The Grit Code Podcast

Jaksot

• 44 | Aiyuk At It Again! | Are 49ers True Contenders? | Family, Money & Boundaries | The Grit Code Podcast 03.07.2026 51min

  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.
• 43 | George Kittle's Tight End University Route Running | Hitner's Player Money and Lifestyle Advice | Grit Code Podcast 26.06.2026 41min

  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!
• 42 | The Legacy Of Aldon Smith | Grit Code Podcast 19.06.2026 55min

  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.
• 41 | More Aiyuk Drama | Offseason What's More Likely? | Grit Code Podcast 12.06.2026 1t 1min

  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!
• 40 | Myles Garrett Is A RAM! | Are The 49ers Screwed?!? | Grit Code Podcast 05.06.2026 37min

  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?
• 39 | 49ers Offensive Deep Dive! Are They Still Elite?? | The Grit Code Podcast 29.05.2026 48min

  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??
• 38 | 49ers Schedule Release Breakdown! | Grit Code Podcast 22.05.2026 47min

  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!
• 37 | The 49ers SAFETY ISSUES | Grit Code Podcast 15.05.2026 53min

  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.
• 36 | Dog Days Of May - Evaluating 49ers Starting Cornerbacks! | Grit Code Podcast 13.05.2026 1t 9min

  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.
• 35 | 49ers 2026 Draft - Sneaky? or A Bust? | Grit Code Podcast 29.04.2026 47min

  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.
• 34 | FINAL 49ERS MOCK DRAFT! | John Lynch Press Conference | Grit Code Podcast 22.04.2026 1t 4min

  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?
• NFL DRAFT: 49ERS OFFENSIVE NEEDS! | The Future Of Christian Mccaffrey | Grit Code Podcast 17.04.2026 37min

  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.
• Ep. 32 | DRAFT NEEDS: DEFENSE | Grit Code Podcast 10.04.2026 57min

  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?
• Ep. 31 | Whitner's Wild One Of A Kind Story | Grit Code Podcast 05.04.2026 1t 32min

  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.
• Ep. 30 | Patrick Willis: From The Mud To The Hall Of Fame | Grit Code Podcast 27.03.2026 1t 42min

  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.
• Ep. 29 | NaVorro Silverback Bowman Talks Legacy And Current 49ers | Grit Code Podcast 20.03.2026 1t 11min

  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.
• Ep. 28 | NFL Free Agency Frenzy! | Grit Code Podcast 13.03.2026 38min

  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.
• Ep. 27 | Should Be A First Ballot Hall Of Famer! w/ Justin "Cowboy Smith | Grit Code Podcast 04.03.2026 1t 2min

  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.
• Ep. 26 | 49ers Free Agency Primer! | Special Guest Chris Culliver | Grit Code Podcast 25.02.2026 1t 25min

  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.
• Ep. 25 | This Game Is Not For Everyone w/ Tarell Brown | Grit Code Podcast 18.02.2026 1t 32min

  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.