Vernon Davis on skipping OTAs: ‘I’m building my brand’

It has been widely assumed that Vernon Davis is skipping voluntary organized team activities because he wants a new contract, but the San Francisco 49ers tight end insists it is much more complicated than that. On Wednesday, Davis told Fox Sports Radio’s Jay Mohr Sports that the reason he is working out on his own has to do with building his “brand,” whatever that means.

“You know what, every decision I make is in the best interest of my brand,” Davis said, via Eye on Football. “At the end of the day, we sometimes have to make a business decision. And my decision is to work out on my own and focus on building my brand.”

Davis works to promote Fantex, which is one of those new companies that allows people to invest in professional athletes. Fantex paid Davis $10 million in exchange for 10% of all of his future earnings from the NFL and endorsement deals.

“It’s all about building your brand,” he added. “And that’s what Fantex … it’s going to help me build my brand. That’s why it is such an easy decision for me to partner with these guys.”

I get wanting to make money and endorsing a product or company you believe in, but how do the Niners feel about Davis being more focused on his own personal “brand” than spending valuable time with his teammates? During an appearance on SportsCenter Thursday, Davis insisted he is all about the team and is not working out alone because he wants a new deal.

“If it’s mandatory, I think I should be there,” he said. “My foot could get stuck in the grass, and I may not be able to get out … but if it’s mandatory, I think I should be there.

“I bleed red and gold. I’m all about the 49ers. I love the 49ers. My dream is to retire as a San Francisco 49er. OTAs aren’t mandatory, so I don’t have to be there technically. I just decided not to go. I decided not to be there … Everyone was just assuming I wanted a new contract. I just take it one day at a time. If they offer me a new contract, I’ll gladly take it. I’ll accept it.”

We’re not buying it. There’s a reason the Niners expect to be without Davis for a while, and I doubt it has to do with Fantex. He’s right about OTAs not being mandatory, but there’s a reason he is one of only two players who hasn’t shown up.