Archrivals like the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers develop some intense feelings toward one another. They’ve also developed a healthy sense of mutual respect.

According to 49ers.com, San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick has become a distant admirer of Seattle’s Earl Thomas.

Kaepernick has been studying Seattle’s No. 1 ranked overall defense all week. In particular, he noted how much he respects what he’s seen from free safety Earl Thomas.

“He’s a ball hawk, has great speed, can make a lot of plays back there,” Kaepernick said of Thomas.

The 49ers quarterback was intercepted a career-high three times in the Week 2 road loss to Seattle. Thomas was one of the three defenders to intercept Kaepernick, who has yet to have a multi-interception game since.

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