February 3rd 2013, is the date set for the forty-seventh Superbowl in the National Football League. This year one of the two teams competing for the Lombardi Trophy is the team I have followed since I was introduced to football about 25 years ago. That team is the San Francisco 49ers. As a kid I couldn’t deny what Joe Montana and Bill Walsh were doing to change the way the game of football was being played. It was that up tempo West Coast offense that I loved. I was too young to remember more than the big names that graced the rosters of the teams of late 80’s, but my loyalty never wavered starting a bond that I still have today.
When I was going into my teenage years in the early 90’s I was old enough to start paying more attention to the finer details of being a dedicated fan. Things like knowing some of the more lesser know names on the roster. The early 90’s for the 49ers were the days of Steve Young as their quarterback. Steve like Joe brought many new things to the game of football. I think it started with him being a left handed quarterback, but also his ability to scramble outside of the pocket. Sure he wasn’t the first one to do this, but it definitely became a part of his skill set. I will never forget how awesome Steve Young was on the reverse play. He was always out in front blocking guys like he was just one of the offensive lineman. He gave you this feeling that he did whatever it took to win and he never put himself above anyone on the team. It was very sad that his career was cut short by head injuries and concussion problems. He did however win a Superbowl in 1994 with a dominant performance. I have no doubt that if he did not retire the 49ers would have had a few more Lombardi Trophies to add to the collection.
So, through the late 80’s and into the early 90’s I was the only one I new who liked the Niners. I spent all of my time watching each game on the TV or listening to them on the radio. I never had anyone else with me during these times to help cheer them on. It wasn’t till I met my good friend Justin Jones in English class during my junior year of high school. We became friends very fast and still have a strong friendship with each other to this day. On top of the outstanding guy he is, he is also a 49er fan. From about 1998 we have shared this bond of our love of the 49er franchise. Finally, I had someone to connect with regarding the niners. Recently Justin even passed down to me his old Steve Young Jersey so we could both have on 49er jerseys for game days. I was truly honored by this gift. We have endured some good years and promising years. We also have experienced some not so good years. Through and through our loyalty to the niners has never wavered.
18 years it took the 49ers to get back to the Superbowl. I was there with them all 18 years and more. With those 18 years I have gained much wisdom and realized a few things. As we get older it gets harder to make time for being with our friends. Some get married, have kids, or move away. Sometimes all of those things combined. Watching football on Sundays for me is about enjoying the game itself, and also about spending time with my friends. Time spent watching football is bonding time that I do cherish.
It’s an amazing thing to follow along with your team as they make their journey to the ultimate prize. You kind of feel like you are a part of their journey in a way. It was awesome to receive many great text messages from my friends after the niners beat the Falcons in the NFC title game. Especially since last year the niners fell short and many of those same people sat in shock after last years NFC title game. My brother has joined the ranks of the 49er faithful over the last few years and it’s wonderful to have him with us as well. My friend Shauna is also a niners fan a long with her mother. Also, my new gamer friend Chad is a fan of the niners too. Through Facebook I have found some other 49er fans as well when posting 49er stuff on my page. My grandma has always been supportive of those 49ers as well and I remember her always putting the games on TV whenever I would visit her on Sundays. I now work with quite a few people who are 49er fans as well. It’s so awesome to have a community that all has one common bond. As each one of my co-workers/49er fans left the building yesterday they stopped by to share a moment before they parted. We would ask questions like: “Where are you were going to watch the game?” “What are your thoughts on how the game will play out?”. These and other questions have been asked many times over the course of the two week wait for the Superbowl. As I was saying my goodbyes to my coworker Al (who has loved the niners far more years than I have) we gave each other a hug and set our focus on the prize. This is why we watch and follow our team all year during the football season. This is why we endure every moment of our team’s journey. It’s the connection between us fans that I love so much. That connection with each other combined with every person on the 49er roster. That is why I love football.
I also must mention that it's been so awesome to see the fans of old and the fans of the future come out during our run through the playoffs. I work at a grocery store and so I see both kinds of fans in the customers that come into my store. Living in Oregon you get a mix of fans because we don't have a team ourselves. I have seen many older gentleman wearing hats from the early 90's era. I saw a fan with a Gore jersey on yesterday and although her jersey looked brand new she said she has been a fan since the 70's when she had season tickets. I also saw a young kid with a 49er hoody on during the dinner rush last night and I made sure to say hi. My coworker David who works in the beer and wine department at my work has pulled his early 90's 49er hat out and has worn it all through the playoffs. It's awesome to share this moment with fellow fans. That moment where you look at them and you smile both knowing why it is that you're smiling without saying a word. Now is the time and today we will find out the answer to the questions Jim Harbaugh has been asking since he became the new coach of the 49ers. "Who's got it better than us?!?!"
So come what may with the game this Superbowl Sunday of 2013 I’m very proud of the team that the niners have made over the years. I also think it is the beginning of more good things to come for the years ahead. For the current Superbowl to be played today I just ask for the game to be a clean game and for the niners to give it their all for four quarters because this is the final game of the year whether you win or lose.
With all that being said I would love to add another Lombardi trophy to the collection.... Game on.
As always I bring this to you with love and pure D-lite. = )
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