SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Richard Sherman put his fists up, readying himself for the counter-moves of his diminutive foe.
Fellow cornerback, K’Waun Williams — all 5-foot-9, 185 pounds of him — remained light on his feet, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, refusing to be outmaneuvered by the veteran locker room leader.
The pair of 49ers defensive backs returned playful jabs in a rapid succession, like volleys over a net. Soon, their friendly game of fisticuffs gives way to wisecracks and more jokes.
The intermittent sound of a basketball ricocheting off an elevated rim can be heard on the other end of the expansive space, while players take turns getting their tired muscles stretched by an athletic trainer in the center of the room.