John Lynch held court for about 25 minutes with Bay Area reporters on Monday. The San Francisco 49ers new general manager was made available on a conference call from Houston as he still has some obligations to fulfill for FOX Sports at Super Bowl LI.

The former All-Pro safety took the time to answer questions, express his excitement to get started with the 49ers and explain what makes him qualified for the job.

Here are Lynch's top eight quotes from the call.

1. His opening remarks:

"I can't tell you how humbled and excited I am for this unbelievable opportunity. I can tell you that two weeks ago, I never thought I'd be doing this. Things change sometimes. Fortunately I have a wonderful family that has supported me incredibly in my pursuit of this situation."

**

2. On those who question his lack of experience in an NFL front office:**

"I'm eager to earn their trust. I think the feelings that some might have there are natural. … I understand that, and I'm fully aware that myself and the team I put around me – we're going to have to earn that respect. The only way to do that is through your actions. For us, that's showing it on the field."

3. On his first task as GM:

"The most important thing that I can do is articulate the vision that I have for this team with everyone in the building."

4. On his eagerness to get started:

"I can't get the film in front of me quick enough. I can't wait to evaluate this roster. I know it because I follow football in a broad sense, but it just takes time and there's no substitute for time. I think you have to take inventory of what you have in order to see what we need."

5. On the division of power between himself and the next head coach:

"I can tell you that from the outset, what's been communicated to me, we really want this to be a true partnership. … That's my wish." 

**

6. On his vision for the team:**

"The one promise I can make of any team I'm going to be associated with, is you're going to have competitive players that want to compete, that live and breathe football and that are going to play hard. If they don't play hard, then we're going to find players who will play hard. We're going to strive to do things right."

7.  On his admiration for head coach candidate Kyle Shanahan:

"I've been very public in my broadcasts. I thought he was the catch of this head coaching cycle. It's one of the best year's I've seen a coordinator have. When I talk to Matt Ryan and the leaders on that (Atlanta Falcons) team, they spoke of the leadership that Kyle had. … He has impressed me for a long time, and this year he put it all together."

8. On what makes him qualified for the job:

"I can't tell you that I've had 20 years in front offices, working my way up. But what I do know is football. I'd put my football acumen up with most in this league. I know people and I know how to lead. … That's what I strive to do in this role. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to start putting this together."

John Lynch held court for about 25 minutes with Bay Area reporters on Monday. The San Francisco 49ers new general manager was made available on a conference call from Houston as he still has some obligations to fulfill for FOX Sports at Super Bowl LI.

The former All-Pro safety took the time to answer questions, express his excitement to get started with the 49ers and explain what makes him qualified for the job.

Here are Lynch's top eight quotes from the call.

1. His opening remarks:

"I can't tell you how humbled and excited I am for this unbelievable opportunity. I can tell you that two weeks ago, I never thought I'd be doing this. Things change sometimes. Fortunately I have a wonderful family that has supported me incredibly in my pursuit of this situation."

**

2. On those who question his lack of experience in an NFL front office:**

"I'm eager to earn their trust. I think the feelings that some might have there are natural. … I understand that, and I'm fully aware that myself and the team I put around me – we're going to have to earn that respect. The only way to do that is through your actions. For us, that's showing it on the field."

3. On his first task as GM:

"The most important thing that I can do is articulate the vision that I have for this team with everyone in the building."

4. On his eagerness to get started:

"I can't get the film in front of me quick enough. I can't wait to evaluate this roster. I know it because I follow football in a broad sense, but it just takes time and there's no substitute for time. I think you have to take inventory of what you have in order to see what we need."

5. On the division of power between himself and the next head coach:

"I can tell you that from the outset, what's been communicated to me, we really want this to be a true partnership. … That's my wish." 

**

6. On his vision for the team:**

"The one promise I can make of any team I'm going to be associated with, is you're going to have competitive players that want to compete, that live and breathe football and that are going to play hard. If they don't play hard, then we're going to find players who will play hard. We're going to strive to do things right."

7.  On his admiration for head coach candidate Kyle Shanahan:

"I've been very public in my broadcasts. I thought he was the catch of this head coaching cycle. It's one of the best year's I've seen a coordinator have. When I talk to Matt Ryan and the leaders on that (Atlanta Falcons) team, they spoke of the leadership that Kyle had. … He has impressed me for a long time, and this year he put it all together."

8. On what makes him qualified for the job:

"I can't tell you that I've had 20 years in front offices, working my way up. But what I do know is football. I'd put my football acumen up with most in this league. I know people and I know how to lead. … That's what I strive to do in this role. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to start putting this together."