DeForest Buckner reveals emotional reaction to 49ers trade

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner made it clear that if the Indianapolis Colts traded him, his preferred destination was the San Francisco 49ers. Indianapolis honored that request, allowing the veteran defensive lineman to return to the team that drafted him.

Last week, the 49ers sent the Colts a fourth-round draft pick in exchange for Buckner, reuniting with their former first-round selection.

On Monday, Buckner said learning he was headed back to San Francisco, where he spent his first four NFL seasons, was emotional. He received the news from interim Colts general manager Ed Dodds.

"When I finally got the call from Dodds, that they made it official and they agreed to trade me back here, I'll be honest, I just fell to my knees, and I started praying," Buckner said. "It's just crazy the way everything happened.

"God, he'll open doors you thought was closed, and he was able to open this one back up for me, and I'm just trying to make the most of this opportunity."

Buckner acknowledged his disappointment that he couldn't achieve more during his time with the Colts, though he emphasized that he gave the organization everything he had.

"I spoke with [principal owner] Carlie [Irsay-Gordon], I spoke with Ed, and at the end of the day, they respected everything that I've accomplished and did there," Buckner said. "And, like I said, I poured my heart and soul in that organization, and they felt that.

"And they wanted to make sure that I went to a place where I wanted to be. And I have nothing but respect for Carlie, her family, for Dodds, and everybody in that building. I formed great relationships there, and they held their end of the bargain, and at the end of the day, I wanted to be here, and they made it happen."

The Colts are 2-6 following Sunday's blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Buckner, meanwhile, joins a 49ers team that enters the post-bye portion of its schedule at 6-1 and is considered a Super Bowl contender in the NFC.

"Obviously, I'm excited to be here," Buckner said. "Like I said, even in my previous interviews, when I was still with the Colts, all I care about is playing meaningful football, winning football, and competing for a Super Bowl. And being here gave me that option, and I'm excited.

"And, like I said, I'm going to do everything that I can to help our room, to help the team accomplish that goal."