49ers being back on the big stage brings back memories

The Super Bowl hype machine has been well underway for the better part

of the past two weeks.

On Sunday, it will be time for good old fashioned football as the San Francisco

49ers and Kansas City Chiefs square off in Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Growing

up a lifelong 49er fan in Napa, CA, it seems like old times. Though there is a

conflicting feeling. My best friend from my college days (Jason Page) at the

University of Nebraska along with Clayton Corbin, who is a family friend, are

Kansas City Chiefs fans. Jason is my Nebraska brother because we formed an

incredible friendship that still exists today despite a 1,500 mile distance. Don’t

worry Jason and Clayton, I’ll still love you like always. It just so happens that our

conflicting allegiances will be colliding on Sunday. 

For the Chiefs, this marks their first Super Bowl appearance since 1970, when

they throttled the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV. For the 49ers, this is

their first Super Bowl appearance since 2012, when they lost to the Baltimore

Ravens 34-31. San Francisco, which has five Vince Lombardi trophies to its

resume, last won the Super Bowl in 1994, when they railroaded the San Diego

Chargers 49-26. 

Super Bowl Sunday, however, is more than football. Granted, you also have

people watching the game but they are also consuming food like it were

Thanksgiving and drinking adult beverages (for those who partake) as if it were

New Year’s Eve.

The game has become a de facto national holiday in that it is the most watched

television broadcast of the year. You have people watching the game that don’t

care about football. Besides the action on the field, there are the pregame and

halftime ceremonies. I like the pregame feature stories because by that time, my

brain is saturated with game breakdowns.

I’ve had a star-crossed life as a 49er fan. From 1981-1998, I saw them reach the

NFL summit five times. The years they did not, they were always in contention with

the likes of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Chicago

Bears and Los Angeles Rams to name a few. Then, 1999 happened. From that

point until now, the 49ers have had just six winning seasons in 20 years, including

this season’s 13-3 regular-season record. 

Steve Mariucci was fired after the 2002 season despite back-to-back postseason appearances. Then came an eight-year run of some pretty wretched football under

Dennis Erickson, Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary. Then came the Jim Harbaugh

four-year oasis that saw three straight trips to the NFC Title Game, including one

Super Bowl appearance (the aforementioned loss to the Ravens). 

Despite the on-field success under Harbaugh, there was frequent friction between

he and the powers-that-be that led to his demise and two rancid years under Jim

Tomsula and Chip Kelly. 

Then came the coach-general manager duo of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch.

The first two years were difficult, going 10-22, but watching the team week-by-week,

you sensed a talent and culture change. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect

this season’s success. I thought 10-6 at best, perhaps winning a playoff game. Now

here we are one win away from raising a sixth Lombardi Trophy, which would tie

the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots. 

I caught 49er fever at an early age courtesy of my dad (Joe) and older brother

(Mike). I remember being a 9-year-old boy crowded in the living room of my oldest

sister’s apartment as the 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals. Three years later,

when the 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins going away 38-16, I remember taking a

family ski trip to Lake Tahoe. It was skiing in the morning and Super Bowl watching

in the afternoon.

In 1988 and 1989, I was at my brother’s house watching the 49ers win in different

fashions, 20-16 over Cincinnati and 55-10 over the Denver Broncos.

Five years later, I was in my college residence hall lounge watching with a few

dorm mates. As for this Sunday, I don’t know where yet, but you can bet your

mortgage I will be planted in front of the TV in my Archie Bunker chair.

The 49ers being back in the Super Bowl brings back great memories for me

because from 1987-1997, my dad had season tickets.

I felt like I was living a dream getting to go to 49er games in their glory years. My

first game I went with my dad was in 1984 against the New Orleans Saints. Matt

Cavanaugh relieved an injured Joe Montana for the 49ers and Ken Stabler, who

was an Oakland Raider legend, was the Saints’ quarterback.

My dad gave up his tickets after 1997 because I had gone away to college and he

was hard-pressed to find people to go with him that were as passionate about it as

I was. Besides the fact that my appreciation for football coincided with the 49er

dynasty, it became easy to root for them because the Oakland Raiders had moved

to L.A.

You see, in these parts we are conditioned to loathe any team from La-La Land.

The Raiders moved back to Oakland in 1995 but I still didn’t like them.

However, in 1999 I had a chance to pick up some freelance writing work with Silver

& Black Illustrated (a Raiders magazine). That was my second income for six years.

Needless to say, I took a lot of needling for that. Mostly good-natured ribbing (which

I don’t mind) but every now and then I’d get a “how could you?” or “you traitor.”

At which point I’d say, “When your dream was to have a taste of covering pro sports,

there is no way in heck you turn it down.”

More than anything, that experience taught me to look at what both teams do

more objectively. So it ended up morphing into supporting both.

I know most people see it as taboo to root for both, but I disagree because the 49ers

and Raiders rivalry is between the fans, not the players.

You listen to some people talking about me liking both, you would think I liked both

the Raiders and Broncos or Giants and Eagles.

Heck, the Niners and Raiders only play every four years in the regular season.

However, with the Raiders moving to Las Vegas, I am done rooting for both. 

From that announcement forward, it’s been all about Red & Gold.

I foresee a compelling matchup on Sunday though I’m not going to break the game

down because you’ve probably had enough by now. Kansas City quarterback

Patrick Mahomes is virtuoso talent but I think San Francisco is a more complete

team from A to Z. Though I’m not discounting the Chiefs, I see San Francisco

prevailing, 31-23. 

Bryant's greatness was a site to behold

Sometimes there are events that leave you speechless. 

I heard the news before my son’s flag football game in Napa, CA. The

next thing I know, a parent of my son’s teammate, while looking at her

phone utters, “Kobe Bryant died!” The first thing I thought was, “It

can’t real.” However, as soon as I looked at my phone, I saw confirmation

of such. Suffice it to say, I was stunned beyond belief as I’m sure I speak

for many. 

On Sunday, a helicopter crash that killed nine people near Calabasas, CA,

which is about 30 miles Northwest of Los Angeles. The victims included

NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna, long-time

Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife (Keri) and

daughter (Alyssa). Gianna and Alyssa were teammates at the Mamba

Academy. As a player, Bryant was known as “Black Mamba.”

The helicopter was a S-76 and the area in which the crash took place

indicated low clouds and limited visibility. The crash ignited a quarter

acre brush fire. Bryant regularly traveled by helicopter during and after

his NBA career. 

Bryant played all 20 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers

after having entered the league straight out of high school. Bryant led

the Lakers to five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star.

Bryant was selected to the All-NBA team on 15 occasions, 12-time

All-Defensive team member and was the 2008 NBA MVP. He led the

NBA in scoring twice, ranks fourth on the all-time scoring list in the

regular season and is fourth on the all-time postseason scoring list.

Bryant was the first guard in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons. 

While my heart goes out to all nine victims, and their families, in the

crash, as a sports fan, the focus keeps coming back to the 41-year old

Bryant. His passing sent shockwaves, especially around the NBA.

For openers, I spent Bryant’s entire career rooting against him because

I am a San Antonio Spurs fan. Bryant’s Lakers were a frequent nemesis

to the Spurs and much of the Western Conference. The Lakers are a

polarizing team in that you either strongly like them or strongly dislike

them. Though I would into the latter category, Bryant never ceased to

amaze and I had nothing both respect for his spectacular talent and drive

to be great. 

Throughout the NBA on Sunday, teams paid tribute to Bryant by having

voluntary 24-second shot clock violations. Bryant wore the No. 24. 

Though many people bristled at the constant comparisons to Chicago

Bulls legend Michael Jordan, his game and competitiveness were

comparable. So were his achievements. Both were incredibly strong,

could drive to the basket, and could drill any jumpshot whether it was a

3-pointer or a fadeaway over a defender. Speaking of defense, like Jordan,

he was a menace.

When I think of Bryant highlights, it’s hard for me to pick out one

specifically because he did so many amazing things. However, I continue

to marvel at how he entered the NBA straight from high school out of

Lower Merion High (Philadelphia). At the time, players bypassing college

and going to the NBA was becoming en vogue as Bryant became the sixth

player to do such. 

Bryant was originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded

to the Lakers, who were looking to trade center Vlade Divac to free up

salary cap space to sign Shaquille O’Neal.  

I remember vividly how Bryant entered the league as a skinny 17-year old

kid but as he added strength, he looked like an NFL running back. 

What is easy to forget about Bryant’s career is that although he led the

Lakers to the aforementioned five NBA titles, there were many peaks and

valleys. From 1996-1999, his career was defined by adjusting to the NBA.

In those years, the Lakers flashed brilliance only to be eliminated in the

postseason by the Spurs and Utah Jazz. From 2000-2002, the Lakers put

together one of the greatest runs in NBA history in winning three straight

titles. At times in that stretch, they were scarily dominant. 

From 2003-2008, Bryant continued his scoring rampage but on the court

ended with postseason losses to the Spurs and two NBA finals drubbings

at the hands of the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. In 2009-2010,

the Lakers were back on top with finals wins over the Orlando Magic and

Celtics. Though Bryant did not equal Jordan’s six championship rings, he

pressed through more postseason disappointments and injury plagued

seasons before retiring after the 2013 season. 

Even more than his on the court brilliance, Laker fan or not, you had to

respect his drive and determination to be the best. He was frequently tabbed

“the next Jordan.” At which point I say, “What’s so bad about being the

first Kobe Bryant?”

The biggest injustice to Bryant’s passing is that he had an incredible 20-

year run as a professional athlete but will not get to enjoy a similar amount

of time as a father. As a 47-year old father of three kids myself, that is

immutable. 

Bryant’s passing is also a reminder that life is life and basketball is

basketball. As fans of the latter, it’s important to appreciate greatness when

you see it. 

The fine line between celebrating strengths and denigrating weaknesses

Sometimes a retiring professional athlete reminds us, directly or indirectly,

that as fans and/or media, too much time gets spent on denigrating a guy

for what he is not as opposed to celebrating their virtues. 

Look no further than New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, who

announced his retirement from the NFL. There have been questions abound

on “is Eli Manning a Hall of Famer?” While I have no problem if he gets

selected, I am not definitive in my stance on whether I believe he should

receive such an honor. 

His older brother, Peyton, retired from the NFL after the 2015 Denver

Broncos won the Super Bowl. The elder Manning is expected to be a first

ballot Hall of Famer because of possessing two Super Bowl rings, is a

five-time MVP and seven-time All Pro. He also holds NFL records for

touchdown passes in a season (55), passing yards in a season (5,477) and

touchdown passes in a game (7). 

Eli Manning, like his brother, quarterbacked two Super Bowl championship

teams. Adding to that legacy was both wins coming against the six-time

Super Bowl champion New England Patriots led by Tom Brady. On both

occasions, Manning’s Giants were underdogs. It is also worth noting that

the Giants beat Brett Favre’s Green Bay Packers in 2008 and a 13-3 San

Francisco 49er team in road NFC title games. In 2008, the Giants also beat

Tampa Bay and No. 1 seeded Dallas on the road. In 2012, before the

aforementioned wins over San Francisco and New England, the Giants

blasted No. 1 seeded Green Bay, which went 15-1, in the NFC divisional

round 38-13. 

The case against Manning, however, is just as strong as the case for him.

While he is a four-time Pro Bowler, the Giants were 117-117 in his starts

and only six of 16 years resulted in a postseason appearance. In the process,

his numbers were good but not great. Cynics will also argue a) David Tyree

making an iconic catch on the game-winning drive and b) The Giants

defensive performance against two extraordinary Patriot offenses. Both

points are valid but with the former, if Manning doesn’t escape the Patriots’

pass rush, Tyree’s catch doesn’t happen. Without the Giants defensive

performance, Manning is not in a position to make such plays. 

I believe Manning will be in the Hall of Fame, though not on the first ballot,

because a) The Manning name carries clout. Keep in mind, his father,

Archie Manning, also played in the NFL, b) Scoring two Super Bowl upsets

against NFL royalty and c) He never did anything embarrassing off the

field. Good, bad or indifferent, those things matter to voters. 

There are eleven quarterbacks (including Manning) that possess multiple

Super Bowl rings. Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Troy Aikman, Bob

Griese and Roger Staubach are in the Hall of Fame. Brady and Pittsburgh’s

Ben Roethlisberger have six and two rings respectively. Both are still active

but will get selected. The former will be a first ballot choice. Jim Plunkett,

who quarterbacked the Raiders to two Super Bowl wins is not in the Hall

of Fame. 

Like Manning, Plunkett had a star-crossed career. He struggled on two

terrible Patriot and 49er teams before thriving with the Raiders. Because

they played in different eras, their stats are not comparable but within the

framework of their era, their numbers are good but not great numbers.

However, I care more about the eyeball test than stats but I’m definitely

of the mind that if Manning gets a bust in Canton, Ohio, Plunkett should

get one as well. Either both should be there or neither. 

The other extreme is Miami Dolphins’ legend Dan Marino. At the time of

his retirement, Marino held more than 40 NFL single season and career

passing records (many of which have since been surpassed), including

career passing attempts (8,358), completions (4,967), passing yards

(61,361), and touchdown passes (420). Marino was inducted into the

College Football Hall of Fame in 2003, inducted into the Pro Football

Hall of Fame in 2005 in his first year of eligibility, and is currently one

of only three former Miami Dolphins to have his jersey number retired.

What I cannot wrap my head around is the fact that Marino gets blasted

at every turn for having great numbers but no Super Bowl rings. Yet,

the same people will turn around and hammer Manning for having two

Super Bowl rings but overall a pretty average performer. It’s as if they

are talking out both sides of their mouth. 

The distinction I make is that Marino is an all-time great with five rings

or no rings. Manning is not even on the Hall of Fame radar without

them. I’m not naive, Hall of Fame voters weigh Super Bowl rings quite

heavily but quarterbacks are also only as good as the teams built around

them. The Giants did a terrible job of building a team around Manning

after their 2011 Super Bowl team. New York had just one postseason

appearance since that season. Miami did a terrible job building a team

around Marino for most of his career. Seriously, when did the Dolphins

have a defense or running game of note in his career? 

In a nutshell, we have become a society that wants to denigrate weaknesses

more than celebrate strengths. I could think of 8,000 examples but another

one I would give is Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, who is

shattering 3-point shooting records. Curry pundits label him as “well he’s

just a 3-point shooter.” That label is simply not true. He can dribble, pass

and penetrate to the rim as well as anyone. Defensively, he may not be

Gary Payton but he’s not asked to be such a player. 

Take sports out of the equation, there will always be strengths and

weaknesses that everyone has in life but that’s OK. None of us are all

things to all people. My skills involve writing, driving a CDL Class B truck,

making pasta sauce and minestrone soup but I can’t play a musical

instrument or rebuild a car engine. 

Pro athletes get paid a king’s ransom to play a kids’ game but they are no

less human when it comes to having strengths and weaknesses.