Confidence is such a key factor to professional athletes’ success. Whether they’re able to get out of a funk and how they handle difficult stretches of play is paramount. 

49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones, who signed a two-year, $7 million deal with San Francisco in March, revealed his confidence has been tested early in his NFL career, sharing how difficult it is to always remain poised.

“Every athlete goes through that in points in their career,” Jones said when asked about building his confidence back. “I think most importantly, I think the biggest thing for me is believing in myself and not having somebody tell you that you’re good or bad or whatever.

“It all comes from what you believe and what you’ve worked for. So, I’ve struggled with that, but I also feel very confident, especially going to a new spot, having a fresh start and trying to earn it every day. I think that’s important. And learning from some of these players on this team, they’ve just done it for so long consistently and just watching everybody’s every move and watching Brock [Purdy] and taking the coaching.”

Speaking of coaches, Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots – a team that was home to an all-time great quarterback in Tom Brady — and played for one of the most decorated coaches in NFL history in Bill Belichick. 

Jones held his own in a standout rookie campaign as he finished with just over 3,800 passing yards and 22 touchdowns through the air, earning Pro Bowl honors while leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth. 

However, the now 26-year-old’s sophomore and junior seasons were filled with interceptions and mid-game benchings and eventually Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. There, Jones was the backup to Trevor Lawrence until the latter’s season was cut short due to a shoulder injury.

Jones parlayed a solid eight-game stretch to end the season into his contract with the 49ers and now he wants to get that confidence that he knows he has back.

“I’m a very confident person overall,” Jones said. “And obviously that’s tough when you’ve had some up and down years, but I know I’m going to get it back on track.”

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