Niner News Thread
- Thread starter Chree
- Start date
April 20, 2008
Q&A: This mock is a crock
Question: Hey Matt, don't you think these mock drafts that come out every week are getting a little ridiculous? I think they just change them every week just so they'll have something new to put out. I mean, Rivals.com, which I thought was a reputable website, has the 49ers taking QB Brian Brohm in the first round and RB Felix Jones early in the 2nd. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Niners already have 3 quarterbacks and Frank Gore and recently signed DeShaun Foster at RB? How much stock do you put in any of these mocks?
Nick, San Francisco
Answer: The Internet is full of two things: porn and mock drafts and I find only one of them interesting. Yes, I saw that Rivals mock and noted that they had the 49ers picking 40th overall in the second round. Newsflash: they’re picking 39th. That ought to tell you something about the reliability of their predictions. BTW, I’ll be posting my own – mock, not porn – later this week.
- Matt
Question: Matt--What do you know about Groves' versatility? It seems to me like predicting how pass rushing skills translate into the NFL is almost as much guesswork as predicting QB and WR success. And wasn't Manny Lawson originally drafted to be a pass rush guy? He obviously has the versatility to contribute well in other areas, but is Groves a one-trick pony? If he can't be consistent at pressuring the QB, will he be valuable in any other areas? Thanks for your input as always!
Eric, Springville, UT
Answer: It’s a great point. Lawson had a lot of sacks in college but has shown little ability as a pass rusher on the NFL level. Groves certainly is heavier, and like I’ve written before, all of his tangibles compare well to DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Sure, it’s guesswork. But it’s educated guesswork.
- Matt
Question: Matt - The Niners' offense was atrocious last season. Their receivers had no speed could not gain any separation from DBs. It seemed like defenses were able to stack at least eight in the box at all times, which also hurt Gore’s production. I don't think that with Bruce and Johnson they've improved at WR. I love the idea of drafting Jackson from Cal because he can make big plays and return kicks. What are your thoughts?
Scott, Sacramento
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Answer: I hear what you’re saying, Scott, but I’m not sold on Jackson. In a wide open offense like Cal’s, a guy with his speed should have dominated more games. He disappeared too much. I fear that he’d come into the NFL, get pushed around by physical DBs at the line of scrimmage and his speed would be negated. Speed alone doesn’t work in the NFL. Just ask Reggie Bush.
- Matt
Question: What do you think of the NT in this draft? I believe that we need a massive NT. I’ve read in some articles that Red Bryant can be unmovable and some teams gave up running at him. I think he will be an upgrade over Franklin. What do you think?
Rebecca, Eureka
Answer: Thanks for representing the ladies, Rebecca. This site was beginning to look like a Star Trek convention it had so many dudes. To answer your question, the 49ers coached Bryant at the Senior Bowl, which ought to have put him squarely on their radar. He was good in Mobile, but wasn’t as good as some other interior guys like Sedrick Ellis, Trevor Laws and Dre Moore. If the 49ers go LB and OT with their first two picks (which I think is a strong possibility) they could snag Bryant later.
- Matt
Question: Hey Matt! Big fan of your blog. If Groves and Cherilus are gone by the 29th pick, what do you think of picking up Kenny Phillups? I think there is a chance Goldson will be good, but I think Phillups has too much upside to pass up if Groves and Cherilus are gone. I miss having a playmaking safety around here!
Jonathan, Norcross, Ga.
Answer: You’re right – not enough big plays by the safeties in recent years. Michael Lewis makes plays, but they’re more along the line of scrimmage. The 49ers need more picks, which would be helped by a better pass rush, too. I think safety is a possibility if Groves and Cherilus are gone. But I think a trade down or a cornerback are better possibilities.
- Matt
Question: Hi Matt, as far as late round steals, I think that Tommy Blake has the potential to be a star at the pro level. He would provide an excellent pass rush for the 49ers. I know the personal problems he went through with depression and social anxiety disorder. But he has been through therapy and still receiving treatment. His pro day numbers were excellent and I think with positive role models like Frank Gore, Pat Willis and Mike Singletary, this could be a great environment for him. Any news on if he's being evaluated as a potential option?
Jeremy, Montreal
Answer: Well, the 49ers can host 30 draft prospects and they’ve released the names of half a dozen. Dunno if Blake is one of those remaining 20 or so, but it would make sense if he were. The 49ers like to interview guys with question marks by their names (character concerns, injuries, etc.) and Blake certainly falls into that category. In the beginning of the season, he was being compared with Chris Long as one of the best d-ends in the country. If he could recapture his form and get on top of his disorder, he would be the ultimate late-round steal. Unfortunately, he seems like a luxury a team with lots of extra draft picks could afford. The 49ers are not in that category.
- Matt
Question: Yo Matt, Great job all around. My question is: Chad Johnson wants out!! We are looking for a #1 WR Still... What are the chances we trade for OCHO? I mean he would be great in the Martz system, Good YAC, GOOD routes and most of all PROVEN.. I would gladly give up a few draft picks for him. This draft isn’t that spectacular, it’s just deep. What are your thoughts???
Levi, Tracy
Answer: Chances of landing Ocho? Next to nada. First, the Bengals have been resolute in saying they won’t trade him. Second, if Johnson can’t coexist with Carson Palmer don’t you think he would balk at playing in last-in-offense San Francisco? Third, the 49ers have nothing to trade. They’re a team that purports to build through the draft but they have few picks this year. And lastly, Mike Nolan hates head cases.
- Matt
Question: Matt, Great work the blog, man. I was wondering about Strength of Schedule as a predictor of success year-to-year. Do you know if anyone has crunched the numbers to figure out the extent to which a team can get excited about having a schedule full of teams that were sub-.500 last year? Is having x-number of road games in a row a better predictor of success/failure? Thanks again!
Grant, Hamilton, ON
Answer: That’s a really good question. I would imagine SOS is a pretty bad indicator because a lot of teams end up being a lot better (Cleveland) or worse (Atlanta) than they were the year before. Living in Silicon Valley, I happen to be in the land of spread sheets and math-a-holics. Surely, one of you out there can whip up a quick study on the subject. Paraag? Larry? Sergey?
- Matt
Question: Aloha again Matt! Given the fact that Nolan and Co. have a history of trading up, can you see any scenario in which they might trade up in the 1st round to snatch one of the better OT's, WR's or CB's?
Robert, Anahola, Hi
Answer: Mahalo! The only thing that I think would make them jump is if, like last year, they fell madly in love with an OT. But I really don’t see it happening. This draft is deep in all three of the positions you mentioned and the 49ers simply don’t have a lot of ammo with which to barter. I think it’s far more likely that they trade down from their 29th pick.
-- Matt
Question: Hey, great comments. I was just wondering if the 49ers would think about drafting Malcolm Kelly in the first since his stock is apparently dropping.
Sam, McAlester, OK
Answer: Dunno for sure, but I don’t think so. It seems to me that the Niners need a small, jitterbug type receiver more than a big-bodied guy. They have one of those now in Bryant Johnson.
Question: I wanted to point out an error from the previous Q&A. You responded to a question on the cap cost of cutting a player (V. Maiocco in your example - hmmn?). When a player is cut prior to the season, his salary for that season doesn't count against the team's cap for the year.
Matt, Modesto
Answer: Yes, you are correct. In my lame attempt to be funny, I failed to make sure I was right. Sort of a metaphor for my life. I’m going into the bedroom to weep now.
- Matt
Question: Matt did you check out the picture of Dennis Dixon at the 49ers local Pro Day? (see pic below from 49ers.com) It should have been captioned "Skinny Legs and All". I use to think that my wife had skinny legs at 5'7" 116 pounds, but no more. I don't see how Dixon is going to last in the NFL with those toothpicks.
Ken, Salem
dixonsub.jpg
Answer: I can’t believe you posted your wife’s weight on the Internet. Sofa city for Ken for at least a week. Kidding – actually Dixon’s legs look like Ashley Lelie’s. He’s got toothpicks, too. But both of those guys can fly …
-MB
Q&A: This mock is a crock
Question: Hey Matt, don't you think these mock drafts that come out every week are getting a little ridiculous? I think they just change them every week just so they'll have something new to put out. I mean, Rivals.com, which I thought was a reputable website, has the 49ers taking QB Brian Brohm in the first round and RB Felix Jones early in the 2nd. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the Niners already have 3 quarterbacks and Frank Gore and recently signed DeShaun Foster at RB? How much stock do you put in any of these mocks?
Nick, San Francisco
Answer: The Internet is full of two things: porn and mock drafts and I find only one of them interesting. Yes, I saw that Rivals mock and noted that they had the 49ers picking 40th overall in the second round. Newsflash: they’re picking 39th. That ought to tell you something about the reliability of their predictions. BTW, I’ll be posting my own – mock, not porn – later this week.
- Matt
Question: Matt--What do you know about Groves' versatility? It seems to me like predicting how pass rushing skills translate into the NFL is almost as much guesswork as predicting QB and WR success. And wasn't Manny Lawson originally drafted to be a pass rush guy? He obviously has the versatility to contribute well in other areas, but is Groves a one-trick pony? If he can't be consistent at pressuring the QB, will he be valuable in any other areas? Thanks for your input as always!
Eric, Springville, UT
Answer: It’s a great point. Lawson had a lot of sacks in college but has shown little ability as a pass rusher on the NFL level. Groves certainly is heavier, and like I’ve written before, all of his tangibles compare well to DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. Sure, it’s guesswork. But it’s educated guesswork.
- Matt
Question: Matt - The Niners' offense was atrocious last season. Their receivers had no speed could not gain any separation from DBs. It seemed like defenses were able to stack at least eight in the box at all times, which also hurt Gore’s production. I don't think that with Bruce and Johnson they've improved at WR. I love the idea of drafting Jackson from Cal because he can make big plays and return kicks. What are your thoughts?
Scott, Sacramento
Online Videos by Veoh.com
Answer: I hear what you’re saying, Scott, but I’m not sold on Jackson. In a wide open offense like Cal’s, a guy with his speed should have dominated more games. He disappeared too much. I fear that he’d come into the NFL, get pushed around by physical DBs at the line of scrimmage and his speed would be negated. Speed alone doesn’t work in the NFL. Just ask Reggie Bush.
- Matt
Question: What do you think of the NT in this draft? I believe that we need a massive NT. I’ve read in some articles that Red Bryant can be unmovable and some teams gave up running at him. I think he will be an upgrade over Franklin. What do you think?
Rebecca, Eureka
Answer: Thanks for representing the ladies, Rebecca. This site was beginning to look like a Star Trek convention it had so many dudes. To answer your question, the 49ers coached Bryant at the Senior Bowl, which ought to have put him squarely on their radar. He was good in Mobile, but wasn’t as good as some other interior guys like Sedrick Ellis, Trevor Laws and Dre Moore. If the 49ers go LB and OT with their first two picks (which I think is a strong possibility) they could snag Bryant later.
- Matt
Question: Hey Matt! Big fan of your blog. If Groves and Cherilus are gone by the 29th pick, what do you think of picking up Kenny Phillups? I think there is a chance Goldson will be good, but I think Phillups has too much upside to pass up if Groves and Cherilus are gone. I miss having a playmaking safety around here!
Jonathan, Norcross, Ga.
Answer: You’re right – not enough big plays by the safeties in recent years. Michael Lewis makes plays, but they’re more along the line of scrimmage. The 49ers need more picks, which would be helped by a better pass rush, too. I think safety is a possibility if Groves and Cherilus are gone. But I think a trade down or a cornerback are better possibilities.
- Matt
Question: Hi Matt, as far as late round steals, I think that Tommy Blake has the potential to be a star at the pro level. He would provide an excellent pass rush for the 49ers. I know the personal problems he went through with depression and social anxiety disorder. But he has been through therapy and still receiving treatment. His pro day numbers were excellent and I think with positive role models like Frank Gore, Pat Willis and Mike Singletary, this could be a great environment for him. Any news on if he's being evaluated as a potential option?
Jeremy, Montreal
Answer: Well, the 49ers can host 30 draft prospects and they’ve released the names of half a dozen. Dunno if Blake is one of those remaining 20 or so, but it would make sense if he were. The 49ers like to interview guys with question marks by their names (character concerns, injuries, etc.) and Blake certainly falls into that category. In the beginning of the season, he was being compared with Chris Long as one of the best d-ends in the country. If he could recapture his form and get on top of his disorder, he would be the ultimate late-round steal. Unfortunately, he seems like a luxury a team with lots of extra draft picks could afford. The 49ers are not in that category.
- Matt
Question: Yo Matt, Great job all around. My question is: Chad Johnson wants out!! We are looking for a #1 WR Still... What are the chances we trade for OCHO? I mean he would be great in the Martz system, Good YAC, GOOD routes and most of all PROVEN.. I would gladly give up a few draft picks for him. This draft isn’t that spectacular, it’s just deep. What are your thoughts???
Levi, Tracy
Answer: Chances of landing Ocho? Next to nada. First, the Bengals have been resolute in saying they won’t trade him. Second, if Johnson can’t coexist with Carson Palmer don’t you think he would balk at playing in last-in-offense San Francisco? Third, the 49ers have nothing to trade. They’re a team that purports to build through the draft but they have few picks this year. And lastly, Mike Nolan hates head cases.
- Matt
Question: Matt, Great work the blog, man. I was wondering about Strength of Schedule as a predictor of success year-to-year. Do you know if anyone has crunched the numbers to figure out the extent to which a team can get excited about having a schedule full of teams that were sub-.500 last year? Is having x-number of road games in a row a better predictor of success/failure? Thanks again!
Grant, Hamilton, ON
Answer: That’s a really good question. I would imagine SOS is a pretty bad indicator because a lot of teams end up being a lot better (Cleveland) or worse (Atlanta) than they were the year before. Living in Silicon Valley, I happen to be in the land of spread sheets and math-a-holics. Surely, one of you out there can whip up a quick study on the subject. Paraag? Larry? Sergey?
- Matt
Question: Aloha again Matt! Given the fact that Nolan and Co. have a history of trading up, can you see any scenario in which they might trade up in the 1st round to snatch one of the better OT's, WR's or CB's?
Robert, Anahola, Hi
Answer: Mahalo! The only thing that I think would make them jump is if, like last year, they fell madly in love with an OT. But I really don’t see it happening. This draft is deep in all three of the positions you mentioned and the 49ers simply don’t have a lot of ammo with which to barter. I think it’s far more likely that they trade down from their 29th pick.
-- Matt
Question: Hey, great comments. I was just wondering if the 49ers would think about drafting Malcolm Kelly in the first since his stock is apparently dropping.
Sam, McAlester, OK
Answer: Dunno for sure, but I don’t think so. It seems to me that the Niners need a small, jitterbug type receiver more than a big-bodied guy. They have one of those now in Bryant Johnson.
Question: I wanted to point out an error from the previous Q&A. You responded to a question on the cap cost of cutting a player (V. Maiocco in your example - hmmn?). When a player is cut prior to the season, his salary for that season doesn't count against the team's cap for the year.
Matt, Modesto
Answer: Yes, you are correct. In my lame attempt to be funny, I failed to make sure I was right. Sort of a metaphor for my life. I’m going into the bedroom to weep now.
- Matt
Question: Matt did you check out the picture of Dennis Dixon at the 49ers local Pro Day? (see pic below from 49ers.com) It should have been captioned "Skinny Legs and All". I use to think that my wife had skinny legs at 5'7" 116 pounds, but no more. I don't see how Dixon is going to last in the NFL with those toothpicks.
Ken, Salem
dixonsub.jpg
Answer: I can’t believe you posted your wife’s weight on the Internet. Sofa city for Ken for at least a week. Kidding – actually Dixon’s legs look like Ashley Lelie’s. He’s got toothpicks, too. But both of those guys can fly …
-MB
April 20, 2008
Stars come out for Eddie D.
Just returned from a reception for Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., and I have to say my pupils are still dilated. Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, Merton Hanks, Joe Montana – the stars were out in full force to toast their beloved Eddie D. at the Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco on the eve of his induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony is Monday night in San Francisco.
I don’t have to explain to 49ers fans how fond people around these parts are of DeBartolo. Each of his former players went on and on about how generous he was when he owned the 49ers, how he would comfort employees during family tragedies, the special perks he would give his players, how well his competitive fire meshed with that of an NFL locker room. And it’s a testimony to their love of him that they would assemble for his big day. The event – billed as a cocktail reception – also drew former Mayor Willie Brown, one-time coach Steve Mariucci and various Bay Area luminaries.
The player who spoke the most passionately was Lott. DeBartolo is not a large man. I’d peg him at 5-6 or 5-7. But Lott said his competitive nature was so apparent and his passion so fierce that his players related to him. To hear Lott describe it, it was as if DeBartolo was their father figure, and the players hated to let him down. Lott remembers that after a loss, DeBartolo would walk up to players, including him, and demand better. “You don’t find very many people who will challenge you in your toughest moment. … He challenged you to get the most out of yourself.” Lott was asked what separated DeBartolo from other owners. His answer: “Incredible passion that starts at the top and that permeates the organization.”
All of the players also noted that getting into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame was a wonderful honor but that DeBartolo deserved to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (He’ll actually be there this August when he gives the introduction for Fred Dean). The players all pointed out that in the last quarter century, DeBartolo was to the NFL what the Rooney family in Pittsburgh was a generation earlier. They also noted that the paragon of the league these days, the New England Patriots and the Kraft family, modeled their ownership on DeBartolo and the 49ers. Quipped Rice: “But they’ve got issues going on right now. And we didn’t have issues.”
Asked about the Pro Football Hall of Fame, DeBartolo was modest, saying he 'd love to get in but didn’t know if he would. He also spoke a lot about Bill Walsh, recalling the meeting in the Fairmont Hotel in 1979 that led to Walsh’s hiring. “None of this happens – I wouldn’t be here now – none of this happens if Bill Walsh doesn’t get hired,” he said. Mostly, DeBartolo spoke about the great memories he had in San Francisco. “I was born in Youngstown, Ohio,” he said, “but really and truly, I was born 31 years ago.” The DeBartolos, of course, bought the 49ers in 1977.
***********
DeBartolo is still involved in the NFL. Last year he began a sports representation business, and on Saturday a number of DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment clients will be taken in the NFL draft. The two that have the best chance to go in the first round are Cal receiver DeSean Jackson and BC tackle Gosder Cherilus. It’s no coincidence that Rice has been mentoring Jackson, who did the same last year for former USC receiver Steve Smith. Several former 49ers who played for DeBartolo have similar roles with the agency. For the record, DeBartolo also represents San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson and a number of Virginia Tech products, including receiver Eddie Royal.
-- Matt Barrows
Stars come out for Eddie D.
Just returned from a reception for Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., and I have to say my pupils are still dilated. Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, Merton Hanks, Joe Montana – the stars were out in full force to toast their beloved Eddie D. at the Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco on the eve of his induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony is Monday night in San Francisco.
I don’t have to explain to 49ers fans how fond people around these parts are of DeBartolo. Each of his former players went on and on about how generous he was when he owned the 49ers, how he would comfort employees during family tragedies, the special perks he would give his players, how well his competitive fire meshed with that of an NFL locker room. And it’s a testimony to their love of him that they would assemble for his big day. The event – billed as a cocktail reception – also drew former Mayor Willie Brown, one-time coach Steve Mariucci and various Bay Area luminaries.
The player who spoke the most passionately was Lott. DeBartolo is not a large man. I’d peg him at 5-6 or 5-7. But Lott said his competitive nature was so apparent and his passion so fierce that his players related to him. To hear Lott describe it, it was as if DeBartolo was their father figure, and the players hated to let him down. Lott remembers that after a loss, DeBartolo would walk up to players, including him, and demand better. “You don’t find very many people who will challenge you in your toughest moment. … He challenged you to get the most out of yourself.” Lott was asked what separated DeBartolo from other owners. His answer: “Incredible passion that starts at the top and that permeates the organization.”
All of the players also noted that getting into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame was a wonderful honor but that DeBartolo deserved to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. (He’ll actually be there this August when he gives the introduction for Fred Dean). The players all pointed out that in the last quarter century, DeBartolo was to the NFL what the Rooney family in Pittsburgh was a generation earlier. They also noted that the paragon of the league these days, the New England Patriots and the Kraft family, modeled their ownership on DeBartolo and the 49ers. Quipped Rice: “But they’ve got issues going on right now. And we didn’t have issues.”
Asked about the Pro Football Hall of Fame, DeBartolo was modest, saying he 'd love to get in but didn’t know if he would. He also spoke a lot about Bill Walsh, recalling the meeting in the Fairmont Hotel in 1979 that led to Walsh’s hiring. “None of this happens – I wouldn’t be here now – none of this happens if Bill Walsh doesn’t get hired,” he said. Mostly, DeBartolo spoke about the great memories he had in San Francisco. “I was born in Youngstown, Ohio,” he said, “but really and truly, I was born 31 years ago.” The DeBartolos, of course, bought the 49ers in 1977.
***********
DeBartolo is still involved in the NFL. Last year he began a sports representation business, and on Saturday a number of DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment clients will be taken in the NFL draft. The two that have the best chance to go in the first round are Cal receiver DeSean Jackson and BC tackle Gosder Cherilus. It’s no coincidence that Rice has been mentoring Jackson, who did the same last year for former USC receiver Steve Smith. Several former 49ers who played for DeBartolo have similar roles with the agency. For the record, DeBartolo also represents San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson and a number of Virginia Tech products, including receiver Eddie Royal.
-- Matt Barrows
Celebration of the Eddie D. Era
Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. will be inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame tomorrow evening in San Francisco.
And if you listen to Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice and Harris Barton and Brent Jones and Tim McDonald, geez, everybody who showed up Sunday evening at a reception to honor the former 49ers owner, this will not/should not be the last Hall of Fame he will join.
There is a move afoot to get DeBartolo in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And convincing arguments were heard from every corner of the room.
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame president Tom Martz endorsed the idea of opening the BASHOF doors to non-athletes and non-coaches. DeBartolo was the first person with that distinction to be recognized.
DeBartolo will be inducted Monday night, along with running back Roger Craig in a class that also includes Raiders punter Ray Guy, USF football player Burl Toler, and swimmer Rick DeMont.
* * *
DeBartolo is no stranger to Canton, Ohio. He grew up in nearby Youngstown. He has already introduced Hall of Famers Bill Walsh and Joe Montana.
Fred Dean, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, has asked DeBartolo to present him. And Jerry Rice said he plans to ask DeBartolo to be his presenter, too, when he is elected into the Hall of Fame in a couple years.
* * *
The thing that was quite evident in talking with numerous former 49ers was DeBartolo's passion and competitiveness.
"It was personal with Mr. DeBartolo," Lott said. "Not every owner makes it personal."
DeBartolo not only showed his face in the winning locker room. He was there when the team was losing, challenging the players - and everyone in the organization - to be better."
DeBartolo set the kind of standard that every team in the NFL would follow. DeBartolo took a vested interest in his players. He got to know all the players. He also got to know their families.
Barton called DeBartolo a "Hall of Fame owner and a Hall of Fame friend." He said word of DeBartolo's ownership spread throughout the NFL. Although the cost of living was higher in the San Francisco area and the taxes were higher, players wanted to come to play for the 49ers for one reason: DeBartolo.
* * *
DeBartolo is back in the NFL - in a sense. He is the head of DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment. Among his clients for this draft are Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson and Boston College offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus.
Question: What would be your reaction if DeSean ended up with the 49ers?
DeBartolo: "Pay him! You're on one side of the fence or you're on the other. Although, obviously, I wouldn't be negotiating. But that would be interesting. But I think the other kid (Cherilus) has a better chance of going to them.
MORE TO COME
Tomorrow there will be more questions and answers, including why Eddie does not miss ownership as much as you think he would.
-MM
Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. will be inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame tomorrow evening in San Francisco.
And if you listen to Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice and Harris Barton and Brent Jones and Tim McDonald, geez, everybody who showed up Sunday evening at a reception to honor the former 49ers owner, this will not/should not be the last Hall of Fame he will join.
There is a move afoot to get DeBartolo in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And convincing arguments were heard from every corner of the room.
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame president Tom Martz endorsed the idea of opening the BASHOF doors to non-athletes and non-coaches. DeBartolo was the first person with that distinction to be recognized.
DeBartolo will be inducted Monday night, along with running back Roger Craig in a class that also includes Raiders punter Ray Guy, USF football player Burl Toler, and swimmer Rick DeMont.
* * *
DeBartolo is no stranger to Canton, Ohio. He grew up in nearby Youngstown. He has already introduced Hall of Famers Bill Walsh and Joe Montana.
Fred Dean, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, has asked DeBartolo to present him. And Jerry Rice said he plans to ask DeBartolo to be his presenter, too, when he is elected into the Hall of Fame in a couple years.
* * *
The thing that was quite evident in talking with numerous former 49ers was DeBartolo's passion and competitiveness.
"It was personal with Mr. DeBartolo," Lott said. "Not every owner makes it personal."
DeBartolo not only showed his face in the winning locker room. He was there when the team was losing, challenging the players - and everyone in the organization - to be better."
DeBartolo set the kind of standard that every team in the NFL would follow. DeBartolo took a vested interest in his players. He got to know all the players. He also got to know their families.
Barton called DeBartolo a "Hall of Fame owner and a Hall of Fame friend." He said word of DeBartolo's ownership spread throughout the NFL. Although the cost of living was higher in the San Francisco area and the taxes were higher, players wanted to come to play for the 49ers for one reason: DeBartolo.
* * *
DeBartolo is back in the NFL - in a sense. He is the head of DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment. Among his clients for this draft are Cal wide receiver DeSean Jackson and Boston College offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus.
Question: What would be your reaction if DeSean ended up with the 49ers?
DeBartolo: "Pay him! You're on one side of the fence or you're on the other. Although, obviously, I wouldn't be negotiating. But that would be interesting. But I think the other kid (Cherilus) has a better chance of going to them.
MORE TO COME
Tomorrow there will be more questions and answers, including why Eddie does not miss ownership as much as you think he would.
-MM
DeBartolo doesn't miss the ups and downs of ownership
Eddie DeBartolo and Ronnie Lott share a moment. (DeBartolo is on the left.)
EnlargeEnlarge
The big three of Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice will introduce former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo tonight for his induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Running back Roger Craig will also be inducted tonight in what promises to be a memorable ceremony.
On Sunday, DeBartolo was honored during a star-studded reception at the Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco.
Carmen Policy emceed the event, which brought out many of the great 49ers players and coaches through the decades, including George Seifert. Former S.F. mayors Willie Brown and Frank Jordan were also in attendance.
Tim McDonald provided a highlight when he spoke about his agent's idea to attend the NFL owners meeting in Palm Springs. McDonald was looking to make a clean break from the Cardinals, and Leigh Steinberg suggested he meet as many NFL owners as possible. After meeting several owners, nobody really stood out to McDonald.
Then, on their way back to their hotel rooms, they came across DeBartolo and Policy sitting at the pool. They were the only two still lounging poolside. Policy got to his feet and said, "Hello, Mr. McDonald."
According to McDonald, Eddie skipped the formalities. "You (three-syllable expletive). You beat me."
At which point, DeBartolo corrected McDonald.
"No, I said, 'You beat me on my birthday.' "
That defeat to the Cardinals on Nov. 6, 1988, was still fresh in DeBartolo's mind five years later when he met McDonald for the first time. And, the amazing part, is that DeBartolo still remembers his exact words to McDonald 15 years later.
After spending several minutes with DeBartolo and Policy, McDonald told his agent to get him on the 49ers or he'd be fired. McDonald signed with the 49ers as a free agent and was a major part of the team's 1994 Super Bowl winner.
* * *
Here is more from a question-and-answer session with DeBartolo . . .
QUESTION: What do you think should happen with the 49ers' stadium?
DeBARTOLO: "I think it should get built."
QUESTION: Where?
DeBARTOLO: "If it could work, and if it was me - if it could work, dollar-wise for the team, my sister -- I think it should be in San Francisco. If it can work. If not, if they can make it work down in San Jose (Santa Clara), more power to them. Hopefully, they can get things going. I know they're trying awfully hard. They need stadium. That's not a surprise to anybody. They know that. I talk to my sister a lot."
QUESTION: When you look back, where was the turning point when you knew the franchise was going to be successful?
DeBARTOLO: "It was 1979 when I hired Bill (Walsh) at the Fairmont Hotel. Absolutely. There's no question about it. All the guys, obviously, were instrumental in our successes. Bill and I sat when he was sick. We went over the years and over the games and over the playoff games we won and the Super Bowls. We went over some of the games, the playoff games and the championship games, that we came so close to maybe being in seven or eight Super Bowls. But if dog catch rabbit. We were a fortunate franchise to get Bill. None of this happens, I wouldn't be here, if Bill wasn't hired."
QUESTION: When people think back on your ownership of the 49ers, what kind of legacy do you want them to remember?
DeBARTOLO: "Somebody that hired the best people he possibly could, and tried to give them everything they needed to build an organization and be able to acquire players. And, hopefully, I gave them the autonomy to do their jobs and 99 percent of the time stayed out of their way."
QUESTION: Have you thought about getting back into it?
DeBARTOLO: "I've had numbers of discussions with people over the last five or six years."
QUESTION: Is the door still open?
DeBARTOLO: "I never say never, but I'm spending a lot of time with my family. I have a grandson. We're doing a lot traveling. I'm not a kid anymore. That takes somebody who has a lot of energy. I still have that. But if the right opportunity came down the road and it could be structured properly, I'd have to give it a look."
QUESTION: Do you miss it?
DeBARTOLO: "Not particularly. That's why I'm not rushing into anything. There were some opportunities, and still are. It's tough. In this day and age, it's tough to operate a football team, especially under some of the new guidelines they have and everything else. People like Jerry Jones, who's a dear friend of mine, and the Krafts in New England, Pat Bowlen and the Tisches and the Maras, they've done a phenomenal job - just phenomenal - with what's going on."
QUESTION: What don't you miss about it?
DeBARTOLO: "I think the ups and downs and going through . . . there's a new set of rules. They might have a slight labor problem. I doubt they're going to let that kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. But I don't miss the ups and downs of the wins and losses. You have to go through that. It's tough on people who care and give their heart and soul, like our players did. Go through that once and that's probably enough in your life."
QUESTION: You hear coaches talk about not necessarily remembering the victories, it's the losses. Is an owner like that to?
DeBARTOLO: "Exactly. I think so. To a degree."
QUESTION: Which losses still haunt you?
DeBARTOLO: "The Minnesota (1987 playoff) game and the New York Giants (1990 NFC championship) game, obviously, when I thought we really should've won the game. Everybody goes back and talks about Roger and the fumble, that wasn't it. What it was, was that Joe Montana needed another second to hit Jerry Rice wide open on the left sideline before he got creamed by Leonard Marshall. You think about things like that. I have dreams about that from time to time."
QUESTION: How does it feel to be honored in this way?
DeBARTOLO: "I can't put it into words. Just coming back here and having the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame do this. I was here last year with Jerry (Rice) and I saw how wonderful of an affair it was, but I'm looking forward to doing it because it's a culmination of a lot of things that have happened to me over the last 31 years."
QUESTION: You could be going through this again in Canton someday.
DeBARTOLO: "Maybe, hopefully. We'll see. I know the guys are really trying to do their best to pump things up. It would be nice. I'll be going back there to induct Fred Dean."
QUESTION: What goes through your mind when you go back there to the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
DeBARTOLO: "It's the epitome of what everybody, whether you're an owner, a coach, a player, it's the epitome of your dreams and your sport. That's it. You can't do any better. I'm not sure it's going to happen, but if it did it would be wonderful."
QUESTION: Why don't you think it's going to happen?
DeBARTOLO: "I don't know. I guess nobody really thinks it's going to happen until it really happens for them. But I am happy for Fred Dean. He's thrilled to death. I've talked to him a number of times, and he's real excited. And then we have a couple years and Jerry's a first-balloter."
QUESTION: The 49ers currently have a franchise-long streak of five consecutive losing seasons. How do you view the recent struggles of the team?
DeBARTOLO: "I follow the team, but I don't follow . . . when I talk to my sister, we don't talk about things like that. She's got her husband out here running things. My nephew, Jed, has come a long way and I think he's really working hard and trying to do his best. Struggles come in a lot of different ways and people have different management skills and people do things different. And I think if they're given a chance, this thing will turn around. I sure hope it does."
QUESTION: You're the first non-player or coach voted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. What does that mean to you?
DeBARTOLO: "I'm going to say in my speech that I was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but really and truly I was born 31 years ago in San Francisco when my family and I were able to acquire the franchise."
* * *
* * *
On a personal note, Rusty Henderson was one of the great teammates a person could ever hope to have. He died last week in a car crash near my hometown at the age of 39. He was on his way to work. Rusty was a one-of-a-kind personality who was always great fun to be around. Before settling down, he worked as a cowboy in Australia and on an Alaskan fishing boat.
I had not seen him much in recent years. But if I were choosing teams for anything, I'd want him on my side. He was a tenacious competitor, the likes of which I have not often seen at even sports' top level. He willed himself to become a prep standout on the football and baseball fields.
Rusty is survived by his wife and two children. A memorial fund has been set up for his family: The Rusty Henderson Memorial fund, c/o Tri Counties Bank, P.O. Box 188, Orland, CA 95963.
My thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Henderson family.
Eddie DeBartolo and Ronnie Lott share a moment. (DeBartolo is on the left.)
EnlargeEnlarge
The big three of Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice will introduce former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo tonight for his induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Running back Roger Craig will also be inducted tonight in what promises to be a memorable ceremony.
On Sunday, DeBartolo was honored during a star-studded reception at the Campton Place Hotel in San Francisco.
Carmen Policy emceed the event, which brought out many of the great 49ers players and coaches through the decades, including George Seifert. Former S.F. mayors Willie Brown and Frank Jordan were also in attendance.
Tim McDonald provided a highlight when he spoke about his agent's idea to attend the NFL owners meeting in Palm Springs. McDonald was looking to make a clean break from the Cardinals, and Leigh Steinberg suggested he meet as many NFL owners as possible. After meeting several owners, nobody really stood out to McDonald.
Then, on their way back to their hotel rooms, they came across DeBartolo and Policy sitting at the pool. They were the only two still lounging poolside. Policy got to his feet and said, "Hello, Mr. McDonald."
According to McDonald, Eddie skipped the formalities. "You (three-syllable expletive). You beat me."
At which point, DeBartolo corrected McDonald.
"No, I said, 'You beat me on my birthday.' "
That defeat to the Cardinals on Nov. 6, 1988, was still fresh in DeBartolo's mind five years later when he met McDonald for the first time. And, the amazing part, is that DeBartolo still remembers his exact words to McDonald 15 years later.
After spending several minutes with DeBartolo and Policy, McDonald told his agent to get him on the 49ers or he'd be fired. McDonald signed with the 49ers as a free agent and was a major part of the team's 1994 Super Bowl winner.
* * *
Here is more from a question-and-answer session with DeBartolo . . .
QUESTION: What do you think should happen with the 49ers' stadium?
DeBARTOLO: "I think it should get built."
QUESTION: Where?
DeBARTOLO: "If it could work, and if it was me - if it could work, dollar-wise for the team, my sister -- I think it should be in San Francisco. If it can work. If not, if they can make it work down in San Jose (Santa Clara), more power to them. Hopefully, they can get things going. I know they're trying awfully hard. They need stadium. That's not a surprise to anybody. They know that. I talk to my sister a lot."
QUESTION: When you look back, where was the turning point when you knew the franchise was going to be successful?
DeBARTOLO: "It was 1979 when I hired Bill (Walsh) at the Fairmont Hotel. Absolutely. There's no question about it. All the guys, obviously, were instrumental in our successes. Bill and I sat when he was sick. We went over the years and over the games and over the playoff games we won and the Super Bowls. We went over some of the games, the playoff games and the championship games, that we came so close to maybe being in seven or eight Super Bowls. But if dog catch rabbit. We were a fortunate franchise to get Bill. None of this happens, I wouldn't be here, if Bill wasn't hired."
QUESTION: When people think back on your ownership of the 49ers, what kind of legacy do you want them to remember?
DeBARTOLO: "Somebody that hired the best people he possibly could, and tried to give them everything they needed to build an organization and be able to acquire players. And, hopefully, I gave them the autonomy to do their jobs and 99 percent of the time stayed out of their way."
QUESTION: Have you thought about getting back into it?
DeBARTOLO: "I've had numbers of discussions with people over the last five or six years."
QUESTION: Is the door still open?
DeBARTOLO: "I never say never, but I'm spending a lot of time with my family. I have a grandson. We're doing a lot traveling. I'm not a kid anymore. That takes somebody who has a lot of energy. I still have that. But if the right opportunity came down the road and it could be structured properly, I'd have to give it a look."
QUESTION: Do you miss it?
DeBARTOLO: "Not particularly. That's why I'm not rushing into anything. There were some opportunities, and still are. It's tough. In this day and age, it's tough to operate a football team, especially under some of the new guidelines they have and everything else. People like Jerry Jones, who's a dear friend of mine, and the Krafts in New England, Pat Bowlen and the Tisches and the Maras, they've done a phenomenal job - just phenomenal - with what's going on."
QUESTION: What don't you miss about it?
DeBARTOLO: "I think the ups and downs and going through . . . there's a new set of rules. They might have a slight labor problem. I doubt they're going to let that kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. But I don't miss the ups and downs of the wins and losses. You have to go through that. It's tough on people who care and give their heart and soul, like our players did. Go through that once and that's probably enough in your life."
QUESTION: You hear coaches talk about not necessarily remembering the victories, it's the losses. Is an owner like that to?
DeBARTOLO: "Exactly. I think so. To a degree."
QUESTION: Which losses still haunt you?
DeBARTOLO: "The Minnesota (1987 playoff) game and the New York Giants (1990 NFC championship) game, obviously, when I thought we really should've won the game. Everybody goes back and talks about Roger and the fumble, that wasn't it. What it was, was that Joe Montana needed another second to hit Jerry Rice wide open on the left sideline before he got creamed by Leonard Marshall. You think about things like that. I have dreams about that from time to time."
QUESTION: How does it feel to be honored in this way?
DeBARTOLO: "I can't put it into words. Just coming back here and having the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame do this. I was here last year with Jerry (Rice) and I saw how wonderful of an affair it was, but I'm looking forward to doing it because it's a culmination of a lot of things that have happened to me over the last 31 years."
QUESTION: You could be going through this again in Canton someday.
DeBARTOLO: "Maybe, hopefully. We'll see. I know the guys are really trying to do their best to pump things up. It would be nice. I'll be going back there to induct Fred Dean."
QUESTION: What goes through your mind when you go back there to the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
DeBARTOLO: "It's the epitome of what everybody, whether you're an owner, a coach, a player, it's the epitome of your dreams and your sport. That's it. You can't do any better. I'm not sure it's going to happen, but if it did it would be wonderful."
QUESTION: Why don't you think it's going to happen?
DeBARTOLO: "I don't know. I guess nobody really thinks it's going to happen until it really happens for them. But I am happy for Fred Dean. He's thrilled to death. I've talked to him a number of times, and he's real excited. And then we have a couple years and Jerry's a first-balloter."
QUESTION: The 49ers currently have a franchise-long streak of five consecutive losing seasons. How do you view the recent struggles of the team?
DeBARTOLO: "I follow the team, but I don't follow . . . when I talk to my sister, we don't talk about things like that. She's got her husband out here running things. My nephew, Jed, has come a long way and I think he's really working hard and trying to do his best. Struggles come in a lot of different ways and people have different management skills and people do things different. And I think if they're given a chance, this thing will turn around. I sure hope it does."
QUESTION: You're the first non-player or coach voted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. What does that mean to you?
DeBARTOLO: "I'm going to say in my speech that I was born in Youngstown, Ohio, but really and truly I was born 31 years ago in San Francisco when my family and I were able to acquire the franchise."
* * *
* * *
On a personal note, Rusty Henderson was one of the great teammates a person could ever hope to have. He died last week in a car crash near my hometown at the age of 39. He was on his way to work. Rusty was a one-of-a-kind personality who was always great fun to be around. Before settling down, he worked as a cowboy in Australia and on an Alaskan fishing boat.
I had not seen him much in recent years. But if I were choosing teams for anything, I'd want him on my side. He was a tenacious competitor, the likes of which I have not often seen at even sports' top level. He willed himself to become a prep standout on the football and baseball fields.
Rusty is survived by his wife and two children. A memorial fund has been set up for his family: The Rusty Henderson Memorial fund, c/o Tri Counties Bank, P.O. Box 188, Orland, CA 95963.
My thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Henderson family.
Aye Solitary, heres to 1 of ur theories......
DeBARTOLO: "If it could work, and if it was me - if it could work, dollar-wise for the team, my sister -- I think it should be in San Francisco. If it can work. If not, if they can make it work down in San Jose (Santa Clara), more power to them. Hopefully, they can get things going. I know they're trying awfully hard. They need stadium. That's not a surprise to anybody. They know that. I talk to my sister a lot."
DeBARTOLO: "If it could work, and if it was me - if it could work, dollar-wise for the team, my sister -- I think it should be in San Francisco. If it can work. If not, if they can make it work down in San Jose (Santa Clara), more power to them. Hopefully, they can get things going. I know they're trying awfully hard. They need stadium. That's not a surprise to anybody. They know that. I talk to my sister a lot."
Selfless Craig grateful to those who helped him succeed
One of the themes of last night's Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony was that other Hall of Fame.
The 800 folks on hand at the St. Francis last night would agree Roger Craig and Eddie DeBartolo deserve spots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. (The same goes for former Raiders punter Ray Guy, who was also enshrined last night.)
It was great fun to attend the ceremony and see my friend, Roger, receive such a well-deserved honor. Roger and I co-authored a book in 2004 entitled, "Roger Craig's Tales from the San Francisco 49ers Sideline." The experience of working with him was fantastic. He has such an easy-going nature and positive outlook on everything. Every aspect of working with Roger on that project was enjoyable.
The thing that came across last night is that he is so selfless - a great team player.
Jamie Williams, who grew up in Davenport, Iowa, with Roger, presented him. They played junior high, high school, college and professional football together. Williams said Roger always had a team-first mentality.
Williams said if Roger had been more selfish, he could have piled up more individual accolades. He might already be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But personal glory is not what defined Roger's football career. He played 11 NFL seasons (eight with the 49ers, two with the Raiders and one with the Vikings). His teams made the playoffs 11 times. That is no small coincidence.
Roger thanked DeBartolo for building an organization that counted on everybody - a team in which everyone from the groundskeepers to the players and coaches to the office workers had important roles.
Roger relayed a telling story about the priorities of the 49ers, circa 1983. During Roger's first training camp, coach Bill Walsh gave the team a night off from meetings. Roger said he was ready to unwind and have some fun.
"I wanted to know where the party was that night," Roger said. "I picked the worst guy- and the best guy- to ask about a party. I went to Ronnie Lott.
"I asked him, Where's the party? He looked at me for a second as if he couldn't believe what I was asking. A frown came across his face and he shot back, 'We didn't draft you here to party, we drafted you to help us get back to the Super Bowl! Instead of partying you better have your butt in your Dorm studying your play book tonight and be ready for practice in the morning.'
"Trust me," Roger said, "I stayed in my dorm.
"Those words from Ronnie nearly 25 years ago made a big difference. He showed me immediately what it meant to be a pro and act like a pro. It also set the tone for how I would approach the rest of my career."
* * *
Joe Starkey did a masterly job of emceeing the event. The first people he called to the podium were Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice. Those three collectively introduced DeBartolo.
Rice provided one of the lines of the night when he spoke about Eddie helping him make the huge adjustment from Mississippi Valley State to the NFL. There were some chuckles at the thought of such a dramatic change in environment. Then, Rice looked to Lott and to Montana, and said they could not relate to what he went through.
"Coming from USC and Notre Dame, these guys had to take paycuts when they came to the 49ers," Rice quipped.
* * *
Those most inspirational part of the night was the induction of Burl Toler Sr., a truly remarkable man. He was a great football player at USF, and a key member of the 1951 team that finished unbeaten and untied. The Dons were also uninvited to the Orange Bowl because two of the team's stars - Toler and Ollie Matson - were African-American.
Toler sustained a career-ending knee injury in a 1952 college all-star game, preventing him from professional football stardom.
He became an NFL official. He also taught for 17 years at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, which in 2006 was renamed Burl A. Toler Middle School.
* * *
San Rafael-born swimmer Rick DeMont was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. He won the gold medal at the 1972 Olympics in the 400 freestyle. But his medal was revoked because of what was originally thought to be traces of a banned substance. It was later found out it was allergy medicine. The U.S. Olympic Committee has since stated DeMont should not have been disqualified, but the International Olympic Committee has yet to recognize DeMont as the winner.
* * *
John Madden introduced Ray Guy. Madden took the podium late into the evening. He provided the best entertainment of the evening with a rollicking performance -- vintage Madden. Guy's aw-shucks acceptance speech was also captivating.
* * *
It was a great night all the way around - an opportunity to pay homage to some very deserving individuals, including one good friend.
Coach Mike Nolan and many members of the current organization were in attendance. John and Denise York had a prior commitment in Youngstown, but son Jed York was there.
Everything about the evening was great . . . until I was leaving the Union Square hotel. That's when I stopped to chat with Scot McCloughan and Jed York, along with other 49ers employees Aaron Salkin, Jason Jenkins and Fred Formosa.
McCloughan put me on the spot. "Who do you think we're going to draft (at No. 29)?"
He must have enjoyed watching me squirm. I hemmed and I hawed. I tried to brush it off by saying I had yet to go through the first 28 picks to determine which players would be available when the 49ers pick.
He wasn't taking that for an answer. "Who are we going to take?"
Finally, I said Jeff Otah, offensive lineman from Pitt.
McCloughan nodded, as if to say, "He's a good player."
And then he corrected me on the pronunciation of the kid's last name.
One of the themes of last night's Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony was that other Hall of Fame.
The 800 folks on hand at the St. Francis last night would agree Roger Craig and Eddie DeBartolo deserve spots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. (The same goes for former Raiders punter Ray Guy, who was also enshrined last night.)
It was great fun to attend the ceremony and see my friend, Roger, receive such a well-deserved honor. Roger and I co-authored a book in 2004 entitled, "Roger Craig's Tales from the San Francisco 49ers Sideline." The experience of working with him was fantastic. He has such an easy-going nature and positive outlook on everything. Every aspect of working with Roger on that project was enjoyable.
The thing that came across last night is that he is so selfless - a great team player.
Jamie Williams, who grew up in Davenport, Iowa, with Roger, presented him. They played junior high, high school, college and professional football together. Williams said Roger always had a team-first mentality.
Williams said if Roger had been more selfish, he could have piled up more individual accolades. He might already be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But personal glory is not what defined Roger's football career. He played 11 NFL seasons (eight with the 49ers, two with the Raiders and one with the Vikings). His teams made the playoffs 11 times. That is no small coincidence.
Roger thanked DeBartolo for building an organization that counted on everybody - a team in which everyone from the groundskeepers to the players and coaches to the office workers had important roles.
Roger relayed a telling story about the priorities of the 49ers, circa 1983. During Roger's first training camp, coach Bill Walsh gave the team a night off from meetings. Roger said he was ready to unwind and have some fun.
"I wanted to know where the party was that night," Roger said. "I picked the worst guy- and the best guy- to ask about a party. I went to Ronnie Lott.
"I asked him, Where's the party? He looked at me for a second as if he couldn't believe what I was asking. A frown came across his face and he shot back, 'We didn't draft you here to party, we drafted you to help us get back to the Super Bowl! Instead of partying you better have your butt in your Dorm studying your play book tonight and be ready for practice in the morning.'
"Trust me," Roger said, "I stayed in my dorm.
"Those words from Ronnie nearly 25 years ago made a big difference. He showed me immediately what it meant to be a pro and act like a pro. It also set the tone for how I would approach the rest of my career."
* * *
Joe Starkey did a masterly job of emceeing the event. The first people he called to the podium were Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice. Those three collectively introduced DeBartolo.
Rice provided one of the lines of the night when he spoke about Eddie helping him make the huge adjustment from Mississippi Valley State to the NFL. There were some chuckles at the thought of such a dramatic change in environment. Then, Rice looked to Lott and to Montana, and said they could not relate to what he went through.
"Coming from USC and Notre Dame, these guys had to take paycuts when they came to the 49ers," Rice quipped.
* * *
Those most inspirational part of the night was the induction of Burl Toler Sr., a truly remarkable man. He was a great football player at USF, and a key member of the 1951 team that finished unbeaten and untied. The Dons were also uninvited to the Orange Bowl because two of the team's stars - Toler and Ollie Matson - were African-American.
Toler sustained a career-ending knee injury in a 1952 college all-star game, preventing him from professional football stardom.
He became an NFL official. He also taught for 17 years at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, which in 2006 was renamed Burl A. Toler Middle School.
* * *
San Rafael-born swimmer Rick DeMont was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. He won the gold medal at the 1972 Olympics in the 400 freestyle. But his medal was revoked because of what was originally thought to be traces of a banned substance. It was later found out it was allergy medicine. The U.S. Olympic Committee has since stated DeMont should not have been disqualified, but the International Olympic Committee has yet to recognize DeMont as the winner.
* * *
John Madden introduced Ray Guy. Madden took the podium late into the evening. He provided the best entertainment of the evening with a rollicking performance -- vintage Madden. Guy's aw-shucks acceptance speech was also captivating.
* * *
It was a great night all the way around - an opportunity to pay homage to some very deserving individuals, including one good friend.
Coach Mike Nolan and many members of the current organization were in attendance. John and Denise York had a prior commitment in Youngstown, but son Jed York was there.
Everything about the evening was great . . . until I was leaving the Union Square hotel. That's when I stopped to chat with Scot McCloughan and Jed York, along with other 49ers employees Aaron Salkin, Jason Jenkins and Fred Formosa.
McCloughan put me on the spot. "Who do you think we're going to draft (at No. 29)?"
He must have enjoyed watching me squirm. I hemmed and I hawed. I tried to brush it off by saying I had yet to go through the first 28 picks to determine which players would be available when the 49ers pick.
He wasn't taking that for an answer. "Who are we going to take?"
Finally, I said Jeff Otah, offensive lineman from Pitt.
McCloughan nodded, as if to say, "He's a good player."
And then he corrected me on the pronunciation of the kid's last name.
