Deommodore Lenoir is carrying more than just confidence into the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The 49ers cornerback also brings one of the best nicknames on San Francisco’s roster: “The Hyena."

And in the premiere episode of the team’s web series “The Build ," released Wednesday, Lenoir claimed the inspiration for the moniker struck him after one of his most memorable plays as a pro.

“I gravitated toward [the nickname] ... after the Philly game, when I made that big hit,” the fifth-year pro said, referencing his crushing blow on Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift in Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season.

After the 49ers’ 42-19 victory , Lenoir’s teammates got the ball rolling.

“They was kinda like, 'You need a name’,” Lenoir said. “I wanted to be an animal. I started looking b

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