Super Bowl 2024: 49ers distraught after losing to Chiefs
The 49ers had a lead of 10-0 late in the first half
The San Francisco 49ers were lost for words after once again failing to defend a 10-point lead against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, going down 25-22 in a demoralising overtime loss on Sunday.
The 49ers had a lead of 10-0 late in the first half but they suffered the same fate as their painful defeat to Kansas City four years ago, when the Chiefs staged a fourth quarter comeback to clinch the title.
"A lot of guys are quiet right now," 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy told reporters.
"Not a lot has been said ... The way things have been the last couple of years, everyone wanted it so bad. We're still trying to sort of gather our thoughts.
"But everyone in that locker room loves each other, I'll tell you that."
The loss will be particularly hurtful, especially for head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons when they suffered defeat in the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots in 2017 after having an advantage of 28-3.
He was also the 49ers head coach in the Super Bowl defeat four years ago, making him 0-3 in the title game.
"There are no right words right now," he said.
"It hurts, everybody understands that. We knew it would hurt if it came to this but I'm proud of my guys. They put themselves out there, they played their tails off, and it's something we've got to live with but I know it's something we can handle.
"We're all pretty disappointed right now but if I'm going to lose with anyone, I want to lose with those guys."
The son of Super Bowl winning head coach Mike Shanahan, Kyle was keen on becoming the only father-son duo to win Super Bowls as coaches.
Meanwhile, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said the 49ers was full of respect for his opponents.
"They showed a lot more than even I had imagined," said Kelce.
"That team was every bit as deserving as we were and I've got a lot of respect for them, their coaches and how they go about their business.
"That game went all the way down to the wire for a reason."
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