San Francisco's left tackle has only played for the team that drafted him in 2007, and he's had many great moments over the years.
Joe Staley watched as team, civic, and NFL leaders cut the ribbon to open Levi's® Stadium.
Shortly after, the San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle made his way back to team headquarters, where he signed a two-year extension through the 2019 season.
"It was very special and something I wanted to be a part of," Staley said of the ceremony that took place two years after he attended the stadium's groundbreaking ceremony in April of 2012.
Staley, a three-time Pro Bowl tackle who was a first-round draft pick in 2007, is now on his third contract with the 49ers. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle previously signed a six-year extension in 2009. Staley said his negotiations with the club were ongoing this offseason. Staley took part in all of the team's voluntary and mandatory workouts and eventually a deal was agreed on prior to the Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
The new deal was done at the right time for both sides.
"I'm a different player now and we both felt it was time to get something done," the three-time All-Pro said.
This contract truly shows what he means to organization.
"In today's NFL, it is rare for a player to play his entire career with one team," general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement released by the team. "With this extension, Joe will likely be a 49er for life. He is a three-time All-Pro and core member of our football team. His commitment and professionalism have been great assets to our team and our community. This extension reflects our philosophy of investing in our core players."
Staley echoed the sentiments of his GM. Staley said it was his goal to stay with the 49ers long-term.
"I'm most excited for the opportunity to play my entire career with the San Francisco 49ers," Staley said. "That was something I've always wanted to do."
Staley took care of the business side of the game. Now he wants to get back to work.
"It's time to go to work on that Super Bowl," the 98-game starter said.
In order to do that, Staley said the 49ers will use training camp to get better in tough situations. San Francisco has reached three consecutive NFC title games and reached Super Bowl XLVII in 2012.
Getting past the conference championship game is very much a team goal in '14.
"We have to find a way to win those close games," Staley said, referring to last year's playoff loss to Seattle. "That's something we're definitely going to be focused on at training camp, working with a sense of urgency."
Staley will get plenty of chances to compete against the defending Super Bowl champions and other teams in the NFC West. He's locked up for the long haul, just like his quarterback, Colin Kaepernick.
As the blind-side protector, Staley said he's very happy to be playing alongside a tireless worker like Kaepernick.
"He's an amazing player," Staley said of the 49ers quarterback, who signed his own extension, one that'll keep him with the 49ers through the 2020 season. "He adds a lot of dimensions to our offense.
"To protect his blindside for years to come is something I take pride in and will try to do my best to do."
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