Los Angeles Rams star defender Jared Verse does not mince any words regarding their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, well ahead of their season opener in Australia.
Los Angeles Rams star defender Jared Verse did not mince any words regarding their division rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, well ahead of their season opener in Australia.
In a recent appearance on the Jim Rome show, Verse reignited the rivalry with the 49ers, emphasizing how intense and personal the rivalry is.
“We take things really serious. So, whenever we play them, it’s like the biggest beef," Verse said. "We don’t say, ‘Hi’ to each other pre-game. We’re talking trash to each other. There’s no dap-ups, there’s no high-fives, there’s nothing like that. They walk by me, I walk by them. So, now we gotta go all the way to Australia to do this, it’s gonna be even a higher level. Because now, when we beat them, I can say, ‘I’m beating your A outside the country, too. It don’t even gotta just be in LA, in San Francisco; I can beat you anywhere we go.”
Verse said there is no friendliness with no greetings or interactions with any members of the 49ers. He also added that the Week 1 matchup overseas only raises the stakes, as it gives him a chance to prove his dominance on an even bigger stage, no matter the location.
Regardless of where the game is played, the Rams and 49ers' matchups in the last few seasons have yet to disappoint. Last season, the two teams split the season series, 1-1, each winning on their opponent's home field.
Historically, the 49ers still hold the edge, leading the all-time series 79-72-3 across 154 meetings. They also went on a dominant run from 2019 to 2023, winning nine straight regular-season matchups. However, momentum has recently shifted, with the Rams taking four of the last five contests over the past two seasons.
The Rams will take on the 49ers for their first matchup of the 2026 season. It will be the first game the NFL will play in Australia, and it will feature two of the best teams in the league. Local kickoff time will be at 10:35 a.m. Friday.
That game will be part of a record-setting international slate, with the NFL scheduling nine games outside the United States across four continents and seven countries—marking the most expansive global schedule in league history.
The 25-year-old will soon enter his third season in the league. His first two seasons in the league have been great in Los Angeles, establishing himself as one of the more premier pass rushers in the NFL.
In his short time in the league, Verse has been named a Pro Bowler twice, collecting 124 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 45 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles and 12 sacks in 34 games.
The former Florida State Seminole has been on the receiving end of back-to-back tough playoff losses. Verse will look to help the Rams get over the hump in 2026 with what is expected to be a great and loaded Los Angeles team.