SANTA CLARA – Offensive lineman Mike Person spent his entire rookie season on the 49ers’ 53-man roster but never appeared in a game.
One year later, when he was cut, he thought his career might be over.
“That was my first experience getting released and I didn’t know. Is this it?” Person said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen.
“I’ve been able to stick it out eight years now. I’ve bounced around a little bit. But somehow, someway, I’ve found a way.”
From his beginnings as a seventh-round draft pick of the 49ers in 2011 and living with teammate Joe Staley for two weeks during the lockout that summer to participate in the Alex Smith-led workouts at San Jose State, Person persevered through every step along his journey.