Union Local Alum McKivitz Talks 49ers, Super Bowl And His Personal Journey
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EDITORS NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series about the Ohio Valley's contribution to the NFL for the 2024-25 season. Part two is about Linsly's C.J. Goodwin, who plays for the Dallas Cowboys, which will run Oct. 10.
SANTA CLARA - There are times that Colton McKivitz has to pinch himself to make sure he hasn't been dreaming the last four years.
The Union Local High School and West Virginia University graduate is entering his fifth year in the NFL after being drafted in the fifth round (153rd pick overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He is the starting right tackle and has logged 1,479 offensive snaps in his career.
"You walk through the halls and see names like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Steve Young on the walls, you just feel the presence of those guys. The aura of the franchise hits you when you open the door," the 6-6, 301-pounder said while in the Ohio Valley recently. "The only thing that matters to people out there are the six Super Bowl trophies. That is the goal of every member of the 49ers. There's a lot of pressure because you are wearing the SF, but the faithful are behind us and it's a great opportunity to play for a franchise like San Francisco."
Over the last four years, McKivitz has appeared in 45 games (22 starts) with the team. He has also appeared in eight postseason contests (three starts) for San Francisco. In 2023, McKivitz started all 17 regular season and three postseason games, helping the offense rank third in rushing yards per game (140.5) and finish tied for the most rushing touchdowns (27) in the NFL.
In March, the 49ers re-signed McKivitz to a one-year extension through the 2025 season. The deal is reportedly worth $7 million, with about $4.5 million in guarantees, according to reports.
During their push to the Super Bowl last season, McKivitz played such an integral part that he was the recipient of the Bobb McKittrick Award, which is given annually to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach, during his 21 years of service to the 49ers.
The award was established by the 49ers in 1999, and is voted on by the offensive line.
"Very special. It's awesome. The award is voted upon by teammates and then the coaching staff, as well," McKivitz acknowledged. "Being selected for that is a big deal. People see what you are doing."
He said he couldn't wait to get back to the grind when the team opened its training camp at SAP Performance Facility inside Levi's Stadium.
"It's been a quick turnaround just eight weeks after the Super Bowl," he admitted. "I've got a couple of days to be at home. It's great to be back in the Ohio Valley, but that urge to get playing again and back to the Bay is starting to kick in again.
As well as he performed in his first season as a starter in 2023, the 27-year-old knows what he has to do.
"I've also got some pretty hefty goals for myself," he said. "It's all about getting better every year and to have my name on the wall for a franchise like the 49ers."
When asked when it sunk in that he had realized a life-long dream of playing in the league's ultimate game, he said "Just before the national anthem. You realize how far you have come from playing six-man football at East Richland Christian to playing varsity at Union Local and then West Virginia University. It's been a wild ride, definitely.
"A lot of guys play their entire careers and never get to play in the Super Bowl. The chance doesn't come around very often and trying to get back there again this season is going to be a challenge, but I think we're ready for it."
McKivitz said he owes a lot of thanks to 49ers left tackle, all-pro Trent Williams.
"A lot. I'm going to need some more of his wisdom when I get back to camp. He has been a huge help with his voice and his presence. For a young guy like me to be able to lean on him and learn from him has been a great opportunity. I will never forget that."
When looking back, McKivitz wasn't sure the NFL was in the cards for him.
"Not after the second year when I got cut, but I kept being persistent because I love playing the game I grew up playing. Time goes quickly," he noted. "Next year will be 10 years since I graduated from high school. We always say in the league that the NFL stands for Not For Long, so the time you do have, you have to cherish it. The average years for a career for an offensive lineman in the league is 2.5, so hard work got me here and hard work is going to keep me here.
"I'm blessed to have the support of the Ohio Valley and it's nice to see a couple of McKivitz jerseys running around here," he added. "There's a lot more San Francisco jerseys here than I thought there would be."
What are his goals for the 2024-25 season?
"To make the Pro Bowl. That's my goal. I was the fifth alternate last year. That's a goal for me that is achievable, I think," he continued. "To get to the Pro Bowl and experience that will be a testament to how hard I've worked this off-season, how hard I've worked throughout the season to that point. To be selected to a Pro Bowl is something I think I can attain this year.
When asked who the toughest player for him to block was, he didn't have to think long at all.
"Aaron Donald. There's no other guy like him," he said of the former Los Angeles Rams standout who retired following last season. "Good luck to him on his retirement. No card, just a thanks to him for retiring. The league isn't better without him, but offensive linemen are. He was so fast and strong … one of best DTs in the league."