Bleacher Report - Articles by Glenn Franco Simmons

How Could You Boo the Lambeau Leaper?

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:59:30 -0500

How could Green Bay fans boo Brett Favre in HIS house?

Wasn't it primarily Favre who transformed this franchise from loser to victor?

How could what sounded like the majority of fans boo him when he trotted on to the field?

After all, he'll go into the Hall with Green Bay's own colors. Will they boo him then?

On the way to the stadium, Favre also saw some one-fingered salutes, yet he spoke with a smile and a slight laugh when recounting that after the game.

That's class.

Up until about two years ago, I had been a Favre fan when he wasn't playing against my Niners.

I admired him for coming back from a painful stomach problem that resulted from an auto accident, dealing honestly and very publicly with a prescription pill problem, helping his wife battle through breast cancer, and playing an out-of-this-world game so soon after his beloved father died.

And then the retirement-unretirement melodrama, the tears, the Fox interview, all the media attention, etc., and that bitterness from those past defeats to Green Bay came to the surface of this 49ers Faithful.

I jumped on the anti-Favre bandwagon.

Regrettably.

Watching him this year, and losing on a last-second bullet from Favre in Minnesota, reminded me of of this guy's uniqueness.

I don't think he is the best quarterback ever. It is enough to say Favre is one of the best ever. Where fans and "experts" put him is where they put him.

Tonight he showed what a champion should play like, and he showed how a champion should respond to what were really lame media attempts that basically begged him to say something controversial about Green Bay.

Call it being smart or showing class, or both, Favre didn't bite.

I also admired him for the emotion he showed when asked how it felt like to talk to his former teammates and coaches after the game. He choked up.

Penetrating my thick head was the realization that this guy just wants to play ball, just like I did when I was much younger. Since he is a world-class athlete, he can do it.

So he sheds some tears. Big deal. He's real.

And no one can say the guy isn't tough. In fact, I'll say this: Favre is the most-durable quarterback of all time in any league.

It's Favre's emotion—that deeply felt love for the game and knowing Father Time is ticking—that led to the retirement drama.

No longer a Favre detractor nor a Favre naysayer, I can see that all the negative written about Favre says more about us than it does about him.

Lastly, I hope he takes Minnesota to the Super Bowl and gets another Lombardi. If any NFL player ever deserved it more, I cannot think of one.

Winners Grin and Bear It; Whiners Complain

Glenn Franco Simmons — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:11:50 -0400

Before you put your hands over your ears and close your eyes in the wake of this loss, 49ers fans, do not despair.

We've been here before.

And came back.

This most likely will not be a Super Bowl season.

It may not even be a playoff season.

So stop your bellyaching.

You sound like whiners.

I remember the good old days of the mid to late 1970s, when the 49ers were absolutely horrid, kind of like the 49ers for most of this decade.

Do you need reminders of past blowout losses?

I think I recall a blowout loss to Philadelphia in a Super Bowl-winning year.

Now, let me digress.

Don't get me wrong; last season, I also unleashed on my beloved 49ers organization because it had become a shadow of what it once was.

And it had the potential to become worse than it ever was, which is definitely saying something.

Not even the ghoulish ghosts of the 1970s could match some of the hair-brained decisions of the former 49ers ownership.

"Feel the pain" became the new 49ers' mantra.

And then the Jed York era began.

Jed York: the kid wonder.

Then the 49ers began winning.

York is on a laser-guided mission to return this franchise to its Super Bowl-winning roots, whether we win one or not.

He has brought a new wave of optimism to this franchise, and if anything comes out of this season, it is this change in attitude.

So, 49ers fans, take it from an old, weathered fan who saw John Brodie play at Candlestick and who thought we were Super Bowl-bound for three seasons in the early 1970s: It could be worse.

And it has been.

So stop your bellyaching.

Winners lose—sometimes big time—and when they do, they grin and bear it.

49ers whiners continue to complain.

Oh, but for a little perspective.

Michael Crabtree's Detailed Recipe For Success

Glenn Franco Simmons — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:20:15 -0400

Score.

Score a lot.

Then score more.

That's it.

Fellow Bleacher Report writer Trea Faaborg added these:

Block.

Live in the weight room and the film room.

Mind your mouth.

Be a teammate.

Originally, I had "block like Jerry Rice."

In that spirit, I think I'll add go over the middle blind and expect to be pummeled, but hold on to the ball like Rice and Taylor did.

Rice was total class, and we've had just the opposite in the distant past, so I hope Crabtree can get a hold of Rice's phone number.

That criticism is not directed at any current 49ers receivers. I just don't want to dredge up all the pond scum with bad 49ers memories.

Vernon Davis Ready For Prime Time

Glenn Franco Simmons — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:59:14 -0400

For sports writers who doubt the efficacy of Coach Mike Singletary's mantras that stress hard work, attention to detail and an intense dedication to hustle, just check out Vernon Davis.

At yesterday's game, I watched him cross the middle with two Rams trailing. When Shaun Hill threw a strike to him, he muffed it.

Unlike the past few seasons, I just clapped my hands and said, "Next time, Vernon, next time."

Later in the game, he came through with a tough TD reception. Davis must have really enjoyed it when the fans at Candlestick erupted in cheers after he scored. After all, he has not been used much as a receiver over the past few seasons.

In a feature published on the 49ers' team web site prior to the Rams game, Davis' accomplishments this season were noted.

He has already shown improvement this year with three TDs, compared to only two in 2008. Not only that, but his other stats are much improved: 17 receptions in four games compared to 31 total catches last year. He has compiled 211 yards in four games to his 16-game total of 358 last season. His yards-per-game average this year is 52.8, while he only averaged 22.4 YPG in 2008.

The guy is a stud as a blocker and will do anything to contribute, just as the 49ers' article pointed out:

"Ask him to run block last week against Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen – done – no questions asked. Asked frequently to help in pass protection a season ago – Davis obliged and was complimented by his head coach as one of the best blocking tight ends he’s ever seen."

So why are things coming together this season?

"You grow,” the article quoted Davis as saying. “You’re developing not just as a player but as a person. When you develop as a person, you fine-tune yourself. You figure out that it’s not just about you, it’s about the team and the contributions you make on the field, helps the team.”

Davis also said he is having fun.

Well, Vernon, we're having fun watching you!

I recommend reading the in-depth article.

Candlestick Rockin' Like DeBartolo Era; Thanks, Jed York!

Glenn Franco Simmons — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:40:55 -0400

The heartbreaking Minnesota loss should keep this team from becoming cocky and resting on its laurels.

Brett Favre's game-winning magic made the 49ers realize they haven't "won" anything yet.

It's a 16-game season, and perhaps a playoff game.

Who knows?

But the ride has been awesome. Remember what Ronnie Lott once said?

(I'm paraphrasing.)

"It's the journey, the camaraderie, the playing for something that's important."

That was then, and Ronnie Lott this week said the 49ers had to pummel the Rams after the loss to the Vikings. Well, the first half was flat, but these guys woke up in the second half.

As the photo shows, the 49ers humbled the Rams.

A shutout with Steven Jackson on the other team is still something special, no matter how bad the Rams are. If you aren't seeing this 49ers team in person, you are missing something special.

Candlestick is rocking like the days of Lott.

If you can get a ticket, I suggest grabbing it.

Thanks, Jed York!

A Detailed Analysis Of Why 49ers Are Winning

Glenn Franco Simmons — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:35:59 -0400

"SHOW me; don't TELL me."

"I want winners."

That's it.

Singletary's Singular Vision Of "Show Me" Is Working

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:16:34 -0400

Today, after suffering more than I would have suffered had my wisdom teeth been pulled out by pliers without the benefit of pain relief by a blind dentist, I nearly had a cardiac when I heard the whimpering of pathetic-sounding 49ers fans.

They were on the radio telling the world who should have played this position, who shouldn't have played that position, questioning timeouts, play-calling, etc.

I have this to say to them:

Woulda.

Coulda.

Shoulda.

Oh, one other thing: It's a team sport.

You win and lose as a team, coaches, fans, players, cheerleaders, and crybaby fans and all.

As Coach Mike Singletary says, there are positives and negatives on every play.

I choose to focus on the positive that I saw displayed by a young, energetic, never-say-die 49ers team today.

I'll take a hard-earned loss and the plentiful positives.

As for the negatives?

Well, if I had all the answers, I'd be the coach, now wouldn't I?

So, whiney Niner fans, please chill.

We're in first place.

Furious Favre Awes Even Me, The Antagonist

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:34:57 -0400

The only thing I can say about Brett Favre today is that the guy is amazing.

That's it.

Amazing.

Believe me, it takes more than a 9.0 San Andreas mega quake to get me to spit out that compliment.

I'd write more, but I have to repair all the holes I made in the wall after watching him snatch a victory from my 49ers.

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Will Never Be Forgotten

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:39:00 -0400

One of the nicest moments as a 49ers fan occurred at halftime on a scorching hot day at Candlestick on Sept. 20.

That's when Eddie DeBartolo Jr. was the first 49er to be inducted into the Eddie De Bartolo Sr. Hall of Fame.

When DeBartolo Jr. was introduced, the 49er Faithful chanted "Ed-Dee," "Ed-Dee."

We only became quiet out of respect for DeBartolo Jr.; otherwise, we would have chanted this great man's name the entire halftime.

It was the perfect tribute to junior and senior.

On Bill Walsh Field.

Without DeBartolo Sr. purchasing the team, his son would never have had the opportunity to make the Eddie De Bartolo Jr.-led 49ers the best franchise run in the NFL's history.

No other NFL owner has equalled what DeBartolo Jr. has done:

Five Super Bowl victories in five Super Bowl appearances.*
The first single owner designee to win five Super Bowls*
12 Division Titles

Those stats are worthy, indeed; however, the DeBrtolo Jr.-led 49ers did more than that for The City by the bay:

Dethroning the Landry-led Dallas Cowboys
Putting an end to the then-Los Angeles Rams' domination of the NFL West, illustrated when Ken Norton Jr. punched a goal post in Anaheim en route to another punishing victory over the Rams

The 49ers Website featured a great story on the induction:

“He was an owner when he got here, but through his leadership became a family,” said former 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark. “The more you were around him; you didn’t want to let him down. He did so much for you that you wanted to play your heart out for him.

“I got into a fight one time against Buffalo and I remember coming in the locker room and he was the first one there. He was grabbing me by the shoulder pads and I thought he was going to yell at me, but he was saying, ‘Thanks for fighting for me out there!’

“Well, I was fighting every week from then on.”

DeBartolo Jr.'s impact on players was dramatic.

“He was like the 12th man on the football field,” the 49ers Website quoted former 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice as saying. “He always greeted us after football games. I would remember, win or lose, he would always greet us.”

I remember the story that DeBartolo Jr. missed The Catch because he was on the field and could not see it.

That's the kind of owner he was.

At that time, few owners ever ventured on to the field, if memory serves me correctly.

When DeBartolo spoke at halftime, he noted that it may be the last time he appeared at Candlestick with so many 49ers legends accompanying him.

It was a poignant moment for me, having followed the 49ers for approximately 45 years.

From the time I dressed up in 49ers gear as a young boy to go at my Los Angeles Rams-loving brother (bless his sorry soul, and may God forgive him for being a Rams fan), I've been a Faithful.

And Eddie DeBartolo Jr. more than paid back loyal fans like me.

“You are not my 49ers Faithful,” DeBartolo said at halftime. “You are my 49ers family!”

And you, Eddie D., are family to us!

Thank you for the greatest run in NFL history.

Thank you for the energy, enthusiasm, love and pursuit of excellence you brought to The City.

We'll never forget you.

(I recommend reading the entire story about DeBartolo Jr. on the 49ers Website. There also is a shorter story.The photo shows Carmen Policy with DeBartolo Jr. Policy played an integral part in the 49ers success.)

*The Steelers won six Super Bowls under two different owners, although the family was the same.

The Dallas Cowboys won five Super Bowls under two owners.

Additionally, the 49ers are the only NFL team to have won five out of five Super Bowls.

The Cowboys had losses prior to their fifth Lombardi, and the Steelers had one loss.

49ers' Need New Color Scheme

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 22:14:44 -0400

It was a great preseason game to start off Coach Mike Singletary's career as a true first-year coach.

Even though we lack a pass rush, and even though our quarterbacks are really pedestrian (though they try hard), I focused on some other relevant subjects at last night's home game.

I noticed that pseudo-Raiders colors have invaded 49ers territory.

Now, maybe they are not silver and black, but they are darn close.

Try white and black.

First I must apologize to the 49ers management for my slight transgression at Candlestick.

When I saw that young fella in black, and what I thought was silver (my eyesight is no longer what it used to be), although it turned out to be white, I catapulted him over the railing.

I've always been the compulsive sort, kind of like fanatical animal-rights nutcases.

Anyway, the young man was OK.

It helped that he fell on that air pillow Jed York so graciously put there for me, knowing that the menace that is me would be in the stands last night.

I immediately realized my mistake when I saw him waving at me as he was losing altitude.

I thought I could make out a 49ers logo on his silver, err white and black jacket.

My suggestion so that such mistaken identities do not occur again is for the 49ers to at least put these ushers in 49ers throwback red and gold.

While they are at it, could they change the tribute to Bill Walsh that is in black and white to red?

You can leave the numbers in black, but there is something offensive about black and white in San Francisco land.

Lastly, York showed he really understands the 49ers and its fan base.

He showed us in the simplest of ways: the throwback uniforms.

It was truly wonderful to see them in the old colors, and I hope the 49ers discard the awful cardinal.

Oh, one other thing.

That Oakland Raider fan who held up his flag last night?

Well, Niner fans, unless you turn out next week, we're gonna be outnumbered.

That would really be pathetic, so buy some tickets.

Magazine Profile Reveals A Young But Wise Jed York

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:32:15 -0400

In an excellent profile in Haute Living Magazine, writer Stephanie Wilson reveals a side of Jed York that 49ers fans are anxious to learn about.

It couldn't have come at a more opportune time in the team's history.

After nearly a decade of mediocre teams, it is time to move on, close ranks and look to the future.

This outlook was reinforced when I was reading the team's website today and found this teaser to Wilson's well-written profile:

“I am here by six every morning and stay until late at night,” {York} states, “because it’s not my team. It’s not my family’s team. It’s our fans’ team. Because if they are not supporting us, if they don’t believe in what we are doing, then our team doesn’t exist."

That quote confirms what Eddie DeBartolo Jr., York's uncle, said about the team's new owner/president.

When DeBartolo voiced his confidence in York, that was good enough for me, as I've said, and I joined the Jed York bandwagon.

After reading Wilson's fine story, my trust in DeBartolo was well placed.

Jed York gets it.

And that is key.

York sure sounds a lot like his uncle in the late 1970s.

After all, DeBartolo definitely understood the players, most of whom loved playing for him.

He also loved the fans, as he was one himself.

The fans loved him, and most still do.

Although I do not know either gentleman personally, from a fan's standpoint, I can see a bit of Eddie D. in Jed.

I see intelligence. I also see a commitment to excellence, and a steadfastness to see this through to the end, which will hopefully be a restoration of a period of success.

Before Eddie was incredibly successful, the 49ers Faithful, who had not abandoned the team during the down years, looked upon him with anticipation, a bit of skepticism, but with a great deal of hope.

Kind of similar with Jed.

And, as with Eddie D., skepticism will fade with success.

Eddie D. was not only successful, but he was the most successful NFL owner in history.

Although Pittsburgh has won six Lombardi Trophiesunder one family's ownership, DeBartolo is the only single NFL owner whose team has won five Super Bowls under his or her tenure.

Matching that achievement may be unlikely in this age of the salary cap, but do not underestimate York.

Wilson's story shows this young man has what it takes:

"Jed York was born for this role. At only 28 years old, he is the owner and president of one of the most storied and celebrated football franchises in all of the NFL.

"While that story may have been a little bruised and beaten throughout the course of the last decade, it once was a tale of greatness, one of honor and class, valor and victory. And it is this young man’s destiny to get the story—and the team—back on track.

"There are two main characters in this narrative: The players and the fans. Without both, the 49ers could not exist, so in Jed York’s mind, both have to be treated with equal importance. His job is a delicate balancing act."

So far, advantage to York.

He has illustrated he completely understands the team's history, the players, the fans, and the fans' frustration.

Wilson also points out one factor about York that I believe has led to an unfair judgment—one that I am not proud to admit I made because it embarrassingly reveals a prejudice on my part.

"While it is easy to focus on the baby-faced York’s relative youth, take into consideration that he also has 28 years of experience with the 49ers."

York has the double whammy of being young and being a young-looking 28-year-old.

Those factors have unfairly intensified fans', wrters' and commentators' criticisms of him, with many pointing out his age.

I include myself as one of those wayward critics.

If you are still among the cynical, which is understandable to an extent given the team's difficulties this decade, perhaps Wilson's story will change your mind:

"Jed grew up in football stadiums, both in the owner’s box and in the front office. While traveling around the country with his grandfather to cheer on the team, he had full knowledge that one day he would be the one calling the shots.

"'As a little kid, I always wanted to carry on my grandfather’s legacy. This is obviously a piece of that legacy: making sure that we return the 49ers to the prominent level that my uncle brought them to in the ’80s and ’90s.'"

Upon reading Wilson's excellent profile, I am even more buoyed by York's maturity, regardless of his good, young looks.

The gentleman is intelligent, football is second-nature to him, he is a fan first, and he has worked his tail off to get a new stadium.

He's paid his dues. Now let's reward him with our support.

If you want to learn more about York, read Wilson's lengthy but fascinating article.

Brett Favre Has A Charitable Side Not Often Featured

Glenn Franco Simmons — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:47:55 -0400

Now that Brett Favre has decided to stay retired, the Internet will turn sluggish under the weight of the hits.

In all the stories, however, I wonder how many will focus on Brett Favre, the man.

In some communities, organizations and homes, this unbelievably long—lived NFL quarterback may be known more for his off—the—field charitable work.

On his website, For the Love of the Game, the future Hall of Famer said his Brett Favre Fourward Foundation donated more than $1.5 million to disadvantaged and disabled children in Mississippi and Wisconsin.

However, that may be a typo, because his foundation is reported by other sources to have raised more than $3 million, which is the amount listed on his wife's part of the Web site, titled Deanna Favre Hope Foundation.

It's unimportant because either amount is a lot of money, and as important as the money is the publicity that any Favre donation will draw.

That often means more donations by others.

His star power also brings publicity to the causes he supports, which works in society to make us all more tolerant and knowledgeable.

What isn't known, in the end, is how much Favre's example influences others, but I'm sure he has helped in ways he may never know.

He has devoted a lot of time to fundraising dinners and his celebrity softball tournament, in addition to other efforts.

I don't know all of the organizations that have benefited from Favre, but they include the Back—to—School Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Club, CASA of Brown County, Make—A—Wish Foundation, Rawhide Ranch, Special Olympics, United Cerebral Palsy, Wisconsin Whitewater, and Special Olympics.

Admittedly, Favre is a good man.

Favre's wife, Deanna, has also done a lot of good by calling attention to a modern day plague: breast cancer.

As a young woman of only 35 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, in 2004.

Deanna has used her story as an opportunity to increase awareness of breast exams, mammograms, as well as sharing a story that other women can identify with.

She has done a lot of the work for their foundation, and she is called the "rock" behind their relationship on their Web site.

Reading about her cancer, and her faith in God, it is easy to see why they have combined to form such a wonderful foundation.

I hope they can continue their work as Favre enters a new stage in his life, but I don't think he will be out of football for long.

His passion is football and he was very good at it, some say great at it.

One way or another, he'll be back, whether it's on TV or in a book, or some other format.

That's as it should be. He's earned it.

Lastly, more important than Brett Favre the great quarterback, is Brett Favre, the good, decent man.

Gary Plummer Notes Patrick Willis's Ball-Hawking Radar

Glenn Franco Simmons — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:16:31 -0400

Gary Plummer's current installment of Football 101 highlights the sensational play of linebacker Patrick Willis.

The guy has only been in the league for two seasons, yet he has been to two Pro Balls.

That is simply amazing, but so is his play.

The 49ers, long mischaracterized as a finesse team, have had some bruisin' defensive players, but Willis might be more in the tradition of a Ronnie Lott-type player.

For this topic, Plummer is showing viewers why it is important to always move toward the ball.

If you played sports, how many times did a teammate whiff on an assignment or stop pursuit?

I was the type to tackle the whiffer.

That's why it is drummed into players' ears.

"Coaches preach it and you’d think that everyone would do it, but not everyone does," Plummer said. "One guy who does it for the 49ers [is Willis]. There’s a reason that he has been to two Pro Bowls in only two years as a professional."

He hustles, he's smart and he is a ball hawk.

Plummer, who was on the 49ers when they beat the Chargers in the Super Bowl, is clearly impressed by what he sees in Willis.

Especially when Willis intercepts the ball and runs.

"Here is Patrick Willis, running to the football," he said. "This is just fun to watch. Willis turns into a running back. Most guys, even if you are a defensive player, at one time in your career, whether it was in college, whether it was in high school, or all the way back into the days of Pop Warner little league football—you played some kind of offense."

You can hear Plummer's tongue-in-cheek contempt for quarterbacks.

"Willis is showing his ability to play running back," he said. "He has the ball on the outside as the quarterback comes and tries to tackle him. He uses his hand to bat away the pesky little quarterback and then outruns the offensive players all the way downfield."

Plummer was also impressed by the fact that Willis really made a great effort to return the ball for a touchdown.

"That was an 87-yard touchdown, but he probably ran for about 187 yards," he said. "The bad part about that for Willis is that he’s got to go right back on the field and play defense. But he’ll take that every time, getting a touchdown. That was a big play for the 49ers defense."

Let's hope there are more.

The former linebacker also has some really good insights for fans into a defensive scheme.

Plummer will be a regular feature on the website this year, with pre-game analysis for his pre-game columns titled Points of the Game. This season's first obviously hasn't been written.

Football 101.

Plummer's video.

Calls to Boycott the 49ers Are Just Plain Wrong

Glenn Franco Simmons — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:59:51 -0400

Last fall, I was fit to be tied.

I even advocated in one column that fans think about boycotting the 49ers.

Now I see other fans doing the same thing this year.

I understand their frustration, but they need to take a deep breath.

Anyway, reading that former franchise owner Eddie De Bartolo Jr. gave his nephew, Jed York, the nod, I questioned myself.

After a split-second of deep contemplation, I realized I was a spoiled brat, caught in the glow of glory past.

So I drank the 49ers Gatorade, and my cynicism sort of evaporated, along with my intestinal track.

But I'm okay, because I have government insurance.

I realized that I was intoxicated with past success.

And like that spoiled brat, I wanted victory NOW!

You know, Super Bowls.

That kind of thing.

Sending Bill Parcells into a sissy fit.

Seeing Joe Theisman get his chops busted.

Remember Jim Everett's phantom sack?

The 49ers were feared.

Forget the finesse.

That's an Oakland Raiders conspiracy and, yes, their fan list is being evaluated by Interpol and the Discover How To Prevent Constipation Coalition.

But, I digress.

Yes, those good old days were sure euphoric.

Like an addiction.

You can only savor beating the Bengals in the Super Bowl for so long.

But we did it twice.

The come-down took two decades, instead of one.

Those were the days.

Running the Lambs out of Los Angeles to flyover country where they aren't appreciated—unless they win a Super Bowl.

Which will never, ever happen again, at least in your great-great-great-great grandchildren's lives.

What do you expect from a town where baseball is king?

Alas, I digress yet again!

Anyway, I expect to have fun this year; that's what I expect.

Win, lose or draw.

No expectations.

Jed's just starting out.

So is Singletary.

I remember when Eddie D. brought us out of the oblivion of losing seasons.

Let's hope his Midas touch has rubbed off on Jed.

After all, the players loved Eddie and loved playing hard for him.

The fans loved him, and many still do.

He loved us back.

Then it ended.

A disorienting and bitter stupor replaced the clarity of winning with losing.

A bunch of bad years. Poor decisions.

Some of us became angry fans.

Who can blame us?

The key is, does it serve any purpose?

It's just football.

Plus, Eddie gave Jed the nod, and that did it for me.

So I did an Eddie-nod.

(If you e-mail me, I can send you the directions, but you have to be Italian, like Eddie and me.)

So now Jed has a Glenny-nod.

I'm sure that will thrill him.

Well, he won't even know.

I think I'm still on his dart board. My name doesn't matter. It's my head he's aiming for.

So, as I moved this year from the hillbilly hills of Humboldt County to the Bay Area where I was born, I did something unusual.

Well, my wife allowed me to do it.

She unlocked the safe where she has my wallet, and actually allowed me to fork over some money.

That's unusual in my house, where I have to petition Congress to go to a 7-11 for a medium Slurpee.

It's not bad, though, except for the hazardous hitch-hiking.

Now I'm a season ticket-holder, and me and my bride will attend home games.

Now is the time to really pull in like the 49ers faithful did from the mid-1970s until the season of "The Catch."

I've never been a fair-weather fan.

Been a mad fan.

An over-excited fan.

A loyal fan.

During the down years in the 1970s and this decade, I went game-by-game.

Each one is the Super Bowl.

I pretend all opponents are Dallas or the Rams.

My suggestion to 49ers fans is to not give up, and to pray that the Santa Clara stadium goes through.

Because if there is one thing we've learned in this world economy, it is that the only thing for sure is that nothing is for sure.

A franchise with a stadium more fitting for a county dump might just decide local support isn't worthy if a boycott were started, and if it had success.

So join the team.

Go 'Niners!

49ers Fans Need to Be Patient about Crabtree

Glenn Franco Simmons — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:47:33 -0400

Before 49ers fans jump on Michael Crabtree, I suggest patience.

It doesn't matter to me what type of reputation a player has in college. It also doesn't matter how good he was in college.

The NFL is a test of intelligence, skill and grit.

The good ones make an impact.

The others are fast forgotten.

Worst, some are busts.

We've had plenty of great receivers in San Francisco history. And after I'm gone, there will probably be more.

The truth about Crabtree is that he probably will not be as good as Jerry Rice. But let us hope he is not the bust that J.J. Stokes was. It's partly up to Crabtree how good he wants to be.

Of course, he can only go so far as his skill can take him. Factoring into skill, of course, is the hustle, that determination to be the best.

Does Crabtree have that fire?

Time will tell. He definitely has the intelligence.

I've seen reports that because the club didn't sign Crabtree that it means we're in for a holdout. Perhaps, and that's really unfortunate.

The last thing this team needs is something that tugs at its unity. This decade has been one big tug. And fans are tired of it.

However, the truth is that pro football, first and foremost is a business, and Crabtree has every right to pursue the best deal he can.

I know some fans do not like hearing that.

We are fans who love our team and are prone to make judgments when we question a player's loyalty. While Crabtree will be a loyal 49er, it is unfair for us not to realize that he has to think of himself.

There is no guarantee that he will not have a season- or career-ending injury at any moment.

With coaches and sports writers saying he was a draft-day "steal," maybe he figures he can pick up a few more bucks than the 49ers offered. Plus, the 49ers have had a recent legacy of overpaying for under-performers.

If his intent is to hold out for more than what the 49ers will pay, I say let him sit.

We have other receivers.

Let's hope it doesn't come to that for the team's and Crabtree's sake.

Terrell Owens Should Be Commended for Supporting Michael Vick

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:19:12 -0400

Terrell Owens's statement that Michael Vick should play immediately should be lauded and added to by other NFL players.

In an AP article, Owens was quoted to have said:

"Why shouldn't he? I mean, there's a lot more guys around the league that have done far more worst things than that and gotten second chances."

Owens was joined by Bills safety George Wilson, Buffalo's player representative.

Wilson was also correct when he said, as quoted by AP:

"How do you bring a man out of suspension and then suspend him again? I mean, he's paid his debt. I think you just continue to hold him down by bringing him back and then suspend him."

This is not to excuse or minimize what Vick did.

Although I would understand an NFL-imposed continuance of Vick's suspension, what Owens said made sense.

The reason for a continuance is quite simple.

The NFL is his employer in a sense.

Employers can and do establish personal-conduct policies.

Vick has probably already told NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell why the quarterback lied to him when allegations first surfaced.

It's simple: human nature.

There has been enough written and said about this young man.

He paid his dues to society.

Vick should play this year.

I look forward to seeing Vick excel as a football player, but more important as a young man who has been given a second chance.

My hope is that his wealth is recaptured, so that he can do a lot of good with it.

Why?

Because I have faith in Vick.

Even though the haters don't.

Owens should be commended for using his vast star power to address this important subject.

Wilson should also be commended for joining Owens and standing up for Vick.

Nate Davis's 'Learning Disability' Is One Of His Strengths

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:14:41 -0400

I've seen a range of commentary that ranges from bizarre to pedestrian to stereotypical with the signing of Nate Davis by the 49ers. Some border on prejudicial.

Even though he has yet to take to play in an NFL game, Davis exemplifies character in a sport when character is more important ever.

Davis has already shown an ability to be successful at each stage of his football career.

And that's no mistake, nor is it luck, or the result of slick publicity.

This kid is the real deal.

Starting as a Ball State freshman speaks not only to Davis' physical skills, but it also shows that he has a maturity not always typical of star players.

While some fans and professional writers voice concern over Davis declaring for the NFL draft as a junior, I see his decision as a wise move.

It allows him a few years to learn the NFL game.

The 49ers were also wise in choosing him.

If he develops, Davis may surprise naysayers and become an extremely good NFL quarterback.

I would be surprised if he remained a backup, but this young man has a few years to develop.

The 49ers know how important it is to develop quarterbacks.

The franchise also knows how important backups were to its glory years.

Fans, as well as fan and professional writers, often overlook the key contributions of backups during the Joe Montana and Steve Young eras.

While Young could have been a starter when he was a backup, that's not a necessary ingredient for a backup.

Competence and ball control are the ingredients.

With that comes preparation. That is something Davis has had success, and struggles, with.

His team's loss in the Mid-American Conference championship to Buffalo was sobering.

However, Davis made no excuses.

In the aftermath, he noted that games are not only lost on the game-day field.

They are also lost on the practice field.

In team meetings.

In individual preparation.

In mindset; a singleness of purpose; focus.

If all pre-game variables are not operating in unison, the breakdown will be apparent.

Loss is likely.

Clearly, Davis did not lose the game against Buffalo.

It's a team win or loss.

The officials don't lose it for you.

You cannot help but wonder if Ball State may have been a bit overconfident with a 12-0 record and nearly everyone believing they would go 13-0.

Davis said the team should have prepared better and he included himself.

Unlike many Ball State fans and some sports writers who blamed officials' poor calls, this young man shouldered the responsibility.

That's character.

Davis has unfairly received criticism because of a so-called learning disability because he has noted that he is a visual learner.

Well, he is on a team where Montana spoke of the necessity of visualization, and the importance it played in his success.

In the right environment, which the 'Niners have with Jed York and Mike Singletary, Davis could excel.

If I were able to talk to him, I would tell him to view his "disability" as a strength.

The X's and O's will come.

If you doubt this young man, who once thought of not attending college because of his non-mainstream way of learning, check out this quote from USA Today in December:

"I came to Ball State {on a recruiting trip}, and the first thing they took me to was the academic part. "They showed me that I really had a chance to make it through college."

Academics was foremost on his mind.

Character.

Maturity.

Nate Charles Davis.

Center's Flatulence Blamed for Dallas Cowboys' Playoff Loss

Glenn Franco Simmons — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:33:03 -0400

In a tragic but true tale, Tony Romo fans and Dallas diehards like me have learned the worst.

Andre Gurode's farts stink so bad that the CIA, which doesn't inform Congress of attempts to kill murderous terrorists, is studying their chemical composition in an effort to devise a gas weapon to be used against the Taliban.

The would-be weapon is not covered by international arms conventions that outlaw nerve gas, so Gurode will now fall under Secret Service protection.

The silent-but-very-very-deadly flatulence has now been officially blamed for the Dallas playoff loss against Seattle.

The shocking revelation hit international news wires on Thursday, but Google, Yahoo and Bing took it off their search engines.

My attempts at finding this breaking news story was therefore difficult, but like Maxwell Smart, I persevered.

The truth can finally be revealed as to why Romo got stuck with that very lucrative contract to serve as Super Glue's universal spokesman after the horrifically heartbreaking loss that left the boyish quarterback with the derogatory moniker of "Choker."

Here is what Romo was reported to have said, brought to us by the United Kingdom's royal media:

"Two years ago, when I fumbled that snap, it was so strong that both me and the holder almost lost our breath and two of our guards who were trying to keep the defense from getting to us, passed out cold.

"Now don't get me wrong, the man is a great center, but he's going to have to cut the gassy foods or shoot up some Beano before the game."

As for his role in the sticky situation, the center was reported to have said:

"I'm sure it must be bad back there. It's just that I get really excited before a big play or an all-important play and I just can't hold it in!

"Also, I want to take time to confess that I'm also the reason some of our running backs have went down while I was out front blocking and there was no tackle. They didn't lose their footing, they lost their breath!"

Finally, the mystery has been solved.

In the photo above, Dallas quarterback Romo and Gurode share a breather, and laugh like little kids as the official walked through the invisible inversion fart layer and passed out.

If you want to read the entire story in The Spoof.com, click this link.

Raiders 'Black Hole Felons' Terribly Misunderstood

Glenn Franco Simmons — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:14:13 -0400

There is a website expert at making the Raiders look like the bottom-dwelling cellar rats that the football gods have destined them to be.

The Official Raiders Hater Universe has been around for a while, and I featured it before.

However, it has been updated to reflect the Raiderettes two losses to San Diego, including that 34-7 blowout last year.

Remember that, Raiderette fans?

Let me refresh your memory about other Raiderette highlights, such as in 2006, LaDainian Tomlinson scoring 186 points.

He actually outscored the entire Raiderette team that scored a pathetically wimpy 168 total points.

Having a website dedicated to calling Raiderette fans "obnoxious morons" must really grate on the proud Silver & Black, eh?

Although the Web site has some dated comments, this one is ageless:

"When will someone take the crayons away from Al Davis?

"If you're an Oakland idiot fan pretender, this era in Davis' stewardship just has to be killing you.

"The rest of us, however, are thoroughly enjoying the comedy troupe that is the Raiders."

That's the truth.

Why do San Diego's fans have such animosity for such a nice group of church-going folk known as "The Black Hole Felons"?

What would make a Charger fan write:

"Face it Jokeland fans, you're rooting for the joke of the NFL. Raider Nation? I think not!!! Laughing stock maybe!?!?"

Oh, that's right, Oakland has done nothing but lose for most of the years since its last Super Bowl victory.

Even Raiderette fans come under attack on this website.

"For too long a time, 'Raider Nation' has been the U.S. version of English soccer hooliganism.

"Passion in supporting a team is one thing; 'Raider Nation' is far closer to thuggery."

Uh, oh, mainstream media bias has been discovered yet again:

"And don't be conned by the media's suggestion that these fans are unswerving in their support for and dedication to the Raiders.

"The Super Bowl was supposed to be a 'Raider Home Game.' If you taped the game, go back and play the tape but instead of watching the plays, listen for 'Raider Nation' once they were down by 14 points.

"Instead of exhorting the team, that pack of poseurs and front-runners shut their noiseholes just like every other set of fans. Like the Raiders' team, this group is living on reputation."

Ouch.

That hurt.

So do these praiseworthy insults, well-earned in the case of the Raiderettes:

"The 'Raidahs' play like turkeys with their heads chopped off."
"The Raiders are destined to dwell in the cellar like other rats."

Amen, brothers.Here is the link, Raiders-Haters. Enjoy.

Does Another Offensive Coordinator Concern You, 49ers Fans?

Glenn Franco Simmons — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:52:30 -0400

If yet another new 49ers offensive coordinator doesn't concern San Francisco fans, then more power to 'em.

It concerns me, but I am not saying the hiring of Jimmy Raye was a bad move.

It was a necessary move.

And, judging from Coach Mike Singletary's comments, it was a smart, strategic move.

It's an interim solution to stabilize the offense.

To build for the future.

Here is what Singletary said in an interview carried on the 49ers official Web site:

“In all honesty, even though 2006 was a great year for the offensive side of the ball, I think the most important thing I wanted to do in this process is really find that person with the leadership, the preparation and the vision to take us forward."

Leadership. Preparation. Vision.

Memorize them.

Will Raye be around next year, win or lose?

Most likely.

Will he be there to serve out the third year in his contract or longer?

It doesn't matter.

Stability is foremost.

Raye has demonstrated leadership since his days as a Michigan State corner back.

The 63 year old is the epitomy of preparation.

Raye has also survived the NFL's hyper-competitive coaching ranks.

He's been a succssful coach in the NFL since he went to work for San Francisco in 1977 as wide receivers' coach.

What is more important this year in San Francisco than a return to a well-oiled passing game is the offensive unit's mindset.

It is a paradigm shift revealed in the interview by Singletary.

In fact, it is the very foundation upon which will be built a future passing game, when the team is ready.

It's not yet ready, and that's why Raye was an intelligent choice.

Responding to a question about what impressed him about Raye, Singletary said:

“First and foremost, the philosophy.

"When I sat down and listened to what he had to say in terms of what his philosophy was and the conviction behind it, he talked about the physicality that the offense has to have.

"He talked about the toughness, both mentally and physically, that the offense has to have. The discipline in which it takes to do those things. That to me, that was something that we were really excited about.”

That is the motivation behind hiring Raye.

Forget a return to the glory years of a spectacular passing game.

The idea is to create holes for Frank Gore.

Forget the passing game as the featured component.

For that, Singletary needed a coach with proven leadership and vision to implement what Singletary sees lacking in a 49ers squad that is on the upswing.

He also knows that preparation is key.

Raye will not disappoint, but 49ers fans should not bail when the offense sputters.

The idea is to form a foundation for the next season and season after that.

Because if the 49ers are smart, they won't let Singletary go for at least five years.

Shaun Hill Inspires Confidence, Could Start As 'Niners QB

Glenn Franco Simmons — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:13:31 -0400

At least one 49ers starter has not left any doubt the quarterback that he says is the team's choice: Shaun Hill.

I will let that player's name remain unknown, as I don't really want to contribute to any team disunity.

But why Hill?

Because he exudes confidence, despite not being a particularly artistic passer. Who needs artistic? Especially when the myth of the Montana-led 49ers were a "finesse" team.

Yeah, ask Eric Dickerson and other running backs and receivers who had the snot knocked out of them by a ferocious 49ers defense.

Factor in the fact that after serious back surgery, Montana came back and won two Super Bowls, and nearly a third.

I'm ready for rough-and-tumbe oldtime 'Niner ball.

Back to Hill. Why him? Because he has won games when the other quarterbacks have mostly imploded. With the turnstile that keeps bringing successive waves of offensive coordinators through Santa Clara, has this been fair to Alex Smith?

Not completely.

But that doesn't change the reality about Hill being the players' favorite, if the player I heard is accurately reflecting the team's belief.

But why Hill?

With Hill under or behind center, the 49ers will usually be in the game
Hill has won more than lost
Despite ugly duckling passes, Hill has not exhibited the turnover gene that we witnessed last season in that other guy.
Hill can move the ball.
He comes ready to play on Sundays
A guy named Frank Gore will take the pressure off Hill
A hopefully revitalized receiving corps and a rookie with a lot of promise might be able to snag more of those ducklings for gains and scores.

Does this mean the end of Smith?

Let's hope it doesn't.

Alex Smith is a great kid, an excellent role model, and I think he has an NFL future, and I'm praying he is successful somewhere.

Should the 49ers cast him aside?

Well, they spent a lot of money on him, but that's past tense, so let's move on.

Let's hope that whatever happens to San Francisco's quarterback situation ends up being a positive in the end for Smith.

How can you not root for such a nice guy?

Whether it's Smith or Hill, I'll be cheering from my seat as a season-ticket holder.

Go 'Niners.

Seifert Once Told Plummer He Wasn't Worthy

Glenn Franco Simmons — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:08:51 -0400

Many 49ers fans may remember that linebacker Gary Plummer played a crucial role in San Francisco's fifth Super Bowl run.

What they may not know is that former Coach George "Superstitious" Seifert once told him he was not worthy of playing for the Stanford Cardinal.

That's correct.

When the Fremont—born Plummer searched for a university to attend after being graduated from the East Bay's Ohlone College, he ran straight into the doubts of his future Super Bowl coach.

Seifert didn't think much of the 6—foot, 200—pound linebacker, saying he couldn't even carry water at Stanford.

Added to that insult was Seifert's opinion that Plummer wasn't even worthy of Pac—10 team.

The guy didn't give up.

In fact, showing a worthy attribute, Plummer was steadfast in his belief that he was fast enough, strong enough, smart enough and motivated enough to play in college.

He walked on at Cal, played nosetackle and then found the NFL didn't think much of him.

Still, once again showing admirable perseverance, Plummer persisted in his dream.

He played for the Oakland Invaders of the USFL from 1983 to 1985.

The next step was the San Diego Chargers, '86—'93.

He hit pay dirt with the 49ers, '94—'97, where he was welcomed "home" with open arms by 49ers Faithful like me.

As Plummer was contemplating where to play after the Chargers, he had to shed a deeply held resentment against Seifert.

It is said that during this period, Seifert told him he may not have been suitable Stanford material, but he had proven he was ready for the 49ers.

It didn't hurt that the linebacker was now 6—2, nearly 250 pounds and a proven player.

Plus, he could hit hard.

He was the perfect accompaniment to Norton.

The linebacker whom many had doubted became the Super Bowl winner's most—reliable run—stopper.

The result was a No.2 ranked San Francisco run defense.

The team's entire defense prospered for a variety of reasons that year, but Plummer's contributions and take—no—prisoners attitude cannot be underestimated.

In the playoffs, a ferocious and determined Plummer excelled.

His tough—guy intensity was shared by Norton.

Both were very smart players.

It was a match that helped propel the 49ers to their claim as the first franchise to win five Super Bowls.

(Some day, we'll make it six and then seven, and ace the Steelers, once again!)

The Super Bowl blow—out victory against San Diego must have been sweet for Plummer, after leaving the Chargers.

This year, he will continue to be the analyst on KNBR's 49ers broadcasts.

He will also be writing a blog titled "Points of the Game" on the 49ers official Web site.

He'll do as good a job with that, as he does on the radio, because he is:

honest
extremely intelligent
a former NFL player
an experienced analyst
not afraid to state his opinion
a natural communicator and likeable guy with an innate ability to relate to fans.

If you have other reasons, please comment.

Link to Plummer's column: Points of the Game

Stop Flogging Michael Vick

Glenn Franco Simmons — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:59:23 -0400

"We are confronted with a new challenge now that Vick has served nearly two years of time in a federal penitentiary and seen his personal assets liquidated. He’s served his sentence, and now he’s made a person to The HSUS to involve him in anti-dogfighting and anti-cruelty efforts. Will we continue to flog Michael Vick indefinitely, or will we take advantage of his expressed desire to do better, to be an agent of change for animals?" –Wayne Parcell, CEO, Humane Society

If The Humane Society's chief executive officer can forgive Michael Vick, so should the rest of us.

Then again, who are we to do the forgiving? Are we not sinners ourselves?

"We at The HSUS are about change, even the hard cases," Parcell stated on his Humane Society Web site. "Sitting with Michael at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, I saw a man who, if he had the resolve, could do powerful and persuasive outreach to at-risk youth and steer them away from dogfighting.

"He told me he saw dogfighting when we he was a boy, and from there, he came to accept the activity and to get involved. Nobody was there to step in and pull him out of that morass, and he obviously didn’t have the strength to get away from it himself."

Let me be clear:

I love animals.
I have owned dogs as pets, adopting two from the pound.
I currently have four cats.
My love for animals costs me plenty as I feed nearly 20 doves, four pigeons, and all kinds of songbirds, in addition to four squirrels.
I have never participated in or watched dogfighting.
Cruelty to animals is forbidden in my chosen religion.

That is probably overstating my animal-loving credentials. However, it is necessary to state my "animal-friendliness" when writing about Vick.

If I don't, I will end up writing all kinds of comments after publication stating such information in defense of myself as heartless zealots take aim and condemn me. While they will do that anyway, at least I got my credentials out of the way.

Still, my name may be scorned on all kinds of blogs and discussion boards. My character, sanity, and morality may be questioned.

Yet I still state publicly that I would welcome Vick to my only favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers.

Admittedly, due to a number of NFL-related issues, perhaps he should sit out a portion of the season. However, he should have the opportunity to play and prove himself on and off the field.

As far as society is concerned, he served his time.

Yet he wants to help.

You can demean him all you want.

You can question his motives.

You can say terrible things about him.

But before you do, take a good look in the mirror.

Consider the climate in which he grew up.

Consider the fact that the brutal and cruel criminal activity that is oxymoronically called a "sport" by some in media was an accepted part of Vick's life.

As wrong as it is, dogfighting was encouraged by those around him. He was introduced to it a young, formative age.

Of course, we all have a conscience, and—for reasons maybe Vick is just beginning to understand himself—his short-circuited.

And then there is, yes, the race card, which is something I do not usually pull out.

Before I am accused of being some bleeding-heart liberal, just know this: I'm very conservative morally and I do not engage in politics.

Additionally, based upon my religious beliefs, I only see one human race that is diverse in terms of languages, cultures, religions, and colors—which we refer to as races.

However, I know that many Americans do not see the world through what some consider my rose-colored prism. It is a sad fact that some Americans remain racist.

Some are dog-lovers, judging by the trash they have said and written for several years.

And please, do not equate dogs to humans.

These dog-lovers should take some of that love and apply to it humans.

As Parcell says:

"Ex-dogfighters and ex-gang members are some of our ambassadors in our community-based programs, and they reach kids who are drawn into the world of dogfighting and show them there are alternatives, such as training and agility classes for pit bulls.

"Street fighting in urban centers is the one growth area for dogfighting, and maybe Vick can get us closer to our goal of eradicating dogfighting in every dark corner where it festers."

Vick's atrocious behavior and the manifest cruelty he and others were responsible for inflicting upon dogs is not unforgivable.

Just maybe a sinner can become a sort of saint.

Imagine that.

Improved 49ers Web Site Unveiled as Jed York Era Begins

Glenn Franco Simmons — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:14:06 -0400

The season has not even started and change is more than apparent in many facets of the 49ers organization.

The revamped team Web site is much improved and definitely worth a visit.

As with the former Web site, fans can join a blog that, at the inception of writing this article, had 9,317 bloggers.

I'm one of them.

One of my friends hails from New Zealand and has been a San Francisco fan his whole life.

Another fan is U.S. Air Force veteran, and another is from the real Northern California, just on the opposite side of the inland mountains from where I grew up along the Redwood Coast.

Her husband is a Cowboys fan.

Since I believe in marital harmony, I reminded her to gently nudge her husband about "The Catch," "Romo's choke" and last year's Super Bowl-bound team.

She didn't need any reminders but appreciated the advice.

She's well-versed in applying salt to the wound.

The 49ers home page is much brighter.

It was a good Web site before the recent change that took place this week.

So far, less than 60 fans have voted for one of three choices about what they like best about the revamped site, but I chose the home page because it is not so dark.

Plus, if they could just abandon that crimson and hearken back to 49er red, I'd be more than happy.

Perhaps I'm too nostalgic, but I believe in tradition to a point.

My theory (excuse) about the team only making it to one Super Bowl after Joe Montana was that the crimson jinxed them.

Think about it.

Remember how superstitious George Seifert was?

Remember the fifth Super Bowl was won with the "throw-back" uniforms?

Well, there you have it: proof.

Anyway, check out San Francisco's revamped Web site and explore a bit.

It's definitely an improvement.

Small but important.

San Francisco 49ers: Columnists Take Aim At Stadium Controversy

Glenn Franco Simmons — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:40:38 -0400

San Jose Mercury News and San Francisco Chronicle columnists must have sampled the same creative elixir because their recent columns about the 49ers' stadium plans were both witty and/or candid.

Well, some might consider them insulting, if they happened to be targets.

In a Mercury News column, Mark Purdy wrote:

"What a naive chump I can be."

"Over the past few years, I truly thought that San Francisco was losing its vicious jealousy of the South Bay and Silicon Valley."

"... You would think that as residents of the Bay Area's second-largest city, San Franciscans would realize the South Bay is no hick outpost or threat to civilization, just a vital part of Northern California's diverse metropolitan region. Right?"

"Wrong. Ever since the 49ers decided to cast their fate with Santa Clara, the ... envy has returned. ..."

Chronicle columnist Ray Ratto was pragmatic:

"The idea that Santa Clara has 100 million some-odd dollars to toss at the 49ers is weird enough. Trusting the Yorks to come up with the other $800 million needed to build takes the guts of a bomb-disposal unit."

"And in times like these, when money is tight, guts can be tight, too."

"So let's move past Santa Clara for the moment and ask the question that needs to be asked next, namely: 'What does San Francisco do if Santa Clara says no?'"

"And then the questions after that, like: 'Who does it? Why?' And the big one: 'Are the 49ers worth whatever it happens to be?'"

Purdy was stinging in his analysis:

"{San Francisco Mayor Gavin} Newsom has been spinning local media members to portray the situation {that} 49ers owner John York and his son, Jed, could not get their arms around all of the San Francisco project's intricate details. Therefore, the Yorks chose the less-dynamic and much-easier-to-comprehend option in Santa Clara."

"Honest. That is the spin. And many people are clueless enough to believe it."

Ratto was realistic:

"... Even though the city hasn't shown itself capable of serious foresight since the Rolph administration ended in 1931. Should it {a new stadium deal} be done? An open question, because in politics it takes more smarts not to get fleeced than it does to fleece others."

"But if Santa Clara votes the Yorks out of town, San Francisco will have to step up and do ... well, something. It would be a refreshing change if it actually had something well-crafted and considered in the works ahead of time, something that the residents could view with something loftier than dyspeptic outrage."

"It's certainly conceivable that the city is capable of such thinking. But you'd be a fool to bet that way."

Ouch.

Purdy had one arrow left:

"Over the years, ... I have discovered .. San Francisco folks ... are surprised to learn how much public transit access is available to the Santa Clara stadium site — with VTA light-rail and ACE commuter trains — and how the infrastructure for reasonably easy freeway access already exists."

Perhaps Scott Ostler had the most-sobering point for the team's fans:

"Look, the 49ers need a new stadium to remain financially viable and thus competitive on the field. It is a key to their survival as a franchise. Within a few years, the 49ers will do one of three things:

1. Build a stadium in Santa Clara. 2. Build a stadium in San Francisco. 3. Move far, far away."

"If you think it's a pain driving all the way to Santa Clara for home games, try schlepping to Los Angeles."

That would be the pinnacle of absurdity since it was the Eddie De Bartolo-led 49ers dynasty that chased off the Los Angeles Rams to flyover country.

I recommend reading the full columns, if you have an interest in the 49ers and/or stadium issue:

Scott Ostler’s Chronicle column

Ray Ratto’s Chronicle column

Mark Purdy’s Mercury News column

(Photo credit: the modified NASA public-domain photo from Wikipedia shows Candlestick Park.)

Fred Dean Helped Propel 49ers To Dynasty

Glenn Franco Simmons — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:44:28 -0400

The story of legendary defensive end Fred Dean is one that parallels the rise of the greatest dynasty the NFL has ever seen; the Eddie De Bartolo-led San Francisco 49ers.

It’s a story of how a losing team, with players not highly regarded, could start a nearly 20-year dynasty that was feared as the most-lethal in the NFL for many years.

It’s also the story of a cerebral coach, who was incorrectly viewed as being not-tough-enough for the NFL.

It was the story of a skinny quarterback from Notre Dame, who didn’t throw the longest or hardest, but he threw touchdowns, and won games.

It was a come-back tale that avoided the San Francisco franchise eventually relocating.

This dynasty was better than the Pittsburgh Steelers' four Super Bowl dynasty. Better than the Dallas Cowboys' three Super Bowl run. Better than the New England Patriots' three Super Bowl run

Oh, yeah, that one.

Even better than the vastly over-valued Green Bay Packers' (before-the-leagues-merged) two Super Bowls.

You don't get to claim a dynasty unless you win four post-merger titles in a single decade.

Sorry Packer fans, you are free to vent with four-letter words, e-mails with the middle finger playing a prominent role, and, of course, let’s not forget some of your fans’ threats to guys like me who have little respect for Packerville.

(It must be the milk.)

Anyway, how did the 49ers end up with Dean—one of the greatest all-time pass rushers?

Or, a better question: How could San Diego be so stupid to trade away a great player for a paltry second-round pick?

You might think Dean would have balked at going to a team that went 2-14, 2-14, and 6-10 in the past three seasons.

Well, Dean wasn't displeased.

"... He describes the feeling as a breath of fresh air, and a rich, rewarding breath it turned out to be as he earned pro sports' greatest prize–a Super Bowl ring–twice in little more than three years, …” states authors Michael W. Tuckman and Jeff Shultz in The San Francisco 49ers: Team of the Decade—The Inside Story of How They Came from Nowhere to Win Four Super Bowls.

If you were aware of football in 1981, you’ll remember Dean’s immediate and unforgettable impact on the field.

If you weren’t alive, or too young to remember, or if somehow you haven’t heard, let me tell you this: Dean’s impact vastly ratcheted up San Francisco’s game.

The “holy ****!” effect was dramatic.

Viewed as undersized, he was undeterred. All he did was create the edge rusher, some said he was the original “freak.”

One word definitely defines him: revolutionary.

Although he had only a few practices under his belt before he hit the field in 1981 against the Cowboys, Dean made Danny White’s day a miserable one as he sacked the hated Cowboy three time, hurried him numerous other times, and batted down two passes.

Even legendary coach Bill Walsh credited Dean with bringing something extra to the 49ers—something the 49ers had lacked.

In short, Dean helped to propel the team to Super Bowl glory.

Don’t you ever let anyone tell you the 49ers of that era were a finesse team. That’s cow manure, and the topic for a future post.

The cathartic win over the Tom Landry-led Cowboys was one of the most thrilling for me, because it erased losing twice to the Cowboys in the playoffs in the early 1970s.

Next up was the Los Angeles Rams, my late brother’s favorite team.

I despised them more than the Cowboys.When the Rams would win, I would spit nails. In our house, this was warfare.

It was an understatement to say my blood ran 49ers’ red (not crimson), and my brother’s ran L.A. blue.

(When can the 49ers return to the old color?)

On game day, I dressed up in all my regalia, ready to jinx the Rams into never neverland.

However, the ’Niners didn’t need my help, as Dean unleashed his ferociousness on Pat Haden, sacking him five times in a 20-17 victory.

This game was even more cathartic for me because it not only was a victory over the detestable Rams, but it was L.A.’s first—that’s correct, the first—defeat at Candlestick Park.

For you young Bleacher Report fans, Candlestick opened in 1971.

Soon after the Dallas game, and certainly after the Los Angeles game, signs began appearing that stated “Dean-Fense.”

At that time, the real North Coast of California was about a seven-hour drive away from my home in a forested valley; however, all over Humboldt County, new San Francisco fans could be spotted because they were now wearing brand-new caps, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and coats.

It kind of pissed off 49ers Faithful like me who had suffered through the horrific play that lasted about seven years.

For his sensational play leading to San Francisco’s first Super Bowl, Dean was named UPI Defensive Player of the Year—while only playing 11 games for the 49ers in a 16-game season.

He continued to play at a high level.

In 1983, he achieved a career-high (and an NFC-leading) 17 sacks.

Six of those came against the New Orleans Saints, setting (at that time) an NFL single-game record for sacks by a single player.

Although nearing the end of his career, Dean was still utilized by the 49ers in their 1984 Super Bowl run.

By the time he retired, he had 93 sacks, two All-Pro selections (one with each team), four Pro Bowl appearances (two with each team) and four all-conference selections.

One anecdotal note: My brother, thinking the 49ers' victorious 1981 season was a one-time wonder, thought he would “honor” Dean by naming our turkey at our parents’ Thanksgiving dinner “Fred Dean.”

It was not Fred. Or Dean.

It was Fred Dean.

At first, I was really pissed at my brother for attempting to humiliate me by saying the 49ers would choke in the playoffs again, as they had three times in the early 1970s, but my Dad—a Steelers fan—went along with it.

I wasn’t impressed, but revenge was mine as the 49ers that season won their first Super Bowl and went on to be the first team to win five Lombardis.

The last laugh was mine.

Now that memory is bittersweet, as my Dad recently passed away, and my brother passed on in 1992.

My Mom, who passed away about three years ago, used to try to keep the peace.

But, deep inside, she was a San Francisco fan, since that was her favorite city.

So the memory, the smiles, the laughter, and the knowledge that Fred Dean, All-Pro defensive end, helped make the laughingstock 49ers the greatest-ever NFL dynasty live on in my heart.

It seems appropriate to end this column by noting that Dean was voted into the NFL Hall of Fame. His career shows that statistics do not always define a player.

Sometimes, a player’s presence and play on the field transcend what sports “know-it-alls” (know-nothings) cannot see in the statistics years later.

The Memory of Titanic Legends Lingers

Glenn Franco Simmons — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:57:54 -0400

As training camp approaches, I am buoyed by optimism.

Despite San Francisco's implosion for most of this decade, I still have a euphoric feeling when I smell freshly mowed grass and temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

It's beginning to feel like football weather.

Hope says that a one-time dynasty could begin to restore itself.

Yeah, there are those nagging little questions that keep floating to the surface as I try to hedge my optimism by the pragmatic reality of the current 49ers.

Disaster could await us in 2009-2010.

Then again, perhaps this could be the first step in a turnaround.

As I ponder the schedule, I long for the Eddie De Bartolo Jr.—and Bill Walsh-led dynasty—the likes of which the NFL has not seen since the merger.

I recall all the names—too many to list here—from that long-ago 49ers Golden Age in which titanic NFL legends were born and refined.

Their memories still linger.

My deep reflection of glorious dynastic victories was rudely interrupted by an enemy message notice brought by Digsby, alerting me to an e-mail sent by the loathsome New York Giants.

God must have a sense of humor, huh?

How did I get on a New York Giants mailing list? Was this somebody's idea of a sick joke?

As I was taking my name off New York's e-mail list, I chuckled as I thought of the second-greatest comeback in NFL playoff history that the Giants lost, 39-38, in the NFC wild-card game at Candlestick.

Having defeated New York, 16-13, earlier in 2002, I knew the Giants would come in and try to bury the Niners.

And that's precisely what happened.

A lackadaisical San Francisco team seemed to be casting a shadow on the waning glow of a once-great dynasty.

When the 49ers fell behind 38-14, my stomach was starting to eat itself.

Then something changed.

The intensity that characterized past teams that were a part of the Golden Age was suddenly tapped into by the Jeff Garcia-led 49ers.

New York's arrogant, immature antics combined with unsportsmanlike conduct must have put a chip on the home team's collective shoulder.

Michael Strahan started talking trash and pointed to the scoreboard which showed a lopsided score after Terrell Owens celebrated a touchdown.

The message? Time was running out, New York was going to win just for being the sainted Giants, so stop celebrating, fool!

Earlier in the game, I'm sure Jeremy Shockey's taunting of fans and throwing ice on some helped deepen that chip.

Tiki Barber's premature strutting probably didn't help either.

Whatever it was, the 49ers mounted a ferocious comeback.

Some New York players from that team continue to sound like wimps when they make inane excuses.

They claim they were ripped off by a bad call, let down by special teams and could have won had Shockey caught what should have been a touchdown.

Should have, would have.

Grow up!

Only pampered New York Giants would embarrass that proud franchise by continuing to make such puerile claims.

That's why the memory of knocking their pompous butts out of the playoffs will remain therapeutic the rest of my life.

Why the 49ers' Jed York Has Earned San Francisco's Support

Glenn Franco Simmons — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:43:29 -0400

When I first heard Jed York was taking over the reins of the 49ers, I was skeptical.

After some consideration, I recently wrote a mea culpa column and called myself and other San Francisco critics spoiled brats for not giving York a chance.

What I didn't say is what led to my frustration.

My frustration with the 49ers is not solely related to the team's performance for most of this decade.

Rather, it dates back to Kezar Stadium and a new Candlestick Park.

Deep within me is that sense of bitter defeat when we lost three consecutive playoff games.

It is not an understatement to say the losses were calamitous.

The playoff-caused implosion lasted for the rest of the 1970s and explains why the 1981-82 Super Bowl season was so cathartic.

The team's descent into laughingstock oblivion was stopped when the NFL's odd couple of Eddie De Bartolo Jr. and Bill Walsh took over the team.

Although success was not immediate, you knew these two guys were building something good.

When I read what York says and the direction he is taking the team, I have that same feeling.

Ann Killion of the San Jose Mercury News wrote an excellent column about York.

I will not ruin her column for you, but York said this about his uncle's endorsement of him:

"It certainly helps. I think he's the best owner there's ever been in professional football, maybe professional sports. So to have the blessing of an idol, whether he's my uncle or not, is important."

I agree.

Although my Dad died only several weeks before Pittsburgh won its sixth Lombardi, many sports analysts miss the fact that De Bartolo is the only single owner to have won five.

(Sorry, Steelers fans, but you won six with different Rooney family members running the organization.)

Critics like me owe Jed York an apology.

With Santa Clara to be the probable future home of a new stadium, York has handled himself with class.

I'm looking forward to the future.

It will not be easy, but if anyone can restore the 49ers to greatness, perhaps York can.

Go 'Niners!

Here is the link to Killion's article, which I suggest you read.

'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'

Glenn Franco Simmons — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:54:27 -0400

I do not mean to be overly sentimental, but hear me out, as I attempt to regain that passion for sports I lost when my dad, Lee, died in December.

He was my last sports buddy.

His loss has been devastating.

Sixteen years earlier, I lost my other sports buddy, my brother Mario.

My dad taught me to throw a 40-yard spiral to softly land in the receivers' "sweet spot" on the dead run; only problem was, I was allergic to grass and had to stop playing football.

I would have given anything for the rubberized fields of today.

That's why football is my favorite sport. Perhaps I still see myself as a would-be Joe Montana or Steve Young, even though I'll soon be 50 and my hip hurts and my knees are shot.

Who says sports is rational?

My dad inspired me to try to be the best, but when you aren't, to be the one who hustled the most.

That's why he whistled his outlandishly loud whistle whenever my hustle drove me to dive after balls—scrapes, bruises and all.

My Dad taught this skinny kid to be the one who charged the key before the defender set, knocking him on his butt, and laying it in for a banked two plus a foul.

One time, my dad was shocked when he saw me dive for an errant pass into a line of rival cheerleaders.

Hey, all is fair in love and war, eh?

For that, I sustained the kicks, pinches and taunts that came with it from those gentle "creatures," only to have one of my twin daughters then become a cheerleader at this same high school in the same uniform nearly 20 years later.

I found myself cheering for the blue and white of the Huskies, as I reluctantly shed the red and green of the Loggers, as I was then this town's weekly newspaper editor.

God must have a sense of humor.

At that arch-rival school, my son became a star basketball player—much better than I ever was—and my other twin daughter a multi-sport athlete.

This was at the same high school where, as a crushing and bruising defensive end who attracted college scouts, my brother created a melee in enemy territory.

With a lightning-fast, deceptive move that preceded an unblocked, legal and devastating hit, my brother broke the arm of that same arch-rival's star quarterback in the 1970s.

Dashed were that team's hopes of a championship and state playoffs.

For that crushing reality, he was attacked by a mob as he trotted off field.

He got the better of them, as Jack Youngblood, his idol, would have done.

Youngblood, who once shook my brother's hand and thereby immortalized it in our household, would have been proud of my brother.

Rey Maualuga, who played for the same high school as my brother, would have admired my brother's ferocity, as my brother would have admired Rey.

About 13 years after that melee and circumstances that prevented my brother from having a future football career, I wrote many stories of games played and I shot thousands of photos on the same field my brother was once attacked on.

Life is filled with ironies, eh?

My dear brother was also my sports nemesis.

He was an L.A. Rams, Dodgers and Lakers fan.

His teams almost always beat mine, but I got revenge when the Warriors won it all.

I remember calling him after the Giants Joe Morgan hit that homer in the early 1980s, destroying the Dodgers' destiny of that year.

And then my beloved 49ers took fire.

The rest is history.

While my brother was in the hospital for months with a terminal illness in the early 1990s, I remember telling him, "It will be OK, but my 'Niners will still kick your ass."

He smiled, but shook his head "no."

For the second time in my life, I saw tears stream from my brother's eyes as he said, "Glenn, I'm gonna die. Keep writing. You're good. You made me proud."

Goose bumps and tears.

In two hours, he succumbed to a coma from which he never awakened.

The brother I could not play on the same team with in pick-up basketball and football games in our neighborhoods because we were too good together became the brother for whom I cleaned daily with my dad as he lay dying in a hospital bed.

In his mid-30s, he died a slow, agonizing death.

When my dad and I agonizingly watched and heard his last, long exhale, my dad closed his eyelids.

I wrapped my dad in a bear hug as I am huge compared to my late dad, just as I did when we pulled the plugs on my mother and she took her last breath.

I said a Bahai prayer, and then my silly sense of humor got the best of me.

I said, "At least he won't have to see the Rams run out of L.A."

Call it a premonition. Within two or three years, the Rams were in St. Louis.

Now I am less than 10 minutes from the 49ers in Santa Clara.

I am very close to Candlestick and Pac Bell Park.

After all those years of being too far away geographically to see my teams play, I'm here without my buddies.

I'm trying to find the passion.

This post—two times my usual length—was prompted not for your pity, but to share a story that I hope touches you personally for the sake of you and those whom you love.

It occurred because I'm converting all of my CDs to iPod at last, since I am now the one quite ill, and it's about all I can do.

A song by The Hollies came on, but please let me digress momentarily.

My brother was a big man, with a bigger heart, and my mom must have bought the heaviest casket she could find.

When two of four casket-bearers could not carry their weight on my side, I took up the load in front.

Here are the lyrics to the song, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother":

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

So on we go

His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there

For I know
He would not encumber me
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share

And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all
He ain't heavy he's my brother

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother

Joe Montana, Steve Young Had Something in Common: The Legendary Jerry Rice

Glenn Franco Simmons — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:36:13 -0400

I've read two articles today about Steve Young and Joe Montana. Ryan Michael had an excellent comparative article in which he correctly determined that Montana was the best quarterback, while Tony from NB wrote an article that was not as extensive, but still good. He picked Young.

For young Bleacher Report writers out there, I'm an old dude, ready for the rest home, so my perspectives come from being a lifelong 49ers fan who watched every 49er game without missing one for many years. In fact, I rarely missed a game from the late 1970s to 2006.

I lived in such a remote area in The Redwood Empire in the 1970s that I had to listen to the games on radio and only occasionally saw them on TV. That changed when I moved out when I was 18 and got cable in town.

I'm such a faithful fanatic that I want my tombstone to be in the classic 49ers red and gold. Thus, I think I have the credentials to speak to the two excellent articles that I cited.

In Young, I saw what is probably the best NFL passer who has ever lived, even better than Dan Marino.

Although some will say Tom Brady and/or Peyton Manning are better, I disagree because I don't believe NFL competition is as good as it once was. (I realize many will disagree with that view, which is fine.)

My Dolphin friends still think Marino is the greatest ever, despite appearing on weight-loss TV ads. However, they hate Montana because he stuffed them at Stanford in 1985, capping the 1984 Super Bowl run.

In him, I saw the greatest NFL quarterback who has ever played. Hands down, if your team were in a jam, you wanted Montana.

Joe "Cool" does not convey the ice in his veins under pressure. He has the "unknowns," the attributes that you cannot quantify, that do not appear on stat sheets, on comparisons, in books, etc.

For those who came after the era in which he played, it is natural and fun to turn to stats, which do tell us a lot, as Ryan proved.

I understand that and I love reading the comparisons because they are filled with such valuable information and insights. They also help me remember the best time of my life, in terms of being a 49ers fan.

As for Montana and Young, I'll turn to what Ryan noted, and that is that Montana's postseason winning record is better. It is what makes Montana better overall than Young:

Montana's 16 of 23 postseason wins is a 69.56 winning percentage and Young's eight of 14 postseason wins is a 57.14 winning percentage.

These stats don't lie: Montana won four Super Bowls; Young, one.

There is one other thing these two share, and it's unusual because the "greatest" often play in different eras and for different teams. Yet their careers overlapped, and they shared in common the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, the legendary Jerry Rice.

For the 49ers, 1981-2002 was the gilded age, and one that I will never forget.