There's little doubt about whether football is an inherently violent sport. Players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, are paid to do everything in their power to stop the man lining up across from him.
Josh Hokit, who the 49ers signed after the two-way player went undrafted in April, understands this better than most. Hokit is a mixed martial arts enthusiast and in an interview with The Athletic's David Lombardi, spoke about possibly giving the sport a shot after his NFL career concludes.
“I’ve been thinking of that lately, and you can’t count it out,” Hokit said. “Do I have that inside me to keep getting punched in the face over and over? Putting my body through all that stuff. I really go back to this thought process: I’m only on this earth once. I only get one shot at this. You might as well put everything on the line.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
“It’s just something about the one-on-one sport where it’s you versus the other guy. You’re on the mat with one other person, just you and him. You’re gonna be locked in the cage with another person. No one is gonna be able to help, not your teammates, not nothing — only you. It’s gonna be your preparation.”
[49ERS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]
Hokit originally accepted a wrestling scholarship to Drexel University out of high school, but the lack of a football program for the Dragons instead led him to accept the chance to become a two-sport star at Fresno State as a walk-on. He not only amassed over 1,500 total yards from scrimmage for the Bulldogs, but Hokit also finished fifth in the 2019 NCAA Wrestling Championships and was an All-American.
Playing running back primarily in college, Hokit was moved to linebacker for his senior season before being thrust back into Fresno State's backfield after injuries to the team's top three rushers. His versatility is something he believes made him an attractive signing for the 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
[RELATED: Ranking offseasons of 49ers, NFC contenders]
“They saw a football player, not just a specific position. And with that offense, that’s what they’re looking for at every skill position. They want a wide receiver that can run the ball. They want a running back that can catch the ball and run routes like a wide receiver.
“They’re just looking for versatile guys and I really believe I fit that system perfectly.”
He's expected to be viewed as a fullback when 49ers training camp opens up over the next few weeks, and with Kyle Juszczyk's contract set to expire after this season, Hokit could be someone the 49ers eye as a cheap replacement who could bring a similar utility to coach Kyle Shanahan's offense while simultaneously getting significant snaps on special teams.
Hokit clearly isn't afraid of a challenge, which cracking the 49ers' final 53-man roster will be for the 22-year-old. But whenever his NFL journey comes to an end, Hokit seems to have the skillset for a potential career inside the octagon.