In a significant development for the San Francisco 49ers, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir has been named one of the team’s captains for the 2025 season. This appointment marks a remarkable rise for Lenoir, who recalls his rookie season in 2021 when he shared a locker with a revolving door of players. Now, at 26 years old, he joins an esteemed leadership group that includes Trent Williams, Fred Warner, George Kittle, Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, and Kyle Juszczyk. Lenoir replaces veteran receiver Deebo Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders in May.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Lenoir expressed on Wednesday. “This is something I dreamed of when I was a kid. I never thought it would come so fast, but we’re here, and I’m blessed to be here, blessed to be a captain. I’m happy my teammates view me that way.”
The upcoming season opener against the Seattle Seahawks promises to be a defining moment for Lenoir as he steps into his new role. In March, he made headlines on social media when he commented on receiver D.K. Metcalf’s potential departure from Seattle, taking a jab at rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lenoir stated, “Y’all cannot let DK leave. How am I going to have fun out there? Njigba, he be crying all day. That’s all he do is cry.”
This rivalry with Metcalf has heated up over the past seasons, notably during a game in December 2023 when both players were ejected. In their past matchups, Metcalf has tallied 62 catches for 750 yards and five touchdowns against the 49ers.
“Every time we played them, the first play, he always came at me, so I knew what type of game it was going to be,” Lenoir reflected. “I’m hoping like that happens on Sunday, like they try to come at me, try to be aggressive.”
As the Seahawks prepare for their first game of the season, they are bolstered by their new quarterback Sam Darnold and the addition of free agent Cooper Kupp, alongside Smith-Njigba, who had 100 receptions last season. In their previous encounters, Smith-Njigba has recorded 21 catches for 229 yards against the 49ers.
“Without my fellow friend D.K., they’re a good group of receivers,” Lenoir acknowledged. “With the addition of Kupp and JSN over there, they got some confidence, and I feel like Sunday is going to be a very fun game.”
The 49ers’ preparations have been heavily focused on the Seahawks, and Lenoir understands the importance of performing well. “Literally, this whole offseason has been about Seattle. So, I’ve got to back it up,” he stated, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with leadership.
Lenoir’s journey to captaincy has been swift. As a rookie, he played in 13 games, starting in two and recording 17 tackles. Now, he finds himself as one of the most experienced players in the secondary following the departures of veterans Isaac Yiadom and Rock Ya-Sin to the Saints and Lions, respectively.
“The whole process of me being here five years has just been going fast,” Lenoir remarked. “I feel like I was just walking in on the other side of the locker room. I didn’t have my own locker yet. I had to share. So just being able to be here now and come so far, it’s a great feeling.”
Lenoir’s leadership is further highlighted by his recognition as the winner of the Dwight Clark Award in May, awarded to the current 49ers player who embodies the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. His performance last season was notable as he recorded a career-high 85 tackles in 15 games, ranking second on the team, while also achieving two interceptions, tying with Fred Warner for the highest on the team.
Despite a recent legal incident in June, where Lenoir was charged with resisting arrest, he has expressed his commitment to personal growth. “I’m different than who I was five weeks ago. Just being at the right place, not really hanging out in areas that I shouldn’t be,” he stated in July after apologizing for the incident.
As the 49ers head into their season opener against the Seahawks, Lenoir and fellow cornerback Renardo Green will take the field, supported by Upton Stout as the nickelback, Jason Pinnock as the free safety, and Ji’Ayir Brown as the strong safety. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has yet to confirm the starting safeties for the game, but anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting season for the 49ers and their new captain.
