Nick Bosa had an incredible rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers. It not only led to him winning the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but it also helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.

The 49ers, however, ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, and the loss ended up being a tough pill to swallow for Bosa. So much so that an NFL legend consoled him after the game.

Nick Bosa had a remarkable rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers

It is hard to become much better than Joey Bosa, but Nick (Joey’s brother) has maybe done just that. The 49ers selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft out of Ohio State. He then ended up becoming a star in his rookie season.

Nick racked up 47 total tackles, nine sacks, and one forced fumble in 2019. He also had two fumble recoveries. Bosa’s play in the regular season led to him earning a Pro Bowl selection and the 2019 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The 49ers had an excellent season as a team last year too. They ended up going 13-3 overall and reaching the Super Bowl. Bosa was also incredible during the 49ers’ playoff run, as he had 15 total tackles and four sacks in their three playoff games, with one sack coming in the Super Bowl.

However, Bosa and the 49ers ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 31-20 in the Super Bowl. They jumped out to a 20-10 lead, but the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points to win.

An NFL legend had to console him after the Super Bowl

According to The Mercury News, after the 49ers lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, Bosa sulked in the locker room. Then an NFL legend — and 49ers legend — came up and consoled him. 

That legend was former 49ers and current New York Jets running back Frank Gore.

“He just told me to keep my head up and gave me a few words of good advice,” Bosa said, according to The Mercury News. “He seems like an unbelievable dude.”

However, the 49ers now prepare to play Gore and the Jets in Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season. Gore’s kind act must now be forgotten once Bosa steps on the field.

“He’s obviously the enemy this week, so, I’m going to get after him,” Bosa said, according to The Mercury News.

Can the San Francisco 49ers make the Super Bowl again?

After reaching the Super Bowl last year, the 49ers certainly have high expectations to reach the big game again. They don’t only have some excellent pieces on the defensive side of the ball in Bosa and Dee Ford, but they also have some excellent weapons on offense.

The 49ers have Jimmy Garoppolo, who threw for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 2019, as well as All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who caught 85 passes for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns last year.

However, the 49ers won’t have Deebo Samuel for at least the first three games of the season as he is still recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot, according to ESPN. The Niners also placed cornerback Richard Sherman on injured reserve after Week 1 as he has a strained calf.

Additionally, San Francisco traded Deforest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. Buckner earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 with 12 sacks, and had 7.5 sacks in 2019.

During Week 1, the 49ers ultimately lost 24-20 to the Arizona Cardinals. They allowed Kyler Murray to throw for 230 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and run for 91 yards and a touchdown. They also let DeAndre Hopkins catch 14 passes for 151 yards.

The 49ers certainly still have enough talent to reach the Super Bowl again. They just need to get everyone healthy, and they need to do it fast.

Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference