As competitive as the 49ers-Los Angeles Rams rivalry is, players, coaches and fans try to have fun with it.
Well, most of the time.
Rams defensive lineman Jared Verse was asked about the history of the NFC West rivalry, and while he has former college teammates and close friends on the 49ers, they’re enemies when it’s time to face each other on the field.
“It’s aggressive,” Verse said of the rivalry (h/t OurSF49ers). “I got teammates from Florida State, Renardo Green and Tatum Bethune, they went to Florida State with us. They were like my brothers and everything like that. They play for the 49ers. They texted me Tuesday saying happy birthday. I said, ‘Thank you. Get the f–k off my phone, you my opp this week. I’m not messing with you this week. You my opp. It’s as simple as that.
“So even your best friends, even your brothers, it’s just different this week.”
#Rams Jared Verse said he has Florida State teammates on the 49ers (Tatum Bethune and Renardo Green) who texted on his birthday this week:
Jared’s reply: “Thank you, now get the F**k out my phone.”
Jared Verse on the Niner / Rams rivalry 💀 pic.twitter.com/wQzWaQGDsb
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) November 7, 2025
Hey, the game is the game.
Earlier this season, a short-handed 49ers team stunned the Rams in Los Angeles during a thrilling Week 5 overtime victory.
The 49ers, even more short-handed five weeks later, will have their hands full against Verse’s Rams on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
For Green, Bethune and the 49ers, they’ll hope to end Verse’s birthday week anything but happy.
Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast