Niner News Thread
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Cats and dogs living together? 49ers, Raiders to hold joint practice?
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2224250
The 49ers and Raiders are in talks to hold one day of joint practices leading up to their exhibition game Friday, Aug. 8. The teams do not play in the regular season.
If the sides finalize the agreement, the practice session would likely take place in Napa -- home of Raiders training camp -- and be closed to the general public.
Coach Mike Nolan in the past has expressed his desire to practice against another team to break up the monotony of going head-to-head against teammates all through training camp.
The 49ers held discussions last year with the Denver Broncos about holding joint practices leading up to the first exhibition game for both teams. But the Broncos ran into logistical problems in finding hotel space for an extended stay in the Bay Area.
The 49ers' first practice of training camp is scheduled for July 25 at the club's Santa Clara practice facility. Camp closes Aug. 22.
* * *
Check out the hard-to-see attachment below for NFL training camp reporting dates and sites, as well as the national TV schedule for the exhibition season.
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=2224250
The 49ers and Raiders are in talks to hold one day of joint practices leading up to their exhibition game Friday, Aug. 8. The teams do not play in the regular season.
If the sides finalize the agreement, the practice session would likely take place in Napa -- home of Raiders training camp -- and be closed to the general public.
Coach Mike Nolan in the past has expressed his desire to practice against another team to break up the monotony of going head-to-head against teammates all through training camp.
The 49ers held discussions last year with the Denver Broncos about holding joint practices leading up to the first exhibition game for both teams. But the Broncos ran into logistical problems in finding hotel space for an extended stay in the Bay Area.
The 49ers' first practice of training camp is scheduled for July 25 at the club's Santa Clara practice facility. Camp closes Aug. 22.
* * *
Check out the hard-to-see attachment below for NFL training camp reporting dates and sites, as well as the national TV schedule for the exhibition season.
49ers' Dilfer ready to call it quits after 14 seasons
http://www.contracostatimes.com/49ers/ci_9832526?nclick_check=1
Quarterback Trent Dilfer, who spent the past two seasons with the 49ers, said Wednesday that he'll make a formal announcement in the coming days that he is retiring from football.
Dilfer, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and played 14 seasons in the NFL, said a recent injury to his Achilles' tendon helped make up his mind.
"I was going to retire anyway. This just gives clarity to the situation," Dilfer said during a news conference for American Century Celebrity Golf Championship that begins Friday in Stateline, Nev.
Dilfer, 36, said he's been considering some different options post-football but declined to elaborate.
"I think in the next few days there will be a formal announcement on all those things," the former Fresno State star. "I think everybody I've talked to says (camaraderie is) the hardest thing to get away from, just the locker room, just being around the guys each day, the routine of the season. But I knew this time was coming, and here it is."
Patriots: Running back Kevin Faulk pleaded no contest to misdemeanor marijuana charges and received a year of probation. Judge Herman Clause also suspended a five-month sentence, according to the clerk of court's office in Lafayette Parish (La.). Faulk was issued a misdemeanor summons for simple possession of marijuana at a Li'l Wayne concert at the Cajundome in February. He must undergo 20 hours of NFL-approved substance abuse treatment, pay $781 in fines and court costs and provide 40 hours of community service through anti-drug lectures to students at Lafayette Parish middle and high schools.
Bengals: Former Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry will face a retrial in Hamilton County (Ohio) court for an assault charge after allegedly punching an 18-year-old in the face last March. Henry's second trial begins July 14, his agent Marvin Frazier told ESPN.com. His first trial resulted in a hung jury on July 1 when jurors were unable to reach an agreement on the assault charge. A second charge of criminal damaging was dismissed during the trial. The incident led to Henry's fifth arrest in three years and resulted in his release from the Bengals and an indefinite suspension by the NFL. If Henry is found not guilty, the suspension likely will be lifted and allow Henry to seek employment with another team in 2008. Last season Henry played in eight games and had 21 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns.
Broncos; Denver signed running back Ryan Torain, defensive tackle Carlton Powell and linebacker Spencer Larsen, all drafted in April. Torain, who played for Arizona State, and Powell, out of Virginia Tech, were taken in the fifth round. Larsen, who played for Arizona, was a sixth-round pick. The Broncos have signed four of their nine draft picks.
Steelers: Pittsburgh signed rookie linebacker Bruce Davis to a three-year contract. Davis was a third-round draft choice out of UCLA, where he was All-Pac 10 first team as a senior.
Cardinals: Arizona signed offensive lineman Brandon Keith, the team's seventh-round draft pick out of Northern Iowa, to a three-year deal.
Colts: Three roof drains in Lucas Oil Stadium sprang leaks when thunderstorms hit Indianapolis on Tuesday night, leading to some water damage in a data center and other areas. But stadium officials say the damage shouldn't delay the Aug. 16 public opening for the new home of the Colts.
Etc.: The league hired Pennsylvania's state police chief for a new position that will cover all aspects of stadium security from fan behavior to signal stealing. But Col. Jeffrey Miller, who begins work as director of strategic security Aug. 18, said there was far more to the job than ensuring no repeat of the episode last year involving the New England Patriots. "It's safe to say that the league is obviously sensitive to any issue which could affect the integrity of the product that they put out on the field," Miller said. Miller, 45, has been commissioner of the state police since his appointment by Gov. Ed Rendell in 2003.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/49ers/ci_9832526?nclick_check=1
Quarterback Trent Dilfer, who spent the past two seasons with the 49ers, said Wednesday that he'll make a formal announcement in the coming days that he is retiring from football.
Dilfer, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and played 14 seasons in the NFL, said a recent injury to his Achilles' tendon helped make up his mind.
"I was going to retire anyway. This just gives clarity to the situation," Dilfer said during a news conference for American Century Celebrity Golf Championship that begins Friday in Stateline, Nev.
Dilfer, 36, said he's been considering some different options post-football but declined to elaborate.
"I think in the next few days there will be a formal announcement on all those things," the former Fresno State star. "I think everybody I've talked to says (camaraderie is) the hardest thing to get away from, just the locker room, just being around the guys each day, the routine of the season. But I knew this time was coming, and here it is."
Patriots: Running back Kevin Faulk pleaded no contest to misdemeanor marijuana charges and received a year of probation. Judge Herman Clause also suspended a five-month sentence, according to the clerk of court's office in Lafayette Parish (La.). Faulk was issued a misdemeanor summons for simple possession of marijuana at a Li'l Wayne concert at the Cajundome in February. He must undergo 20 hours of NFL-approved substance abuse treatment, pay $781 in fines and court costs and provide 40 hours of community service through anti-drug lectures to students at Lafayette Parish middle and high schools.
Bengals: Former Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry will face a retrial in Hamilton County (Ohio) court for an assault charge after allegedly punching an 18-year-old in the face last March. Henry's second trial begins July 14, his agent Marvin Frazier told ESPN.com. His first trial resulted in a hung jury on July 1 when jurors were unable to reach an agreement on the assault charge. A second charge of criminal damaging was dismissed during the trial. The incident led to Henry's fifth arrest in three years and resulted in his release from the Bengals and an indefinite suspension by the NFL. If Henry is found not guilty, the suspension likely will be lifted and allow Henry to seek employment with another team in 2008. Last season Henry played in eight games and had 21 receptions for 343 yards and two touchdowns.
Broncos; Denver signed running back Ryan Torain, defensive tackle Carlton Powell and linebacker Spencer Larsen, all drafted in April. Torain, who played for Arizona State, and Powell, out of Virginia Tech, were taken in the fifth round. Larsen, who played for Arizona, was a sixth-round pick. The Broncos have signed four of their nine draft picks.
Steelers: Pittsburgh signed rookie linebacker Bruce Davis to a three-year contract. Davis was a third-round draft choice out of UCLA, where he was All-Pac 10 first team as a senior.
Cardinals: Arizona signed offensive lineman Brandon Keith, the team's seventh-round draft pick out of Northern Iowa, to a three-year deal.
Colts: Three roof drains in Lucas Oil Stadium sprang leaks when thunderstorms hit Indianapolis on Tuesday night, leading to some water damage in a data center and other areas. But stadium officials say the damage shouldn't delay the Aug. 16 public opening for the new home of the Colts.
Etc.: The league hired Pennsylvania's state police chief for a new position that will cover all aspects of stadium security from fan behavior to signal stealing. But Col. Jeffrey Miller, who begins work as director of strategic security Aug. 18, said there was far more to the job than ensuring no repeat of the episode last year involving the New England Patriots. "It's safe to say that the league is obviously sensitive to any issue which could affect the integrity of the product that they put out on the field," Miller said. Miller, 45, has been commissioner of the state police since his appointment by Gov. Ed Rendell in 2003.
49ers will open eight practices to the public
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/49ers/ci_9836755?nclick_check=1
49ERS PRACTICES
The 49ers will open eight free practices to the public during training camp. The practices will feature interactive football drills and games, cheerleader appearances and player autograph sessions. Tickets, 3,000 of which will be available for each practice, will be released Friday at www.49ers.com.
DATE TIME
July 26 9-10:30 a.m.
July 27 9-10:30 a.m.
July 27 4-5:30 p.m.
July 28 4-5:30 p.m.
July 30 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 1 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 2 9-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 3 4-5:30 p.m.
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/49ers/ci_9836755?nclick_check=1
49ERS PRACTICES
The 49ers will open eight free practices to the public during training camp. The practices will feature interactive football drills and games, cheerleader appearances and player autograph sessions. Tickets, 3,000 of which will be available for each practice, will be released Friday at www.49ers.com.
DATE TIME
July 26 9-10:30 a.m.
July 27 9-10:30 a.m.
July 27 4-5:30 p.m.
July 28 4-5:30 p.m.
July 30 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 1 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 2 9-10:30 a.m.
Aug. 3 4-5:30 p.m.
Training Camp Ticket Info
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4301
The San Francisco 49ers will open eight, free practices to the public during training camp. Sponsored by the San Jose Mercury News and Samsung, each of the eight open practices feature interactive football drills and games, appearances by members of the Gold Rush, Sourdough Sam and player autograph sessions for fans, as they experience the excitement of training camp in person.
Season ticket holders received an email on Wednesday, July 9 with the necessary information to register online. Tickets will then be released to the general public on Friday, July 11.
The free open practices are scheduled for Saturday, July 26 (9-10:30 a.m.), Sunday, July 27 (9-10:30 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.), Monday, July 28 (4-5:30 p.m.), Wednesday, July 30 (4-5:30 p.m.), Friday, August 1 (4-5:30 p.m.), Saturday, August 2 (9-10:30 a.m.) and Sunday, August 3 (4-5:30 p.m.).
The open practices are free ticketed events with a limit of 3,000 tickets available per practice. To obtain tickets, fans must register online by clicking here! https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=TRAI24E
During the open practices members of the Gold Rush Cheerleading team also will be in attendance. Participants will have the opportunity to take pictures with the team’s five Super Bowl trophies and visit the 49ers sponsor booths.
“I like the idea of having fans at our practices,” Head Coach Mike Nolan said. “Our players are energized by their excitement and enthusiasm. We are happy that they will be a part of our training camp.”
The 49ers training facility is located at 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara, CA.
San Francisco 49ers Open Training Camp Practice Dates
Saturday July 26 9-10:30 a.m.
Sunday July 27 9-10:30 a.m. AND 4-5:30 p.m.
Monday July 28 4-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 30 4-5:30 p.m.
Friday August 1 4-5:30 p.m.
Saturday August 2 9-10:30 a.m.
Sunday August 3 4-5:30 p.m.
Please Note: The tickets to the opening day of camp - San Jose Mercury News Day - are sold out.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4301
The San Francisco 49ers will open eight, free practices to the public during training camp. Sponsored by the San Jose Mercury News and Samsung, each of the eight open practices feature interactive football drills and games, appearances by members of the Gold Rush, Sourdough Sam and player autograph sessions for fans, as they experience the excitement of training camp in person.
Season ticket holders received an email on Wednesday, July 9 with the necessary information to register online. Tickets will then be released to the general public on Friday, July 11.
The free open practices are scheduled for Saturday, July 26 (9-10:30 a.m.), Sunday, July 27 (9-10:30 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.), Monday, July 28 (4-5:30 p.m.), Wednesday, July 30 (4-5:30 p.m.), Friday, August 1 (4-5:30 p.m.), Saturday, August 2 (9-10:30 a.m.) and Sunday, August 3 (4-5:30 p.m.).
The open practices are free ticketed events with a limit of 3,000 tickets available per practice. To obtain tickets, fans must register online by clicking here! https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=TRAI24E
During the open practices members of the Gold Rush Cheerleading team also will be in attendance. Participants will have the opportunity to take pictures with the team’s five Super Bowl trophies and visit the 49ers sponsor booths.
“I like the idea of having fans at our practices,” Head Coach Mike Nolan said. “Our players are energized by their excitement and enthusiasm. We are happy that they will be a part of our training camp.”
The 49ers training facility is located at 4949 Centennial Boulevard in Santa Clara, CA.
San Francisco 49ers Open Training Camp Practice Dates
Saturday July 26 9-10:30 a.m.
Sunday July 27 9-10:30 a.m. AND 4-5:30 p.m.
Monday July 28 4-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday July 30 4-5:30 p.m.
Friday August 1 4-5:30 p.m.
Saturday August 2 9-10:30 a.m.
Sunday August 3 4-5:30 p.m.
Please Note: The tickets to the opening day of camp - San Jose Mercury News Day - are sold out.
49ers Waive DE Melvin Oliver
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4314§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced today that DE Melvin Oliver has been waived.
Oliver originally joined the 49ers as a sixth-round draft pick out of LSU in 2006. As a rookie, he played in 16 games with 14 starting assignments and finished with 50 total tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Oliver missed the 2007 season after suffering a knee injury during organized team activities in June.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4314§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced today that DE Melvin Oliver has been waived.
Oliver originally joined the 49ers as a sixth-round draft pick out of LSU in 2006. As a rookie, he played in 16 games with 14 starting assignments and finished with 50 total tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Oliver missed the 2007 season after suffering a knee injury during organized team activities in June.
49ers Sign G/T Chilo Rachal
http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4317§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced today that they have signed second-round draft choice T/G Chilo Rachal. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Rachal (6-4, 315) did not allow a sack in 21 games during his college career at USC as a guard. The 49ers coaching staff moved Rachal to tackle during the organized team activities in June.
Rachal is the third of the 49ers six 2007 draft picks to sign with the team.
http://sf49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4317§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced today that they have signed second-round draft choice T/G Chilo Rachal. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Rachal (6-4, 315) did not allow a sack in 21 games during his college career at USC as a guard. The 49ers coaching staff moved Rachal to tackle during the organized team activities in June.
Rachal is the third of the 49ers six 2007 draft picks to sign with the team.
49ers veteran guard Allen considering playing next season
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3499376&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan said he believes guard Larry Allen might consider postponing his retirement to return for his 15th NFL season.
Allen, an 11-time Pro Bowler, spent the last two seasons with the 49ers after leaving the Dallas Cowboys. Nolan still hasn't spoken directly to Allen, a free agent, but said Monday that offensive line coach George Warhop had a recent conversation with him.
"He called a week or two ago to express his interest, but I haven't heard from him since," Nolan said Monday. "I just think because he's a free agent, he just left it up to his agent this time."
The 36-year-old Allen, who lives in the Bay Area year-round, was widely considered to be headed for retirement even though the soft-spoken guard hadn't said much publicly on the issue.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3499376&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan said he believes guard Larry Allen might consider postponing his retirement to return for his 15th NFL season.
Allen, an 11-time Pro Bowler, spent the last two seasons with the 49ers after leaving the Dallas Cowboys. Nolan still hasn't spoken directly to Allen, a free agent, but said Monday that offensive line coach George Warhop had a recent conversation with him.
"He called a week or two ago to express his interest, but I haven't heard from him since," Nolan said Monday. "I just think because he's a free agent, he just left it up to his agent this time."
The 36-year-old Allen, who lives in the Bay Area year-round, was widely considered to be headed for retirement even though the soft-spoken guard hadn't said much publicly on the issue.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
49ers training camp roster
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/49ers/ci_9957169?nclick_check=1
TRAINING CAMP ROSTER
Quarterbacks (4): Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, Alex Smith, Kyle Wright.
Running backs (5): Thomas Clayton, DeShaun Foster, Frank Gore, Zak Keasey, Michael Robinson.
Fullback (1): Moran Norris.
Wide receivers (10): Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Cam Colvin, Jason Hill, Bryant Johnson, Robert Jordan, Ashley Lelie, Josh Morgan, Jerard Rabb, Dominique Zeigler.
Tight ends (6): Billy Bajema, Vernon Davis, J.J. Finley, Brian Jennings, Delanie Walker, Cooper Wallace.
Centers (2): Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace.
Guards (5): David Baas, Brian De La Puente, Chilo Rachal, Jeb Terry, Tony Wragge.
Tackles (7): Damane Duckett, Jonas Jennings, Alan Reuber, Barry Sims, Adam Snyder, Joe Staley, Joe Toledo.
Defensive ends (6): Kentwan Balmer, Atiyyah Ellison, Louis Holmes, Ray McDonald, Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga.
Defensive tackles (5): Joe Cohen, Walter Curry, Ronald Fields, Aubrayo Franklin, LaJuan Ramsey.
Linebackers (11): Tully Banta-Cain, Larry Grant, Roderick Green, Dennis Haley, Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Brandon Moore, Jay Moore, Dontarrious Thomas, Jeff Ulbrich, Patrick Willis.
Cornerbacks (9): Tarell Brown, Nate Clements, Markus Curry, Walt Harris, Marcus Hudson, Allen Rossum, Reggie Smith, Shawntae Spencer, Donald Strickland.
Safeties (6): Lewis Baker, Dashon Goldson, Keith Lewis, Michael Lewis, DJ Parker, Mark Roman.
Kicker (1): Joe Nedney.
Punters (2): Andy Lee, Ricky Schmitt.
http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/49ers/ci_9957169?nclick_check=1
TRAINING CAMP ROSTER
Quarterbacks (4): Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan, Alex Smith, Kyle Wright.
Running backs (5): Thomas Clayton, DeShaun Foster, Frank Gore, Zak Keasey, Michael Robinson.
Fullback (1): Moran Norris.
Wide receivers (10): Arnaz Battle, Isaac Bruce, Cam Colvin, Jason Hill, Bryant Johnson, Robert Jordan, Ashley Lelie, Josh Morgan, Jerard Rabb, Dominique Zeigler.
Tight ends (6): Billy Bajema, Vernon Davis, J.J. Finley, Brian Jennings, Delanie Walker, Cooper Wallace.
Centers (2): Eric Heitmann, Cody Wallace.
Guards (5): David Baas, Brian De La Puente, Chilo Rachal, Jeb Terry, Tony Wragge.
Tackles (7): Damane Duckett, Jonas Jennings, Alan Reuber, Barry Sims, Adam Snyder, Joe Staley, Joe Toledo.
Defensive ends (6): Kentwan Balmer, Atiyyah Ellison, Louis Holmes, Ray McDonald, Justin Smith, Isaac Sopoaga.
Defensive tackles (5): Joe Cohen, Walter Curry, Ronald Fields, Aubrayo Franklin, LaJuan Ramsey.
Linebackers (11): Tully Banta-Cain, Larry Grant, Roderick Green, Dennis Haley, Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson, Brandon Moore, Jay Moore, Dontarrious Thomas, Jeff Ulbrich, Patrick Willis.
Cornerbacks (9): Tarell Brown, Nate Clements, Markus Curry, Walt Harris, Marcus Hudson, Allen Rossum, Reggie Smith, Shawntae Spencer, Donald Strickland.
Safeties (6): Lewis Baker, Dashon Goldson, Keith Lewis, Michael Lewis, DJ Parker, Mark Roman.
Kicker (1): Joe Nedney.
Punters (2): Andy Lee, Ricky Schmitt.
Lawson Longs for his Return
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4326
Linebacker Manny Lawson heard the pop early last season as he came down from trying to defend a pass to tight end Billy Bajema along the 49ers sidelines, but after he ran sprints, hopped on the bike and worked on his cuts on the adjacent practice field, most of his teammates assumed the injury wasn’t all that serious.
Lawson held on to a similar hope, even later at the hospital when a nurse dashed most of that optimism with a glance at his MRI and a “wow, that doesn’t look good.”
The doctors shortly confirmed the nurse’s assessment, leaving Lawson to come to grips with a torn ACL and an abrupt end to what everyone expected to be the former first-rounder’s coming out party.
Despite the painful realization of the extent of his injury, Lawson first concerned himself with cheering everyone else up.
“Alex Smith and I are always joking around, so before I went for the MRI he was messing with me about how I was limping around for sympathy,” recalled Lawson. “When I got back and told him what had actually happened, he didn’t believe me because I still had a smile on my face. It was tough because I could see the disbelief on a lot of the guys’ faces, but I just kept telling everyone it was all going to be okay. I didn’t want anyone worrying for me.”
But for those who know Lawson best, it was anything but okay.
“I think my friends and family members who know me very well know how agonizing it was for me, but it’s just my way to make light of everything,” said Lawson. “I feel that I can deal with my own problems and listen to theirs. I really do hate burdening anyone with my problems, so I usually won’t go there. I’d rather just be the one holding everything together.”
Anyone describing the 24-year old as silly and carefree wouldn’t be off the mark, but Lawson is also thoughtful and very serious when it comes to holding things together and being the friend and leader that everyone can count on. Lawson professes to be a hermit at heart, but he’s the first to volunteer for airport duty and general chauffer service for his teammates in need of rides, the one to organize bowling events, and he’s even been known to babysit for an entire weekend for teammate Marcus Hudson’s two boys.
"Marcus and I have been friends since college and I know his family pretty well at this point," said Lawson. "The boys call me Uncle Manny and we have a good time."
Being just as dependable to his teammates on the field is why following his rookie year when he made the conversion from defensive end to linebacker, Lawson spent virtually every day of the 2007 off-season working out at the 49ers facility with a vengeance.
“I think my rookie year I was really still learning and feeling my way out,” said Lawson. “Towards the end of the season it all started to come together for me and I felt that if I worked at my best in the off-season, it could be my year.”
Players are encouraged to spend some time away from football in January and February, but Lawson basically pitched a tent at 4949 Centennial and clocked about as many hours as the full-time staff.
“I’d usually work out in the mornings and then sometimes come back at night,” said Lawson. “Whenever I’d get restless, I’d just go get another workout in. They threw me for a loop when they redid the weight room and moved all the weights into the locker room, but I still made it work.”
All of that hard work and extra effort looked to be paying off with two strong performances in the 49ers wins over Arizona and St. Louis. Against the Rams, Lawson forced the Rams to settle for a field goal when he broke up a 3rd down pass in the redzone, but the near interception had him thinking more work with the JUGGS machine that week after practice.
Turns out, that was all she wrote for Lawson’s 2007 season, and instead of working to get that interception, Lawson embarked on months and months of rehab on his surgically repaired knee.
“It’s been a long road but I think me making jokes all of the time is what helped me get better. I didn’t let anyone feel sorry for me and I never allowed myself to feel sorry for me. I didn’t want any excuses.”
No kidding. When in immense pain following surgery, Lawson even chucked the pain pills and gritted his teeth, believing the only true way to get better was time and rehab -- loads of rehab.
“At first I became Jeff Ferguson’s (head athletic trainer) shadow, always asking him if I could do more,” said Lawson. “The answer was usually no, but then I think the training staff started to give me my exercises pared down so that when I asked to do more they could act like they were letting me push the envelope when I was really just doing what they wanted me to do in the first place. I’d still try to sneak in extra and that’s when Fergy became like a hawk and I couldn’t shake him.”
Every day Lawson would log a few hours with the ever mindful 49ers athletic training staff, but then up to four nights a week he’d head back to the facility on his own and do extra rehab exercises and then soak in the cold tub.
But like many of his 49ers teammates who have spent time out due to injury, the rehab paled in comparison to the mental struggle on Sundays.
“It was torture,” confessed Lawson. “Watching your team play without you and wondering whether you could make a difference or not out there was agonizing. There were several times where I got really fed up with just having to watch, but I stuck with it because I still felt obligated to support my teammates.”
One Sunday proved to be particularly difficult as Lawson, unbeknownst to the 49ers Faithful, sat in their midst at Candlestick for a home game.
“I sat there and listened to the fans cheer guys on, but then completely heckle guys too,” said Lawson. “I wanted to open my mouth and defend my guys, but I knew it was best to just keep my mouth shut. But the hardest part was when they talked about me being hurt and maybe what I could have done out there because that’s what I was always wondering too. That was the last home game for me. I just watched the rest from home.”
Lawson was never one to take football for granted in the first place, but his lost year kicked the importance of every single snap into overdrive.
“I’d always heard stories about what Jerry Rice and Bryant Young went through when they had serious injuries and had to sit out and how much more the game meant to them afterwards, and now I understand,” said Lawson. “I just know when I get back out there that I’m going to make every single snap, and every single play matter.”
Additional logs got tossed onto that fire of desire when Lawson accompanied linebacker Patrick Willis to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii this February.
“I think the coaches initially planted the seed for me to go with Patrick as an older brother,” said Lawson. “In doing so, it really instilled in me that it’s something I really want to achieve. Patrick said in an interview over there that he wished I wasn’t there just watching and that we should have been there playing together. That fueled the fire for me because now I’m working to get there and have the chance to actually play alongside him.”
Given his affable and entertaining personality, it was no surprise that a collective cheer from both sides of the ball occurred during one of the OTA practices in June when Lawson finally received the okay from the head athletic trainer to take some reps in the team period.
But the shout outs for 99 extended well beyond his popularity.
Although the 49ers defense did what they must in 2007 and marched on without him, Lawson’s ability to play multiple positions allowed the 49ers greater flexibility with their defensive schemes. When the versatile linebacker went down defensive coordinator Greg Manusky relied on a few different personnel groupings to take the singular place of Lawson, thus limiting the 49ers ability to camouflage their defensive schemes.
That’s why players like Willis can’t wait to welcome their teammate back full-time.
“I think we are both guys who are versatile and can do more than just one thing,” said Willis. “I don’t think you can categorize us as only being able to do this or that. Last year I knew that together we could cover some ground and that nobody could ever get away from us. It was tough when he went down, and so I’m very excited to get him back because he’s a multi-positional player and he’ll help us out.”
Helping out couldn’t arrive soon enough for Lawson, who might just be the only player literally frothing at the mouth for training camp to start.
“I understand and appreciate the cautious approach that they’ve taken with me, but I would say I’ve pretty much been in a bad mood since mini-camp,” said Lawson. “I really will be the happiest person alive to get in pads and just go. I might just cry.”
That last part is once again Lawson’s way of making light of the matter, but his return and commitment to being something special in 2008 is no joke. And that’s something his teammates, coaches and fans can count on.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4326
Linebacker Manny Lawson heard the pop early last season as he came down from trying to defend a pass to tight end Billy Bajema along the 49ers sidelines, but after he ran sprints, hopped on the bike and worked on his cuts on the adjacent practice field, most of his teammates assumed the injury wasn’t all that serious.
Lawson held on to a similar hope, even later at the hospital when a nurse dashed most of that optimism with a glance at his MRI and a “wow, that doesn’t look good.”
The doctors shortly confirmed the nurse’s assessment, leaving Lawson to come to grips with a torn ACL and an abrupt end to what everyone expected to be the former first-rounder’s coming out party.
Despite the painful realization of the extent of his injury, Lawson first concerned himself with cheering everyone else up.
“Alex Smith and I are always joking around, so before I went for the MRI he was messing with me about how I was limping around for sympathy,” recalled Lawson. “When I got back and told him what had actually happened, he didn’t believe me because I still had a smile on my face. It was tough because I could see the disbelief on a lot of the guys’ faces, but I just kept telling everyone it was all going to be okay. I didn’t want anyone worrying for me.”
But for those who know Lawson best, it was anything but okay.
“I think my friends and family members who know me very well know how agonizing it was for me, but it’s just my way to make light of everything,” said Lawson. “I feel that I can deal with my own problems and listen to theirs. I really do hate burdening anyone with my problems, so I usually won’t go there. I’d rather just be the one holding everything together.”
Anyone describing the 24-year old as silly and carefree wouldn’t be off the mark, but Lawson is also thoughtful and very serious when it comes to holding things together and being the friend and leader that everyone can count on. Lawson professes to be a hermit at heart, but he’s the first to volunteer for airport duty and general chauffer service for his teammates in need of rides, the one to organize bowling events, and he’s even been known to babysit for an entire weekend for teammate Marcus Hudson’s two boys.
"Marcus and I have been friends since college and I know his family pretty well at this point," said Lawson. "The boys call me Uncle Manny and we have a good time."
Being just as dependable to his teammates on the field is why following his rookie year when he made the conversion from defensive end to linebacker, Lawson spent virtually every day of the 2007 off-season working out at the 49ers facility with a vengeance.
“I think my rookie year I was really still learning and feeling my way out,” said Lawson. “Towards the end of the season it all started to come together for me and I felt that if I worked at my best in the off-season, it could be my year.”
Players are encouraged to spend some time away from football in January and February, but Lawson basically pitched a tent at 4949 Centennial and clocked about as many hours as the full-time staff.
“I’d usually work out in the mornings and then sometimes come back at night,” said Lawson. “Whenever I’d get restless, I’d just go get another workout in. They threw me for a loop when they redid the weight room and moved all the weights into the locker room, but I still made it work.”
All of that hard work and extra effort looked to be paying off with two strong performances in the 49ers wins over Arizona and St. Louis. Against the Rams, Lawson forced the Rams to settle for a field goal when he broke up a 3rd down pass in the redzone, but the near interception had him thinking more work with the JUGGS machine that week after practice.
Turns out, that was all she wrote for Lawson’s 2007 season, and instead of working to get that interception, Lawson embarked on months and months of rehab on his surgically repaired knee.
“It’s been a long road but I think me making jokes all of the time is what helped me get better. I didn’t let anyone feel sorry for me and I never allowed myself to feel sorry for me. I didn’t want any excuses.”
No kidding. When in immense pain following surgery, Lawson even chucked the pain pills and gritted his teeth, believing the only true way to get better was time and rehab -- loads of rehab.
“At first I became Jeff Ferguson’s (head athletic trainer) shadow, always asking him if I could do more,” said Lawson. “The answer was usually no, but then I think the training staff started to give me my exercises pared down so that when I asked to do more they could act like they were letting me push the envelope when I was really just doing what they wanted me to do in the first place. I’d still try to sneak in extra and that’s when Fergy became like a hawk and I couldn’t shake him.”
Every day Lawson would log a few hours with the ever mindful 49ers athletic training staff, but then up to four nights a week he’d head back to the facility on his own and do extra rehab exercises and then soak in the cold tub.
But like many of his 49ers teammates who have spent time out due to injury, the rehab paled in comparison to the mental struggle on Sundays.
“It was torture,” confessed Lawson. “Watching your team play without you and wondering whether you could make a difference or not out there was agonizing. There were several times where I got really fed up with just having to watch, but I stuck with it because I still felt obligated to support my teammates.”
One Sunday proved to be particularly difficult as Lawson, unbeknownst to the 49ers Faithful, sat in their midst at Candlestick for a home game.
“I sat there and listened to the fans cheer guys on, but then completely heckle guys too,” said Lawson. “I wanted to open my mouth and defend my guys, but I knew it was best to just keep my mouth shut. But the hardest part was when they talked about me being hurt and maybe what I could have done out there because that’s what I was always wondering too. That was the last home game for me. I just watched the rest from home.”
Lawson was never one to take football for granted in the first place, but his lost year kicked the importance of every single snap into overdrive.
“I’d always heard stories about what Jerry Rice and Bryant Young went through when they had serious injuries and had to sit out and how much more the game meant to them afterwards, and now I understand,” said Lawson. “I just know when I get back out there that I’m going to make every single snap, and every single play matter.”
Additional logs got tossed onto that fire of desire when Lawson accompanied linebacker Patrick Willis to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii this February.
“I think the coaches initially planted the seed for me to go with Patrick as an older brother,” said Lawson. “In doing so, it really instilled in me that it’s something I really want to achieve. Patrick said in an interview over there that he wished I wasn’t there just watching and that we should have been there playing together. That fueled the fire for me because now I’m working to get there and have the chance to actually play alongside him.”
Given his affable and entertaining personality, it was no surprise that a collective cheer from both sides of the ball occurred during one of the OTA practices in June when Lawson finally received the okay from the head athletic trainer to take some reps in the team period.
But the shout outs for 99 extended well beyond his popularity.
Although the 49ers defense did what they must in 2007 and marched on without him, Lawson’s ability to play multiple positions allowed the 49ers greater flexibility with their defensive schemes. When the versatile linebacker went down defensive coordinator Greg Manusky relied on a few different personnel groupings to take the singular place of Lawson, thus limiting the 49ers ability to camouflage their defensive schemes.
That’s why players like Willis can’t wait to welcome their teammate back full-time.
“I think we are both guys who are versatile and can do more than just one thing,” said Willis. “I don’t think you can categorize us as only being able to do this or that. Last year I knew that together we could cover some ground and that nobody could ever get away from us. It was tough when he went down, and so I’m very excited to get him back because he’s a multi-positional player and he’ll help us out.”
Helping out couldn’t arrive soon enough for Lawson, who might just be the only player literally frothing at the mouth for training camp to start.
“I understand and appreciate the cautious approach that they’ve taken with me, but I would say I’ve pretty much been in a bad mood since mini-camp,” said Lawson. “I really will be the happiest person alive to get in pads and just go. I might just cry.”
That last part is once again Lawson’s way of making light of the matter, but his return and commitment to being something special in 2008 is no joke. And that’s something his teammates, coaches and fans can count on.
49ers Sign CB Smith
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The San Francisco 49ers announced Tuesday that they have signed third-round draft choice CB Reggie Smith. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Smith (6-1, 200) was the 75th overall pick out of Oklahoma. He saw action in 39 games with 36 starts for the Sooners, with 20 of those starts coming at strong safety and 16 at cornerback. Smith earned All-Big Twelve Conference first-team honors as a junior.
Smith’s signing leaves the 49ers with just two of the team’s six 2008 draft picks unsigned. First-round pick DT Kentwan Balmer and fourth-round pick C Cody Wallace are the remaining draft selections to be inked.
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The San Francisco 49ers announced Tuesday that they have signed third-round draft choice CB Reggie Smith. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Smith (6-1, 200) was the 75th overall pick out of Oklahoma. He saw action in 39 games with 36 starts for the Sooners, with 20 of those starts coming at strong safety and 16 at cornerback. Smith earned All-Big Twelve Conference first-team honors as a junior.
Smith’s signing leaves the 49ers with just two of the team’s six 2008 draft picks unsigned. First-round pick DT Kentwan Balmer and fourth-round pick C Cody Wallace are the remaining draft selections to be inked.
49ers Ink Wallace
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The San Francisco 49ers announced Wednesday that they have signed fourth-round draft choice C Cody Wallace. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Wallace (6-4, 300) was the 107th overall pick out of Texas A&M. He served as the team captain last year and started 13 games, earning All-Big Twelve Conference and league’s Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors.
Wallace’s signing leaves the 49ers with first-round pick DT Kentwan Balmer as the last of the six 2008 draft picks to sign with the team.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4335§ion=PR News
The San Francisco 49ers announced Wednesday that they have signed fourth-round draft choice C Cody Wallace. Terms of the contract were not announced by the team.
Wallace (6-4, 300) was the 107th overall pick out of Texas A&M. He served as the team captain last year and started 13 games, earning All-Big Twelve Conference and league’s Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year honors.
Wallace’s signing leaves the 49ers with first-round pick DT Kentwan Balmer as the last of the six 2008 draft picks to sign with the team.
First-Rounder Balmer Signed
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Head coach Mike Nolan will have his entire rookie class in and on time for Thursday night’s training camp kickoff as first-round pick Kentwan Balmer signed his name on the dotted line of his rookie contract.
Balmer (6-5, 315) was chosen with the 29th overall pick in the 2008 draft out of North Carolina. A versatile defender, Balmer earned three starting assignments at right defensive end, eight at left defensive tackle and 12 at right defensive tackle during his career.
"I'm glad it's over and I can just get to work playing football," said Balmer, just minutes after signing his contract. mid-day on Thursday. "It was definitely important for me to be here day one, and that was something my agent and myself both stressed. I'm sure the team was eager to hear that as well, and we got it done as expected."
While his agent worked on negotiations with 49ers Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe, Balmer said he continued training for camp down in Los Angeles.
"All the vets told me before I left to make sure that I came back in tip-top shape and so I was down there taking care of business," said Balmer. "Now, I'm ready to get fitted for my shoulder pads, do the rest of my paperwork, and just be ready to go for our first practice tomorrow. It's time for business."
The first official order of business for Balmer and the rest of the 49ers is tonight's team meeting.
UPDATE (12:25 p.m.): Balmer's contract is five years, $8 million. He can earn up to $11 million over the span of the deal if he hits every incentive, which includes Rookie-of-the-Year honors, Pro Bowl appearances and a high play-time percentage.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4339§ion=PR%20News
Head coach Mike Nolan will have his entire rookie class in and on time for Thursday night’s training camp kickoff as first-round pick Kentwan Balmer signed his name on the dotted line of his rookie contract.
Balmer (6-5, 315) was chosen with the 29th overall pick in the 2008 draft out of North Carolina. A versatile defender, Balmer earned three starting assignments at right defensive end, eight at left defensive tackle and 12 at right defensive tackle during his career.
"I'm glad it's over and I can just get to work playing football," said Balmer, just minutes after signing his contract. mid-day on Thursday. "It was definitely important for me to be here day one, and that was something my agent and myself both stressed. I'm sure the team was eager to hear that as well, and we got it done as expected."
While his agent worked on negotiations with 49ers Vice President of Football Operations Paraag Marathe, Balmer said he continued training for camp down in Los Angeles.
"All the vets told me before I left to make sure that I came back in tip-top shape and so I was down there taking care of business," said Balmer. "Now, I'm ready to get fitted for my shoulder pads, do the rest of my paperwork, and just be ready to go for our first practice tomorrow. It's time for business."
The first official order of business for Balmer and the rest of the 49ers is tonight's team meeting.
UPDATE (12:25 p.m.): Balmer's contract is five years, $8 million. He can earn up to $11 million over the span of the deal if he hits every incentive, which includes Rookie-of-the-Year honors, Pro Bowl appearances and a high play-time percentage.
49ers to Practice with the Raiders
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July 24, 2008
The San Francisco 49ers confirmed on Thursday that they will travel to Napa Valley to practice against the cross-town rival Oakland Raiders on Monday, August 4. The 49ers and Raiders will square off in the 2008 preseason-opener later in the week with an 8 p.m. kickoff on Friday, August 8 at McAfee Coliseum. The scrimmage will be closed to the public.
“This is an opportunity to work against some unfamiliar faces,” said Head Coach Mike Nolan. “Players sometimes become comfortable with the level of competition during training camp. This gives us the opportunity to raise that level and learn more about ourselves both individually and collectively.”
The 49ers will travel to the Napa Valley area on Sunday, August 3 following a double practice session. The 49ers and Raiders will practice against each other two times on August 4, with a morning practice and an evening practice scheduled. In between practice sessions, the 49ers will hold meetings at a local hotel. The team will return to Santa Clara immediately after the evening practice.
http://www.49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=4341§ion=PR News
July 24, 2008
The San Francisco 49ers confirmed on Thursday that they will travel to Napa Valley to practice against the cross-town rival Oakland Raiders on Monday, August 4. The 49ers and Raiders will square off in the 2008 preseason-opener later in the week with an 8 p.m. kickoff on Friday, August 8 at McAfee Coliseum. The scrimmage will be closed to the public.
“This is an opportunity to work against some unfamiliar faces,” said Head Coach Mike Nolan. “Players sometimes become comfortable with the level of competition during training camp. This gives us the opportunity to raise that level and learn more about ourselves both individually and collectively.”
The 49ers will travel to the Napa Valley area on Sunday, August 3 following a double practice session. The 49ers and Raiders will practice against each other two times on August 4, with a morning practice and an evening practice scheduled. In between practice sessions, the 49ers will hold meetings at a local hotel. The team will return to Santa Clara immediately after the evening practice.
