Brandon Lloyd spent the 2013 season out of football. He didn’t mind that at all.
“Actually, it was kind of a relief,” Lloyd told the Post Independent in El Jebel, Colorado, where he hosts his annual football camp. “I mean, 10 years straight. I was really enjoying the anonymity. But at the same time, this is still the career path that I love. I love playing football.”
Lloyd has now signed with the 49ers, and he expects to be back to form this season, although he admits he still needs some time to shake the rust off.
“I was flattered that I was off a full year from football and that there was a team that still expressed an interest in bringing me back,” he said. “I feel I’m ready to compete, though. I still have a little ways to go as far as conditioning, but I’m very committed to this.”
At his best, Lloyd is one of the NFL’s best receivers: He led the league in receiving yards in 2010, and his highlight reel of diving catches is as impressive as anyone’s in football. But there have also been questions about Lloyd’s dedication to the game, and for a player who’s about to turn 33, it’s hard to return to full speed after a year off. If Lloyd can do it, he’ll be a huge addition to the 49ers’ offense.