The Grit Code Podcast

A loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but is it time for the Faithful to panic? Not according to Donte Whitner. On this episode of The Grit Code, 11-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowler Donte Whitner joins Bay Area sports analyst The Rodfather, Mr. Rod Brooks, to break down what went wrong against Atlanta, expose the biggest weaknesses in the 49ers defense, and explain why this loss might actually reveal something encouraging about San Francisco's future. The guys don't hold back when discussing the defensive breakdowns that allowed Michael Penix Jr. to find success against the 49ers. Whitner delivers a...

The San Francisco 49ers are undefeated at 6-0, but are they truly playing like Super Bowl contenders? On this episode of The Grit Code Podcast, 11-year NFL veteran and 3-time Pro Bowler Donte Whitner and Bay Area sports analyst Rod Brooks break down the 49ers' latest victory over the Washington Commanders, Brock Purdy's historic performance, Kyle Shanahan's offensive brilliance, and the defensive physicality that has San Francisco looking like a legitimate championship threat. But despite their perfect record, the 49ers have some serious questions to answer. BROCK PURDY IS SILENCING THE DOUBTERS! Purdy continues to put up historic numbers, yet...

The 49ers are 5-0 and sitting pretty atop the NFC WEST. Rod and Donte break it all down! 

 7 main topics For this episode! 1. 49ers Defeat the Seahawks — Are They Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders? Donte Whitner and his co-host, Rod Brooks break down San Francisco's physical, emotional victory over Seattle, what changed since their previous playoff defeat, and why this team looks capable of winning any style of football game. 2. Renardo Green's Breakout Performance & Raheem Morris's Defensive Transformation An in-depth discussion of Green's two interceptions, his improved instincts and closing speed, and how Raheem Morris has transformed the 49ers' secondary into a turn...

Rod and Donte break down the methodical and sometimes ugly win over the Denver Broncos to bring the 49ers to 4-0. The Defense is humming. What have they found in Dre Greenlaws return? Can they continue to play at this level without Nick Bosa? Have they found a pass rush answer? Brock didn't have the flashy game, but he was the leader they needed. Deebo is exactly who Donte thought he would be. Kittle is MASSIVE right now. And how does losing Kyle Juszczyk change this team? And, of course, a look ahead to next weeks big show down with...

Rod and Donte break down a wild win that saw Brock Purdy deliver 4 touchdowns and continue to make his case as one of the best quarterbacks in football right now. But the win came at a cost. Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw, Grayson Halton and Deommodore Lenoir all dealt with injuries, while the defense is already trying to figure out life without Nick Bosa. How many injuries can this roster actually survive? The fellas dive into Brock Purdy’s huge performance and MVP-level start, why the offensive line deserves WAY more credit, and Kyle Shanahan being in his bag as...

Rod and Donte dive deep into the shellacing that the 49ers gave the young Miami Dolphins. Purdy completed 18 straight passes! Unheard of. Dude is on another level. What happens when he gets taken away in games? Will he? Demarcus Robinson goes down. Evans is a little banged up. How does this receiving core hold on. The middle run game is iffy. Against superior opponents, this will not stand. And, a look ahead to week 3 against Trey McBride, Jeremiyah Love, Jacoby Brissett and the division rival Cardinals! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Rod and Donta break down the upcoming matchup between the hapless Miami Dolphins and the already surging 49ers. This should be an absolute blood bath...or should it!!?? Full analysis throughout. They also discuss the impact of the Stribling and Tonges injuries. And more! If you want to chat with HITNER and other 49ers Legends during the games - Head to: ramble.app/49ers Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte break down the beat down and dominating performance that the 49ers had on the league favorites, Rams yesterday in Australia. Is this truly Brock's Team? This defense showed out. Is Raheem Morris' style working? the DB's the safety play. Fred ran that defense. The two headed back field that gives McCaffrey a chance to breathe. Evans and Deebo crushing it. This team was firing on all cylinders. Should we believe yet? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte break it all down this episode as we are just ONE WEEK AWAY FROM THE NFL SEASON! Topics include: 49ers Final 53-Man Roster Major Concern at Safety Offensive Line / Left Guard Defensive Line & Lack of Pass Rush Aaron Donald Coming Out of Retirement How the 49ers Protect Brock Purdy in Week 1 The Fake 49ers Player / Scam Story George Kittle’s Health Pressure on Kyle Shanahan 49ers Secondary Running Back Room Wide Receiver Room Are the 49ers Better Than Last Year? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and us...

After the 49ers preseason game and joint practice against the Chargers, Rod and Donte have  A LOT of thoughts and questions. 

Herbert shredded this 49ers secondary, are they in trouble? 

Our best friend Ji’Ayir Brown gets truck sticked by Omarion Hampton. How big of a liability is this dude, truly, without bias. Well...maybe some bias. 

What's up with the pass rush - Renardo Green vs. Jack Jones and more. 

Stribling continues to show out. 

And, the story heard around the league - Could NFL players returning to college...

Rod And Donte dive into the headlines of the week. Nick Bosa's knee, problem or precaution? Mike Evans' quad? What do these injuries actually mean? Stribling is balling out at camp. What do we need to see to know this is for real? Can Brock Purdy be the engine of this offense??? And, what do the fellas need to see in the first preseason game against the Titans? All this and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte get into 10 hot topics for the 49ers today. INJURIES, INJURIES AND MORE INJURIES! Pearsall out for the season. Kittle still recovering.Evans, Black, Stribling, and more dealing with issues. This is no longer BAD LUCK. Do you look at the substation again and do a deep investigation? Why the cover up for the Kyle Shanahan accident? Glad he's okay, but is something else going on?? Veta Vea is sitting there waiting to be paid. Should the 49ers go after him? And much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Donte and Rod get it goin with discussion of current 49ers topics. Deebo - Should the 9ers bring him back? Can he be effective? Is he washed? Stribling -Is he ready? Should he be a focal point of the offense out the gate? Will the injuries be the biggest worry or will it be the Seahawks or the Rams? Then, the REAL section - the fellas talk the entourage tax, locker room competition and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte take a deep dive into the mess that is NIL and the transfer portal. They dive into how it does not set up players for success in the real world. They also get into some stories of the old ways that Donte was able to take advantage of. They finish off with 3 big questions for the 49ers as they go into camp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte dive into the nitty gritty of how women, friends, advisors attack the low level millionaire - aka the African American Football Player. Women sliding into dms. Posting BBL pics. The players have lust in their eyes and are too young to realize what is happening. They also get into what might be the final straw in the Brandon Aiyuk drama. His mental health and his future discussed. And finally, the fellas dive into the 49ers offense and the prospect of them being at the top of the food chain this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...

Rod and Donte are back at it and guess what? So is Brandon Aiyuk. He might owe the 49ers anywhere from 13-18 mill and the fellas have a lot to say about it. Then the meat and potatoes. The real spill from Donte and Rod behind the curtain of a continued edition of Whitner Wallet. Finishing off with some real talk about how good the 49ers actually could be. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A packed episode of zingers and advice. First off, Rod and Donte dive into the Kittle running routes and doing drills at his Tight End University - IS THIS A GOOD IDEA? What should the 49ers do about this? Then we get into the real life stuff. Donte and Rod talk about the constant money issues of players current and former as well as lifestyle decisions - drugs, alcohol and more. A really thought provoking pod! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte speak on the tragedy of Aldon Smith's passing. Donte spoke to some former teammates and has some words to share on that subject and what Aldon's legacy should be as a 49er. They also talk about what is going on with men in sports and some hopes for the 49ers defensive line. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Donte are at it again, breaking down the latest Brandon Aiyuk drama and the fatigue we all feel. What's next in this saga/ the rest of his career? They also dive into the Ashtyn Davis signing. Just a solid back up or true safety room competition? And the fellas do an off season "What's more likely". Topics: George Kittle games played Christian Mccaffrey total yards Defense Ranking and more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All Hell has broken loose. The Rams have traded for the best defensive player in the league, Myles Garrett! With the Seahawks already ahead of the 49ers after last years showing what does this mean for the 49ers, the NFC West and the league at large? Also - The Patriots have traded for AJ Brown! What does this mean for the Eagles and can the Patriots continue being contenders? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donte and Rod discuss the truth of the 49ers offense. Are they still a dominant offense. Brock Purdy coming off of his contract year, will he still have a chip on his shoulder? McCaffrey a year older, Evans a year older, Trent coming back, Pearsall coming back. A lot of unknowns. Donte outlines how Evans' metrics have DROPPED OFF A CLIFF. Hitner and Rod keep it real as they always do. They believe...but how much?? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hitner is in Fiji and he's got the same ole hot takes. He and Rod break down the 49ers 2026-2027 schedule. Highlighting specific games including a Jauan Jennings revenge game, telling folks to never doubt Patrick Mahomes again and so much more! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you don't know, now you know. Donte had a call with Ji'Ayir Brown trying to get Donte to stop talking about his play. Well, Ji"Ayir, we recommend you watch the episode. It's not smack talk, it's honest assessment and will make your game better. You listen to Hitner, you will get better. He and Rod dive into the full safety room, breakout candidates and more this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donte and Rod dive deep into what most fans call the boring part of the calendar, but inside the building THIS IS EVERYTHING. Where the foundation is built. The guys discuss the young wide receivers and how best to utilize them with the elder statesman. Kyle Shanahan addressed the draft. Why? What does it mean for the team going forward? Then the main event - Cornerbacks! How can they strengthen this young secondary and what does each player need to do to improve. They finish out by talking about the offensive line issues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

Donte and Rod are joined by the one and only Justin "Cowboy" Smith to break down the very polarizing 49ers 2026 NFL Draft. Whether it was taking Stribling in the 2nd or running back (yet again) Kaelon Black in the 3rd round, were these the right decisions? Justin gives expertise on the later round defensive line picks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The draft is TOMORROW and Donte, Pat and Rod go through the first 4 rounds of potential picks for the 49ers. They also address the glaring needs on defense that John Lynch says are not really there? Was this a classic smoke screen? Or does he really believe it? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donte, Rod and Pat dive into all things offensive draft. What is the glaring need on offense for them? In a word - SPEED! They talk wide receiver, running back, line and more. They also discuss how they believe Christian Mccaffrey should approach his future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are a lot of pieces on the defensive side of the ball for the 49ers that need attention. Where should they look for that first round draft pick? Safety? Defensive Line? Maybe depth at linebacker? There are so many possibilities: Caleb Downs CJ Parker Caleb Banks Rueben Bain Jr. Just to name a few. Also, Dexter Lawrence is asking for a trade out of New York. Should the 49ers throw their hat in the ring? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rod and Pat lead the charge on interviewing the singular Donte Whitner. He shares his story and it is truly the stuff of legends. From an injury at an incredibly young age and being told he could NEVER play sports, to an extremely challenging childhood, and thanks to his gut, grit, his mother, and Ted Ginn Sr., he made is way to THE Ohio State University and eventually the NFL. They dive into great detail with it all in only the way Donte can. And then, they finish with current 49ers topics: Brandon Aiyuk, free safety issues and more. Hosted...

Rod and Donte dive into the mind and heart of co-host Patrick Willis as he walks us through his life leading through the NFL to the Hall Of Fame. What he overcame as a child living in poverty and the lessons he learned and took from his family, friends and coaches throughout. Patrick is a testament to grit, kindness, tenacity, and being an absolute BEAST on the field. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you say "linebacker" you think NaVorro Silverback Bowman! Donte, and Pat dive into his childhood, college days and those incredible years with the 49ers. Highlighting some unforgettable plays, some real talk beyond the field and, of course, the infamous Pick At The Stick. They also talk current 49ers and league pick ups and trades - San Fran picking up Dre Greenlaw, trading for Osa, and the chiefs interesting trade for Justin Fields. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When you think "linebacker" you think NaVorro Bowman. Donte, Pat and Silverback dive into his childhood, college days, and those incredible years with the 49ers. They talk the challenges he faced in college at Penn State aka linebacker U. And how it shaped him to be the teammate and player he was in the NFL. They, of course talk some iconic plays, most notably the PICK AT THE STICK. Then, the guys talk some current 49ers pick ups - Dre Greenlaw being back, trading for Osa and league wide, diving in a little bit to the Chiefs acquiring Justin Fields. ...

It's that time of year when everything is on the table. Donte, Pat and Rod talk all things Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw, Raiders, Titans, Pittsburgh, and so much more. The league is heating up and so are the fellas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The fellas are joined by the one and only Justin "Cowboy Smith as they continue to check in with their teammates from that world beating defense. Cowboy grew up on a farm and talks about his grit that he worked at time and again. He remarks on his time in Cincinnati and then the best years of his career in San Francisco with Donte, Pat and the guys. The guys talk about his skill set and just how dominant he was. They finish the episode by diving into the work his son is doing on the High School Football field...

Donte, Pat and Rod dive into addressing some needs through Free Agency this off season. Should they go after an uber talented vet like Mike Evans or Tyreek Hill coming off of a gnarly injury? Can their current guys get the job done on both sides of the ball? Then, favorite from the playing days, Chris Culliver joins to talk all things about his upbringing, his NFL experience and growth and mental health after the game. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pat, Donte & Rod are joined by the uniquely original, former Cornerback for the 49ers, Tarell Brown. They dive deep into his childhood, high school, college and NFL careers and the most incredible life after football. Creating two foundations and working in real estate. Tarell is a true testament to Grit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jam Packed edition of The Grit Code Podcast. Donte, Pat and Rod breakdown the boring or exciting (depends how you look at it) Super Bowl victory of the Seattle Seahawks on the 49ers home turf. They talk Bad Bunny's performance as well. Donte has some big questions for the boys. Is Mike Macdonald better than Kyle Shanahan now that he has won the big game? Who are the top five Position dominant coaches in the NFL? What do the 49ers need to do to get on this level? Switching gears to off season - Maxx Crosby has expressed that he...

Donte and Rod break down the latest in 49ers land. Raheem Morris is the new DC. Who likes it? Who might not? There has been a plethora of coaching hires. The fellas play a game of Dude or Dud with each one. Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch - their contracts are up soon. How soon should they lock that up? Free Agency Chatter. And, of course, finishing the episode with Donte and Rod's Picks for The Seahawks and Patriots Super Bowl. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

Donte and Rod are joined by one of the best safeties in 49ers history, Dashon Goldson. They dive into his origin story first, specifically his mindset and when he realized he was good enough to play the game of football at the highest level. The fellas dive into those draft day feelings and those early years when D Gold was running with the 3rd and 4th string folks. Then, how things changed once he got the call that he would be starting. Donte and Dashon reminisce on the defense during 2011-2013 when the were in NFC Championships and the 2013 Super...

The 49ers season has come to a brutal end. Donte, Rod and Pat dive deep into what both sides of the ball failed to execute in that game and who holds responsibility? Specifically in key early plays. With this being the end of an injury plagued season and change on the horizon, what has to keep the 49ers healthy, especially at peak positions like those occupied by George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and more. The conversation shifts to Robert Saleh’s departure to the Titans. Was this a positive decision for him? And where does the organization look to go...