Alfredo Gutierrez, 49ers offensive lineman, made his debut in a game against the Vikings on Saturday.
Through the NFL’s international pathway program, Gutierrez joined San Francisco last season. He was born in Mexico, and he spent the previous summer with the 49ers before spending the entire season on the practice squad. Players on the international pathway are not eligible for the active roster, the 90-man roster, or the practice squad roster.
Alfredo Gutierrez made his #NFL debut in the final two minutes of #SFvsMIN and he got the game ball as a result. It's very clear when talking to Kyle Shanahan and his teammates that he is beloved in the locker room #49ers pic.twitter.com/la9uOi4FMd
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) August 21, 2022
On the final series, he lined up at left tackle and became a lead blocker on a throw play before the 49ers won the game with a 17-7 victory.
Gutierrez shared his excitement with Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group after the game
“Finally, man. It took one year,” Gutierrez said. “Pretty cool, man. Pretty cool. I love the feeling. I love it, man.”
Gutierrez said that he was extremely nervous when he finally entered the field.
“They said to stay ready, like every game,” Gutierrez added. “But they told me at the end I was going to go in. So, you know, butterflies in the stomach, started getting happy, my mouth started getting dry, but, finally, yeah, I got in.”
Kyle Shanahan gave Gutiérrez the ceremonial game ball once he entered the 49ers’ locker room.
“All of a sudden, I didn’t know what to say. I said whatever was on my mind,” Gutierrez said about the event.
“I wanted to say, ‘Congratulations to the whole team.’ But I said, ‘Congratulations to me. And thank you to the guys.’ I almost said it in Spanish. I almost forgot English for a second. I was pretty nervous, shaking a little bit.”
¡Vamos @AlfredoGtzMX!
The OL made his NFL debut and earned tonight’s game ball 🇲🇽 #SFvsMIN pic.twitter.com/57xeeqbZHG
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 21, 2022
Team’s favorite
Shanan said that he was satisfied with Gutierrez’s qualities, especially in this match.
“Guys were pumped up,” Shanahan said. “It was his first time playing so we wanted to give him (the game ball). He’s been great having him around here. He’s everyone’s best friend on the team and helps us out throughout the week, too.”
Meanwhile, other players also shared Shanan’s positive attitude.
“Bro, yes, I know Alfredo. That’s my guy. He’d tell you the same thing,” defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw said.
Drake Jackson, defensive end, described the moment Gutierrez entered the field at left tackle with 2:31 left as a “beautiful scene.”
“That’s a beautiful scene right there. I was so happy when I saw him go out there,” Jackson said.
Jackson also said that Gutierrez with his 6-foot-9 height and 332 pounds weight was a gentle, empathetic giant.
“I had a problem a few weeks ago and he was right there by my side making sure I was cool,” Jackson added. “… He made sure I was all right. He made sure I was cool.”
“Everyone loves him,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “Who he is. What he stands for. And how he serves the team.”
Gutierrez was honored with an affectionate nickname, ‘Fredo.’
Gutierrez showed his gratitude toward his team, saying that he had changed thanks to his time with the 49.
“I’m a lot better, thanks to everybody, my teammates, and especially coach (Chris Foerster), who’s been on my butt,” Gutierrez said. “ I’m a different player. I still have a lot to learn and improve on, but I’m a different player now.”