SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Nobody represents the win-now mentality of the San Francisco 49ers more than Justin Smith. The All-Pro defensive tackle will tell you so himself.
The 49ers concluded their offseason workout program Thursday with Smith stressing the urgency he sees developing as the defending NFC West champions prepare for the 2012 season.
San Francisco has built a contender expected to challenge for the Super Bowl. Those hopes are built around players such as Smith, one of nine 49ers to earn Pro Bowl honors last season and a leader on a defense that returns all 11 starters.
Entering his 12th NFL season, Smith says he and the 49ers have a window of opportunity that doesn’t come around often. And many of those around him in the locker room feel the same way.
