (Garoppolo) on Monday and Tuesday, the expectations of the game," says Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach. "I think it helps him practice better this week, having a little bit of an idea, what normally was the unknown going into Sunday."

For now, the 49ers faithful aren't afraid to share the excitement surrounding their new quarterback.

"He seems to take control," says 49ers fan Brad Wilson. "He seems to be a natural leader, and I think that's what they're looking for is leadership. They've lacked that."