Back Home From Russia, Davis Regroups For Football
Vernon Davis is back in the Bay Area following a whirlwind, three-night visit to the Sochi Olympics early last week as USA Curling's honorary captain, and the 49ers tight end is now ready to resume his regular offseason football training regimen.
That will likely begin next week, as Davis is still recuperating from the travel while spending some quality time with his family. He is thrilled he took the trip given the Olympians he met and the opportunity to support a sport that gets a big boost from an NFL superstar - despite another disappointing finish for both the U.S. men's and women's curling teams.
"That was a long trip, whew. It was well worth it, I had a great time over there," Davis said by phone Tuesday. "It was a lot of fun, I met a lot of people. People were happy to have me there and it was a wonderful time, I must say. Any time I have an opportunity to help bring some awareness to something, to be a part of something, and especially if it's different, curling is different, it brings me joy being able to say I'm part of that."
The 30-year-old Davis, who had 52 catches last season and matched his career high with 13 touchdowns, typically takes about a month off following the season before he starts training again full time. He works out on his own, taking a break from team headquarters, and finds hills in the area for sprints.
"I usually wait about a month and go slow pace," he said. "I do my own thing, hit the weights, run, do a lot of track-oriented workouts. It has helped me in the past, it works for me."
Davis said he doesn't know any of the details surrounding Cleveland's attempt to trade for 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
"I just stay out of that stuff because it's none of my business. I'm just here to contribute and help this team win football games," he said. "I let Jed York and those guys handle the rest."
Yet Davis does remain hopeful the front office will find a way to hold onto some of the team's top free agents, such as wideout Anquan Boldin, kicker Phil Dawson and safety Donte Whitner.
Harbaugh and Dawson have each said they hope to work out a new deal. Dawson converted 32 of 36 field goals last season and set a franchise record with 27 successful field goals in a row.
"That would be nice if we can keep everybody around," Davis said. "That would definitely help in our effort to get back to the NFC championship and possibly the Super Bowl. The more people we can keep around the more it will work in our favor."
Meanwhile, center Jonathan Goodwin said he remains undecided on his football future but will listen to any teams that call the free agent this offseason.
"I haven't decided anything yet but I will take into account any offers I get," Goodwin said in an email. "To this point I don't know of any talks with the Niners."