Advertisement
football Edit

Thieneman headed to Super Bowl with 49ers: 'It is hard to put into words'

Thieneman is headed to south Florida for Super Bowl 54 as part of the 49ers practice squad.
Thieneman is headed to south Florida for Super Bowl 54 as part of the 49ers practice squad.

What is Super Bowl week like? Follow Jake Thieneman on Instagram: @jakethesnake_41

Advertisement

MORE: Thieneman Purdue Exit Interview | Surprised by Mostert? Those who coached, played at Purdue with him aren't

This time last year, Jake Thieneman was working out and preparing for Purdue’s pro day. Now, a year later, he’s headed to the Super Bowl.

Thieneman is a safety for the San Francisco 49ers, who will play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 54 next Sunday in south Florida. The former Boilermaker won’t be suited up, but he’ll be on the sidelines of Hard Rock Stadium wearing a sweatsuit with his fellow practice squad members.

“It is hard to put into words, honestly,” Thieneman told GoldandBlack.com.

Indeed, it’s a long way from being a walk-on at Purdue in 2014 to being a member of an NFL team playing in the Super Bowl.

During his tenure in West Lafayette, Thieneman became a captain and a key cog in the Purdue secondary. The 6-1, 215-pound Noblesville, Ind., native left campus with 170 career tackles and three interceptions along with seven sacks and 12 TFLs in 24 starts. Best of all: Thieneman departed with a degree in engineering. But for now, Thieneman wants to try to earn a living playing football.

“This is so far and above what I thought was possible,” said Thieneman. “It’s something you dream about as a kid. You take one step after another. And the next thing you know, you are days away from boarding a flight for the Super Bowl.”

Thieneman went undrafted in 2019 but signed a free-agent contract with the Giants. But he suffered a meniscus tear in a knee during a May mini-camp and subsequently was released. Thieneman got healthy and then hooked on with the Colts late in camp, taking part in Indianapolis’ final preseason game. But, he was released soon thereafter.

Thieneman waited. And waited. Then, teams started to call. The Browns, the Bengals and the 49ers. He worked out for the Browns and 49ers, and ultimately was signed by San Francisco in Week 13.

“I was surprised I got calls,” said Thieneman, whose brother Brennan will be a fifth-year senior safety at Purdue in 2020. “I only had one preseason game. That isn’t much film for teams to look at. I played well, as well as in any game I had at Purdue.

“And there were a lot of safeties on the market, but I guess I was always one of the guys they had on their list. They liked me a little bit in the pre-draft process. The ball just bounced my way one day.”

Now, Thieneman is sitting in defensive back meeting rooms with Richard Sherman.

“That’s another one of those things that’s crazy,” said Thieneman, who attended Guerin Catholic. “I have been watching him through high school and college.”

Now, he’s learning from the Pro-Bowler, who also is giving him some tips on the craziness of Super Bowl week.

“I heard that is pretty wild,” said Thieneman. “I have heard from Richard Sherman about what the experience is like."

Story continues below photo

Thieneman arrived at Purdue in 2014 as a walk-on but became a key player by the time he was finished.
Thieneman arrived at Purdue in 2014 as a walk-on but became a key player by the time he was finished.

Another 49ers teammate is running back Raheem Mostert, who became a national sensation when he rushed for 220 yards and four TDs in the San Francisco’s NFC title game win vs. Packers.

“Right when I got here, Raheem came up to greet me and offer help,” said Thieneman. “He has given me rides home after practices, too. A great guy."

Thieneman and Mostert were together one season in West Lafayette—2014, Thieneman’s first and Mostert’s last.

“The thing that stood out to me back then was his speed,” said Thieneman.

Thieneman doesn’t want his ride to end. He’s not sure about his future with San Francisco, though he loves the organization.

“The plan is to take the offseason well, train, work on my technique, study and head into Year Two as strong, fast and smart as possible, “ said Thieneman.

Thieneman’s the personification of perseverance, morphing from walk-on, to key contributor at Purdue … dealing with injury and rejection … to now standing on the precipice of being a Super Bowl camp.

“Just when I thought the door was closed, it opened back up and really put me back in the best situation possible,” said Thieneman.

Thieneman was let go by the Giants and Colts before landing with the 49ers.
Thieneman was let go by the Giants and Colts before landing with the 49ers.

Membership Info: Sign up for GoldandBlack.com now | Why join? | Questions?

Follow GoldandBlack.com: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

More: Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black Express | Subscribe to our podcast

Copyright, Boilers, Inc. 2020. All Rights Reserved. Reproducing or using editorial or graphical content, in whole or in part, without permission, is strictly prohibited.

Advertisement