Tom Brady Hails 49ers Rookie as NFL’s Next Great Linebacker

San Francisco, CA – August 22, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have always thrived on defense. From the dynasty years to the modern era, the team has built its identity on players who hit harder, move faster, and think sharper. That tradition remains alive today, as the franchise continues its search for the next defender to carry the torch.

This preseason, while the offensive stars drew headlines and fans marveled at highlight plays, something different was happening on the other side of the ball. A rookie defender began commanding attention with every snap — chasing down ball carriers, collapsing lanes, and showing a relentless motor that couldn’t be overlooked.

Teammates nodded knowingly in postgame interviews. Coaches praised his consistency. Analysts highlighted his film breakdowns. It wasn’t hype, it was proof — the type of performance that shifts how a team looks at its future.

And then, the seal of approval came from the greatest of all time.

Tom Brady, a man who spent two decades diagnosing defenses and exploiting weaknesses, didn’t hesitate when asked about San Francisco’s preseason standouts. “I’ve played against the best linebackers in NFL history,” Brady said. “This kid reminds me of what made them special. He plays fast, he plays fearless, and he already has the instincts of a veteran. That’s rare — and it’s real.”

That rookie is Nick Martin, the 49ers’ third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his preseason debut, Martin delivered five solo tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss, stuffing the run and proving disruptive in coverage. For a defense that thrives on speed and intelligence, Martin looked like a natural fit.

What sets him apart isn’t just production, but presence. Martin’s command on the field, his ability to diagnose plays in real time, and his willingness to lead in the huddle all suggest he could grow into the next cornerstone of San Francisco’s defense.

When Tom Brady looks at a rookie linebacker and says he sees the qualities of history’s best, it’s more than a compliment. It’s a forecast. For Nick Martin and the 49ers, the future of their defense may have just revealed itself this preseason.