Confidence is such a key factor to professional athletes\u2019 success. Whether they\u2019re able to get out of a funk and how they handle difficult stretches of play is paramount.\u00a0<\/p>\n
49ers backup quarterback\u00a0Mac Jones<\/a>, who\u00a0signed a two-year, $7 million deal<\/a>\u00a0with San Francisco in March, revealed his confidence has been tested early in his NFL career, sharing how difficult it is to always remain poised.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery athlete goes through that in points in their career,\u201d Jones said when asked about building his confidence back. \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt all comes from what you believe and what you\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking of coaches, Jones was drafted by the New England Patriots \u2013 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the now 26-year-old\u2019s sophomore and junior seasons were filled with interceptions and mid-game benchings<\/a> and eventually Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> in 2024. There, Jones was the backup to Trevor Lawrence until the latter’s season was cut short due to a shoulder injury.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI’m a very confident person overall,\u201d Jones said. \u201cAnd 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.\u201d<\/p>\n