As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, right tackle Colton McKivitz is leaving nothing to chance in what could be a defining year for his career. Entering the final year of his contract, the 29-year-old offensive lineman has taken his training to the extreme, pounding the steep streets of San Francisco’s North Beach to prepare both physically and mentally for the grueling season ahead. This bold approach, detailed in a recent Mercury News article, showcases McKivitz’s determination to secure his future with the 49ers—or beyond—through relentless effort and a mindset rooted in resilience.
A punishing offseason regimen
McKivitz, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has always been a fighter. But this offseason, he elevated his preparation to new heights by tackling the punishing hills of San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill, specifically Vallejo and Kearny streets, four to five times a week. “Running Vallejo and Kearny — nothing’s going to be as hard physically on the football field as that, running up those hills on concrete,” McKivitz told Mercury News after a recent training camp practice. His regimen wasn’t just about running; it included backward runs and broad jumps up and down the steep inclines, pushing his body to its limits while dodging Waymos and cyclists. This extreme conditioning, guided by his trainer Tareq Azim of Empower Performance Institute, was as much about mental fortitude as physical endurance. “A lot of it was mental, and just seeing how far you’re going to push yourself,” McKivitz said.
What made these workouts even more unique was the community aspect. Local runners often joined McKivitz, turning his grueling sessions into a shared experience. “It was cool to see locals run it with me, too. That was different,” he noted, embracing the city’s active culture. This connection to San Francisco, where the 49ers played until moving to Levi’s Stadium in 2014, added a layer of personal motivation for McKivitz, who also filmed a John Deere commercial in the city last summer alongside quarterback Brock Purdy.
A career-defining moment
McKivitz’s extreme training comes at a critical juncture. With his current contract set to pay him $3.2 million in 2025—a bargain for a starting right tackle—he’s poised for a significant pay raise if he can elevate his game. The market for right tackles is heating up, with recent deals like Zach Tom’s four-year, $88 million contract with the Packers and Kaleb McGary’s two-year, $30 million deal with the Falcons setting the bar. McKivitz’s predecessor, Mike McGlinchey, secured a five-year, $87.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos in 2023, a benchmark McKivitz is undoubtedly eyeing.
His performance last season offers reason for optimism. McKivitz started all 17 games in 2024, allowing just two quarterback sacks and earning a career-best 72.2 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him 37th among NFL tackles. This marked a significant improvement from 2023, when he allowed nine sacks and 47 pressures. His bold prediction for 2025—“I’m going to be a Pro Bowler this year,” he told NBC Sports Bay Area—reflects his confidence and ambition.
Fighting for more than a contract
McKivitz’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In 2021, he was cut by the 49ers after a misunderstanding with head coach Kyle Shanahan, who had to clarify that McKivitz hadn’t made the team. “I thought he said, ‘You made the team,’” McKivitz recalled, describing the awkward moment. That experience, coupled with his relentless work ethic, has fueled his “fight” mentality for 2025. “With everything in life, when things get hard, don’t quit, fight through it, persevere,” he said.
His battles in training camp, particularly against five-time Pro Bowler Nick Bosa, demonstrate this mindset. In one-on-one drills, McKivitz held his own, winning a rep after Bosa initially got the better of him with a spin move. These competitive tussles highlight his readiness to face top-tier talent, a necessity for a right tackle protecting quarterback Brock Purdy, who signed a record-breaking $265 million deal in May.
A risky but calculated gamble
McKivitz’s extreme street training isn’t without risks. The physical toll of running on concrete and navigating San Francisco’s chaotic streets could lead to injury, especially for a 6-foot-6, 301-pound lineman. Yet, the potential rewards are immense. A standout season could solidify his role as the 49ers’ right tackle of the future or attract lucrative offers in free agency. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz even suggested extending McKivitz’s contract to avoid losing both tackles if left tackle Trent Williams, now 37, retires.
As the 49ers prepare for their preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on August 9, McKivitz is likely to watch from the sidelines with other starters. But his focus remains on the regular season, where every snap will be a chance to prove his worth. With his contract year looming and the stakes higher than ever, McKivitz’s extreme training regimen is a testament to his refusal to settle. Whether he achieves his Pro Bowl goal or not, one thing is clear: Colton McKivitz is ready to fight for his future, one hill at a time.