Monday’s Locker Room Talk: Jan. 23
Posted by on January 23, 2012 – 5:26 PM
He’s been as a player and now as a head coach. And in both cases, it ended in defeat.
Even still, Jim Harbaugh comes back with plans to compete for the game’s ultimate prize: The Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Sure, it’s eluded Harbaugh during his 15 seasons playing quarterback in the National Football League and again in his first season as a head coach with the San Francisco 49ers. However, Harbaugh’s resolve remains admirable.
His perspective on reaching a conference championship for a second time (previously with the Indianapolis Colts as a player in 1994) made Harbaugh proud of what it took to get to Sunday’s game which saw the 49ers fall 20-17 in overtime to the New York Giants at Candlestick Park.
“It’s hard to get there,” Harbaugh said on a day simply known as “exit day.”
“It’s hard to get to that game,” said the 49ers leader, almost assured to win the league’s Coach of the Year honors later this offseason. “It doesn’t just happen. It’s a credit to everybody and it’ll be hard again next year.”
Players, too, felt pride in the 14 wins put together in Harbaugh’s first season in San Francisco. But unfortunately, a division championship and a few plays from making the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994 won’t suffice.
“It’s tough,” said offensive captain Frank Gore. “Playing hard all year and to get to the NFC Championship game, all the hard work and we didn’t get it done. It’s tough.
“It didn’t happen, but I know we have a bunch of great guys in this locker room, a bunch of great coaches. Hopefully next year we can get back… We have to move on.”
Fellow team captain and Pro Bowler Patrick Willis struggled with the loss from his home last night. But once he woke up, the support of friends and family members in town put things into perspective for the All-Pro linebacker, who’s about to make his fifth Pro Bowl appearance in five seasons.
“There’s a lot of things to be thankful about, considering where we’ve been in the past,” Willis said. “There’s a lot of positive that we can build from and move on to. We had the opportunity and we kind of let it get away from us.
“This morning I woke up, had my family and friends at home, we didn’t talk about the game. We just talked about life. That was a good thing.”
The next step for the 49ers is complicated on many fronts.
But first, the team met on Monday to hear from Harbaugh one last time. The players conducted exit physicals, before packing up lockers with any personal items that might be needed in the offseason.
Harbaugh said his plan is to evaluate his current team, and then to formulate plans for free agency, April’s draft as well as the team’s entire offseason schedule.
Alex Smith leads the discussion in terms of potential free agents.
“I’m sure there’s going to be a process there,” said Harbaugh, who doesn’t plan on meeting individually with any players this week because he’s used to communicating with them throughout the season.
The 49ers coach, however, said he wanted to reward “team guys.” He added, “Our players have built a lot of equity with me here.”
Defensively, Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson and Pro Bowl cornerback Carlos Rogers stand out as key free agents.
“I’d like to have them all back, every single last one of them,” Willis said. “The chances of that happening, who knows? I wish them all the best and they’ll forever be my brothers.”
And while no regular season roster remains intact in any NFL city from year-to-year, Harbaugh hopes his coaching staff will remain the same.
“It’s a well-coached team and our team plays with their hearts out,” he said. “I’m very pleased with those foundations of our team. I want to keep that together.”
Looking back on Sunday’s defeat to New York, Harbaugh was perhaps most pleased with the consistency in his team’s effort.
“I thought they played their hearts out,” he said. “They stand toe-to-toe in a fight every time they go on the field.
“It didn’t have the ending we wanted. The football gods had a different ending in mind for this ball game, but I’m forever proud of our players and coaches for the way they compete… I think it was an amazing season, in a lot of ways beyond description.”
That being said, nothing is given in the NFL and Harbaugh knows all about it.
In the same way he entered the NFL accepting the ultimate challenge “willingly,” Harbaugh will keep that same mentality when preparing for his sophomore year as a head coach in the league.
“It’s going to require a lot of things we last year – start from scratch. It’s going to take incredible resolve. We’re entitled to nothing.”
Notes and Quotes
Second-year receiver Kyle Williams faced the media once more on Monday to discuss the two fumbled punts that set New York up with 10 points on Sunday. Williams received tremendous support from teammates and thanked them for being by his side. “They’ve let me know that they’ve got my back and that it’s not all on me and to not think I’m about it. I’m very fortunate to have the teammates that I have,” Williams said. “It’s painful. We’re very passionate about what we do and we’re very passionate about getting to the Super Bowl. To be able to be that close and not get it done was painful, but we’re going through it as a team and we’ll be back.”
Harbaugh had this to say about his players rallying around Williams for support: “It wasn’t a surprise to me. This is a class team. They haven’t been a finger-pointing group… everyone looks at themselves first.”
All-Pro, Pro Bowl kicker David Akers was equally as moved by the solidarity of San Francisco’s locker room. “He stood in front of the media with you guys and I thought that was a great show of character. I think this will make him stronger. One or two plays did not change the outcome of that game.”
Harbaugh said the AFC Championship game was also frustrating to him with his brother’s Baltimore team losing a three-point game to the New England Patriots. “That was another painful thing. I was really pulling for the Ravens to win.”
Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., one of many 49ers who are in the final year of their contracts, will likely not require surgery on the knee injury which sidelined him Sunday. “Surgery? I don’t think so,” Harbaugh said.
The 49ers coach said he’ll continue to have his players compete for starting positions, including at quarterback. “It’s never an anointed position,” Harbaugh said. Rookie Colin Kaepernick will have every opportunity to compete with Smith, should the seven-year veteran resign with the 49ers. “Everything is competed for,” Harbaugh said.
Smith said himself that he wasn’t thrilled with his performance against the Giants. “There were a handful (of throws) there that I’d like to have back,” he said on a day where he completed 12-of-26 passes, two of which were touchdowns to tight end Vernon Davis. “Decisions I made or throws I’d like to have back, you don’t know how those would’ve changed the game.”
Cornerback Tarell Brown, who collided with Goldson in one of two plays which the 49ers safety made contact with a teammate right before a takeaway opportunity, was in better spirits on Monday a day after the big hit caused him to miss the end of the game. “We’re trying to make plays on the ball and I think Dashon was thinking the same thing, make a play on the ball,” Brown said. “Sometimes that happens when you get into collisions like that. It’s part of a game. It’s a rough game.”
Lastly, the silver lining on exit day might be the things found in the back of lockers. With players loading up their personal belongings all season long, certain items can be lost in the shuffle so to speak. Take rookie lineman Mike Person, who uncovered a 49ers Gameday magazine cover with the entire rookie draft class taken back in training camp. “Look at my belly,” Person said with a smirk. “(The photo was) not taken at a good angle, at all.” Meanwhile, Snyder found a few trading cards he’d lost sight of in his locker: a Joe Staley rookie card and a signed Guy McInytre playing card.
Tags: Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson, Frank Gore, Kyle Williams, Patrick Willis
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By pokeyspride2002 on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I want to say Thank you to the niners and coach Harbaugh for a fantastic year; I am so proud to be a longtime fan and have supported this team through all of the bad times as well as the good. I want to pray that they all return next season for another championship run and want them to know they will always be champions to me! I love you guys!
By Jason Chang on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
You guys had an incredible season and the NFC Championship was definately a heart breaking loss. But nonetheless I’m very proud of you. I remember earlier on the comments I made of Alex Smith and basically throwing him under the bus as was a bunch of other people. I deeply regret all the comments I said and gladly take all comments back. Alex, you and the rest of the team have performed superbly. Like being back in school, take this game and use it as a learning block and use this as “fuel to the fire” for next year. I sincerely hope and wish all players and coaches return. If you do, Coach Harbaugh I implore you to turn this team into the scoring jaugernut the 49ers are known for. Take a good long break you’ve earned it, and I applaud the entire team and coaching staff.
By Kathy on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
You guys did awesome this season!!! Although you guys didnt make it to Superbowl…that doesnt matter, what matters is that you guys made it this far since 1995…..next season forsure, let’s go catch that Superbowl….NINERS ALL THE WAY!!!! last but not least, thank you Head Coach and Team-mates for coming this far…im glad to be one of your fans!!! much love!
By noahsnfl on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
FOREVER FAITHFUL
By Sunshine on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Thank you for a great season! I cant wait to see what Harbaugh will do to bring us to the super bowl next season! There is always 1 winner in the end..and you guys are a winning team! After so long-49ers gave the fans an amazing performance! I hope the staff and team stay intact! Next season will be just as great! Many niner fans are taking things to far-its a game not life! Alex Smith is a good qb! He showed us what he can do and whoever thinks he needs to be cut doesn’t know football! Cheers to a great season and looking forward to even more!
By Rick on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Win or lose, this season has been a prelude to what will come of the San Francisco 49ers! A new stadium: Check! A Grade AAA Head Coach: Check! A roster full of gifted players: Check!
Sure, the Superbowl would have been, well… the Superbowl! However, to faithful fans like myself, you gentlemen won something more important this season: you won the fans over!
San Francisco 49ers won this year, something way more important than the Lombardi! You gentlemen are all winners!
Oh yea, don’t forget the Catch III …tell me that wasn’t a statement!
By Chris Bradley on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Thank you so much for the blood, sweat and tears you all gave for us, the fans. Football is so much more than a game, a business, a job…it’s war and there is no other sport that asks so much out of it’s players. As a lifelong fan (I’m 54) having seen the team at Kezar, so much comes to mind and so much I want to say, but really all I can say is thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your hard work. And Kyle, although you are our Bill Buckner, we’ll welcome you back. You were just trying to make a play. But next time, don’t run toward a bouncing punt, and hold the ball with both arms…thanks.
By Johne B on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Proud to be a 49′er Forever!! Thanks for the “Unforgetable Memories”! Ordinary people doing ordinary things extraordinary, thats the niners! xo and go be with your family’s and love on!!! Niner’s Rock The House 2011 – 2012!!
By niner4life on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
yes thank you for a great season!
By MICHAEL BREWER on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I BEEN A SF FAN SINCE THE GLORY DAYS AND I WILL ALWAY RIDE OR DIE WITH YOU GUYS. WHAT A TREMENDOUS SEASON WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR !!!!!!
By Trish Wilson on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I would also like to express my appreciation to all the players and Coach Harbaugh. This Season was SO MUCH FUN! I have been a 49er Faithful my whole life and had a blast this season. Thank You for all the hard work you put in and for the games that my family and I got to enjoy this season. Can’t wait for next season! Great Job Guys!
By Gavin on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Great season
By Roger H Waldman on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Many many thanks to all the coaches and players of the 49ers for providing the 49er fans with a superb yesr of football. Have a good offseason and come back in the Fall ready to go and have another great season. God Bless You All.
Roger H
By Sugar Bear on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
This team is great the way it is. But if the Niners could add just a couple of more great players, the Super Bowl would be a done deal. I hope the off season will be good to the team in terms of free agents or in the draft. Thanks for a very great and exciting season Niners. GO Niners!!!!
By Plunt on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I’m so proud to be a niners fan!!! You all did a great job and ended the season with dignity and poise.Not too bad for a team “that wasn’t supposed to go anywhere.” WHO’S GOT IT BETTER THAN US!?!
By jamesy1044 on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Living in San Diego county now I had to get “Sunday Ticket” to see every 9er game. Thank you ALL for making that such a rewarding experience. I’m a fan since ’78 and this is THE BEST DEFENSE I’ve ever seen on a team that has enjoyed many great ones. In the end, the money isnt enough to make and take all the hits… which means, we know you are doing it for us fans too. Thanks for the memories men!
By Anazeey on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Thank you 49ers for such a great season, I actually cried on Sunday because I know u guys played really good this season and ended this way.I always believed in the niners would do their comeback. 49er fan for ever
By missouri 9er on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
THANK YOU Players, Coaches, and Organization for a GREAT year of football. Their is alot that can be carried over into next year! BIg shout of love out to ALL of you. I LOVE THIS TEAM!!! GO NINERS!!! and NOBODYS GOT IT BETTER THAN US!!!!!!!!!
By seven years in S.F. on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
blue collar all the way
By NINERFAMILY4LIFE on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I first would like to say “THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To My Niners for a Blessed Season and We’ve (My family and I) have been riding with you since 82′ and we be here through it all or until we all fall. NINER FAITHFUL FOR LIFE. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NIIIIIIIIIIINERS!!!!!!!!!
Coach! Bring em all back and let’s SHOCK THE WORLD!
By ninerfathful on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
All i want to say is, that thank you for a great year. Hope all u haters are happy now. all that smack talking will only make us stronger and hungrier. NINER FAITHFUL FOR EVER!!!!!!!
By Myles on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
The players’ reactions to the Championship game makes me think of the Spartans. They fight with honor, face hardship with dignity, and put themselves on the chopping block for the man next to them on and off the field. They own up to their own faults and share the glory with the smallest man (including the fans). They’re warriors in the truest sense, and it’s warriors – not players or football stars – that win Superbowls. So here’s to Alex Smith and Kyle Williams for fighting until the last player walked off the field. Here’s to all of the 49ers for beating the odds (and 14 opponents) when nobody believed in you. And finally, here’s to winning the Lombardi Trophy they so deserve in 2013. I’ll see you all next season.
By Diana on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Your loyal fans are so extremely proud of your performance this year! The years of rebuilding have paid off indeed. Not just a football team but a family – the way it’s been with the niners since way back, everyone working together to try and make it happen. Last weeks game with the saints was the best game I’ve watched in years – and indicative of the greatness of the San Francisco 49ers!
Thank you!!!! And looking forward to next year…
By Dinky805 on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Alex Smith is a free agent?? hmmmmm Peyton Manning might be up for grabs too. Just sayin….
By ninerfaithful on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
All i want to say is, thank you for a great year. Hope all u haters are happy now. All of that smack talking will only make us stronger and hungrier for next season. Niner fans get ur heads up and go F@##$$$%ING NINERS. NINERS FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!
By Andy44 on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
So proud of this team and organization. This team controlled their destiny out of the gate. Sad they didn’t make it because I know they would have won it. Niners beat themselves as did the Packers. That’s the part I think we’re all struggling with.
Future sure does look bright though. As for Kyle, he did way more good then he did bad this year. Still love his catch in the corner of the endzone against Dallas.
Think what this team may have accomplished had we not lost Josh, oh by the way we get him back next year. Already can’t wait. This team has nothing to hang it’s head about. GREAT JOB!!!!!!
By EsyMnyJim on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I have been a 49er fan since Bill Walsh came to town. As a 49er faithful fan I think we were all spoiled by all the wins and superbowls and playoff games and then 8 or 9 years of total disappointment with the we’ll get em next year.
This team, all of you, are destined to do something very special, you already have. Who would have thought that you all would have went 14-4 and the NFC championchipo game? NOBODY! I see that same spark that I saw so many years ago. You all have made me a believer again. Thank you for a spectacular season, Hold your heads high and remember it is a game, go home and love your your families, recharge and come back next season on fire.
By Lori Codeglia on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Coach of the year is all I have to say, GO SF! Love ya
By David on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Thank you to the team for a great year!! I have been a 49ers fan since I was born, and I will remain a 49er faithful forever through the good and bad times. I have always been proud to be a 49er fan, and I will continue to be a proud 49er fan. I am sad that we didn’t make it to the playoffs, but we did a lot better than I expected. I can’t wait for next season. Please keep this team together on both sides of the ball. I believe we got a great core of guys, that with a few more weapons and a full training camp could equal a trip to the super bowl.
Kyle Williams if you can read these: keep your head up. You had a great year and made some big plays. You made a great play for your first career TD this year, you helped on our second to last drive in the Saints game with an incredible block to give Alex Smith the corner.
Also one more thing to the team and everyone. I know it stings to be so close, but like Patrick Willis said about how he talked about life with family and friends.
So remember:
Who has it better than us? Noooooooooooooooooobody
So on last time: Thanks to this great group of guys for providing a season I have been waiting for. Come back next year stronger and better!!
By Robert G. on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I want to say thanks for a truly memorable season. To be a couple plays away from the superbowl is nothing short of completely amazing. I literally teared up many times this season just thinking about how special you all are. Also, There are many teams in the NFL that aspired to be like you men, you brought back the team spirit and shocked the world against all odds. I want every player back. To Jim Harbaugh please try your best to keep all the free agent players like Carlos Rodgers, Alex Smith, especially Dashon Goldson( a total beast) everyone is actually PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP THIS TEAM INTACT!!!!!!!!!!!!!and I am so proud of you all. I have loved this team through thick and thin and always will. THANKS AGAIN for all your hard work and GODSPEED! NOBODY HAS IT BETTER THAN US…NOBODY!!!!!!XXX
By JACQUE on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
Thanks Coach for coming into SF with a dream and a plan. Bringing us back to pur destiny….You are more then a great coach. BTW, let me the the 1st to say CONGRATS on coach of the year 2012!!!!!(fingers crossed) I loooooove my NINERS, yes, MY NINERS and have loved then for about 30 years. I been here during the highs and the lows.. never a fair weather fan, even tru stormy weather. Ive BEEN THERE. I would never trade my NINERS for any other team EVER! To the players of the SF 49ers,I can honestly say I love you guys!!!! Thank you for always going out on the field doing it in style, win or lose, you make me proud as a fan to always stand up and say it loud… WHO’S GOT IT BETTER THEN US? NOBODY!!!!!! Awesome season cant wait for next season!
By AMNI on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
IT WAS GREAT YEAR!!!! THANKS COACH AND PLAYER FOR THE EXCITING YEAR, WE WILL GET TO THE BOWL NEXT YEAR. HAVE A GREAT OFF SEASON
By Vordulin on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
To Kyle Williams: it’s not a mistake if you learn from it. Keep your head up man, your a niner.
By TheNinerNutt on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
“If I had a Thousand tongues’ – I could never say Thank You enough to show the depth of gratitude in my heart for every single person working out of 4949 Centennial Blvd for this “season of change.” Thank you, thank you, thank you – and God Bless you all..
By Lee Rudnicki on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
After that fantastic season, it’s hard to get too bummed by the 49ers loss yesterday. A Super Bowl appearance would have genius, but I’ll take this season over the last decade of misery any day.
The coolest part of the 49ers game yesterday was the fact that no one on the team pointed fingers at the kick returner who fumbled. I thought that said a lot about the 49ers and the season — that team-first attitude is the reason they got as far as they did, and it’s nice to see the organization having taken that step.
p.s. They should add Jerry Rice to the coaching staff.
By A Marine on Jan 23, 2012 | Reply
I LOVE THE NINERS. BEEN A FAN SINCE “THE CATCH”( I WAS 4). JOE BROUGHT A LOT OF FUN IN MY EARLY YEARS JUST WHIPPING ON TEAMS. JIM HARBAUGH BROUGHT THOSE MEMORIES BACK. THANKS JIM…NINERS, WE ARE GOING TO BE THE TEAM OF THIS DECADE AND MORE….DEPLOYMENTS HELPED EASE THE PAST PAINFUL 8 YEARS…AS OUR SAYING GOES IN THE MARINE CORPS, “SEMPER FIDELIS” MEANING ALWAYS FAITHFUL…..SEMPER FI TO JIM AND HIS NINERS AND TO ALL THE 49ERS FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
By Robert Pabelico on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
You guys have the heart of a Champion What an AMAZING Season! I’m so proud to be a 49er fan I would love to see all of you guys back next season.
By Louie on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Wow what a game, The Giants did it again, good luck to them to beat two teams away from home they deserve to be in the superbowl.
Great year niners !! What a turn around from last year.
To blame one player is wrong, to be honest so many things didn’t go our way, two intercept chances failed as players crashed into each other. Fumble at the start of the game by Giants that was in a niners arms then poped out most likely because of the rain, fumble late in the game that niners recovered to only be disalowed. Not enough third down conversions.
Hope this team stays together and builds on to next season.
Alex way to go mate, amazing season the pressure you have had over the years would have been enough to crack most people in life, you showed what type of character and person you are, a fighter and a winner.
Defence, you almost got the team to the Superbowl, much respect goes to you all.
Coach – thanks for bringing that winning feeling back to the niners, it’s been far too long. Amazing what you have done in such a short amount of time.
By maria on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Year after year, I’ve seen my Niners do hard work. Finally, it paid off. While the team may have not won the ultimate prize, you are still winners! What an accomplishment this season. I hope the current team is kept intact. Keep your eyes on the prize guys. Perseverance, determination, and keeping that hope alive will get you there. My family will be forever rooting for the team. Love you guys. Have a well-deserved rest in the off-season and then go get that Lombardi Trophy next season! Are you ready for some football? Hope to see you guys on your first home game next season. GO NINERS!!!!!
From,
Yet another Niner Faithful
By Robert Pabelico on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
To Kyle Williams you’re a 49er, you did what you can to help the team. Those fans who make a treat on you are not real 49ers fans. They are just big time gamblers who bet huge sum of money in Vegas and jump only on 49ers bandwagon when they think they can win big bucks! Don’t think too much about it ,You can’t live in the past! you still got plenty of football and a bright future ahead of you. Those are just few FAKE 49ers fans. The real fans out number them 10 to 1 and you got coaches and team mates who support you!
By sean owings on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
wow there so much to say bout bein a die hard niners fan especially bein from wv. back in the 80′s when i was first understanding football on tv and i got niner fever an been a true fan from then. they say around here its steeler country but wv does not have a team an i dont care i will be a niner fan for life..
congrats to to every player an every coach even the guys behind the curtain that let coach h. an the gm. select the greatest team of players an with so many starting rookies is unbelieveable what you have done with them to make every damn SINGLE player that wore a NINER jersey this year “SHINE” an bring out so much HEART an LOVE for the game….. WOW.!
IDC that we didnt make it to da super bowl, cause i know if ur a football fan of any team, a true niner fan will know that in the back of every non niner fan will know that we r true “winners” of 2011 season..!! An this young team will keep BRINGIN the HEART an SOUL of THE GAME for a long time to come..
One last thing i gotta say is go niners and coah H. an bring that HEART AND FIRE next season…………!!!!!!!! GOTTA LUV DEM NINERS.!!!
By IdeHoJoe on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
My brother (in-law) got me started when I was about 8. A lot of really bad years. Some good years, YA Tittle, Brodie, John Henry, The really far out years of the ’80s. This year has had me. It felt so great to have the sprit of the greats out on the field this year. Never cussed louder when things were bad or yelled louder when it was good. What great history making 9′ers you are.
God Bless our team!!!
PS I’m an old ( 70) cowboy, Just get there before I have to watch with my brother from above the clouds
By Justin on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I love my team no matter win or lose, but when the ref calls forward progress when it was clearly a fumble in the forth quarter that is bull sh** . that would have given the niners the win after a easy 20 yard field goal. People should threaten the ref not poor kyle. There would have been no overtime and no fumble by Williams. I love you Harbaugh but there no football gods only cold hard facts. Great year though just soooo hart breaking to lose like that when we beat the giants in my mind. Next year for sure!
By NAJWA on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
i AM SO PROUD TO BE A NINERS FAN AND HAVE BEEN FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS EVER SINCE I STARTED TO WATCH FOOTBALL TO ALL THE PLAYER AND COACHES YOU SHOW MUCH HEART AND HONOR CANT WAI TO THE BEGINING OF THE NEXT SEASON I KNOW THAT YOU WILL GO ALL THE WAY KEEP IT UP AND STAY TOGETHER.
By Joe on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
First of all – there are the Faithful and there are “faithful”.
The true faithful showed up each game for the last 9 years and although they didn’t always sell out, they were there through the lean years.
The “faithful” have driven out Seifert, Garcia, and Mariucci, almost drove out Steve Young, and are now trying to get rid of Alex Smith. I hated the 49er “faithful”, who expect to win every year. We look at Red Sox fans as being a bunch of sore losers, but the “faithful” are no different.
WIth that said, HOLD YOUR HEAD UP KYLE. You delivered a key block in the Saints game and we might not have been here in the championship if it wasn’t for you. SMITH, you got a taste of the championship and you’ll be back.
By TJ on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Coach, you and your staff have done an amazing job.
Thank you for ll your hard work. Thank you for the leadership you provided the players. thank you for helping the talented players we got to o play as a team.
Thank you for showing us what Alex can do and capable of doing. Thank you for building a defense that is amazing.
I am so looking forward for 2012 season. I live in San Diego but my heart is with the 49ers.
The team…The Team..The team
By JR BACA, NEW MEXICO SAN FRANCISCO 49ER on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
BEST SEASON EVER, HOPE EVERYONE WILL BE BACK FOR NEXT SEASON
THIS NEXT SEASON WILL BE ALEX SMITH’S BEST SEASON>>>>>>>
6 TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS NEXT SEASON>>>>>>>
GO SAN FRANSISCO 49ERS>>>>>>>
By EG49er4LIFE on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I just want to thank the coaches and the team for such a wonderful year, you have refilled my life with excitement that I havent felt for a long time. What is really amazing to me is how the team has stuck by eachothers side. That is the sign of true brotherhood…Although the lost was disheartening, it was a battle fought well…Dont hang your heads, but rather grow…
“The opportunistic mind will find the positive in every bad situation, not allowing the destructive nature of tragedy to set in, but rather taking what is there and using it to grow” -Estevan Gastelum
Much love TEAM!! We will do it next year I truly believe!
By London_9er on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
WHO FUMBLES LIKE US – NOBODY !!!!!
By Bill Will on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
The 49ers came back in a major way, and i am proud of their progress and what the future hold for their potential and talent. Truly the loss to the Giants was hurtful for the coaches, players, and the fans, but it must and will be a learning experience. And remember, in the 92 and 93 season, the 49ers loss to the Cowboys in the NFC championship game. However, in 94, the 49ers broke through, and won the super bowl, in dominating fashion. So, 49er faithful keep the faith, because we will be back!
By Jose Luis Novoa on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Great Year…You guys did the unexpected. Get a couple of WR’s and with Josh coming back and Crabtree…and you’re on your way!!
Congrats to Jim Harbaugh and his staff for a superb job.
I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1971 and a fan for much longer…this year was very, very special. Even on the “dynasty years” we had some somber moments because after all, it’s the NFL.
By Jacob_9er on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I just want to say thank you to 49er organization. We had an amazing run this year. To the players, you guys did an amazing job and us fans were waiting for a season like this for a while now, so THANK YOU. Coaches in my opinion you guys are all coaches of the year. I know this is a business at the end of the day but us fans would really want all of you back for next year and give this another shot. Players get healthy and we’ll see you next season.
THANK YOU NINERS!!
By jaythabay on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I would like to say thank you to the SF 49ers for making this year so great for us and everybody part of this great organization, you have made the fans very happy all season long. Especially for my family we went to training camp, fan fest, ice skating with the kids club, halloween meet and greet with Aldon Smith, and most of all the best mascot in the NFL Sourdough Sam, we as a family had so much fun at the games and also at these events, my 2 year old daughter even got to go down to the field and try and sink a putt with Sourdough Sam during the game it was awesome, i cannot thank the 49ers enough for everything they have meet to me and my family there are really not to many things left for familys to do together with huge organizations but you have made it special for me, growing up as a child going to candlestick to watch the 49ers and the Giants with the cyclone fence i loved it and iit makes me so proud to still keeping the tradition alive now with my family of 6, to see the huge smile on their little faces and my 2 and 3 year old pumping their little fist in the air during the games and now by them answering the Coach Harbaughs question “Who’s got it better than us” “NOBODY”, it makes me so proud to be a 49er, thank you for being such a great organization and letting me and my family be part of it. GO NINERS!!!!!!
By Sam on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I live in CT. I have been a fan for over 28 yrs. I want to say that this was the most amazing season for the Niners. The expectations I had, the team exceeded those esxpectation. I never thought they would make it this far at least this year. I am proud of what the team accomplished. This should be a building block for the Niners to become relevant again in the NFL. Thanks to Jim for shaping this team into a winner. You were amazing as a player but more amazing as a coach. I look forward to may years of being winners again. I believe next year we will make it to the Superbowl…..Let’s go NINERS. Who’s got it better than us, nooooobodyyyyyy!!!!!
By 49er Joe on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I just want to say thanks you to the 49ers and all the coaching staff for an incredible season. It didnt end how we all hoped for, but you guys gave us alot to be happy about this year. Ive been a Niner fan all my life..and I dont think ive been prouder than this..It was an awesome ride and I enjoyed every second of it…Already cant wait for next season.. Go NINERS #1
WHOS GOT IT BETTER THAN US….NO-BODY!!!!!
By Steve on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Just wanted all the players and coaches and ever one in the 49ers organisation that ever one did a wounderful job . Thank you for a great 2011 year of 49ers footbal. Thank you Jed York, Thank you Jim Hardball Thank you to all the players.
Thankes for a great year after so many low years. I have been a fan from 1980 to the present
By Flying Fossil on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Stay together Niners!! I have folled you since 1947 at Kezar Stadium, saw Frankie Albert, J. Brodie, Y.a. Title, and a lot of HIGHS & lows, since then. This yr. was amazing!!!! Thank you ALL, see you next Year. Who got it better than us, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOObody THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Temper on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
@ Jason Chang. Thanks for having the stones to stand up and apologize to A. Smith. There are alot more of you out there who need to do the same. Probably more still who need to also now apologize to K. Williams. As a fan… you are supposed to root for effort, not just wins. And this team, with these players, have more than earned our support.
By William B. Brooks on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
First: Thank you: Team, Coaches, Fans, and Media! A rekindled spirit. Second: Kyle, just like the rest of your team and Niner Nation, I got your back too. Third: Here is to a promising 2013!
By JC9erfan on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Thank you 9ers players for the memories of a great season true fans appreciate all of your effort all year long. kyle williams keep yo head up and come back next year, i look forward to watching you play. i hope goldson and rogers both come back and i cant wait for the most physical d in football to actually have a training camp. i cheer every sunday for you guys so your like family. ill miss u guys so make sure to do interviews in the offseason to keep me up to date
WHOS GOT IT BETTER THAN US?
N O B O D Y!!!!!!!!!
By 49ertman on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I am so proud to be a 49ers faithful! since 1979 I have been a true fan win or lose, I wear my colors and the good times and bad times are part of why I love my 49ers. The players had an amazing year. You should be proud of what you have done this year. You can always wonder what if, but look at what you did and remember Nobody has it better then us! 49ers family God bless!! I will continue to be a season ticket holder at this stadium and at the new stadium Go Niners!
By mandini on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I’m so so so proud of ALL the 49ERS! Great year awesome games & can’t wait for next year OOORAH!
By JP49erfan11 on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
AWESOME YEAR GUYS! Thank you for making it fun to cheer for the red and gold again!
By gary potter on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
jeromy. you are still a jerk. no nothing about quarterback position. you don’t have any right to tell coach JH ANYTHING. got it.
go niners
By Rowdyone on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Outstanding Season to our mighty men I Hope All of Them are Back Next season i havent Been this Excited For Meny meny years Men! This Team Has A special Place In My Hart As A Long time 9er Fan Im Very proud Of what You mighty men Have Done Us This Year I Dont Plan On takeing Very Much Crap from Anybody For A very long Time Becuse Of What You Men Have Done For All Of Us 49er Fans WHOS GOT IT BETTER Then US!!!
By wayne on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
considering how our season went it was a great job going the distance that we did. I can honestly say that I did not expect us to go the the playoffs and beyond. You guys exceeded my eepectations. So i know that all the players and coaches can go forward from here,and we will be back next season and grab that SIXTH RING. Bring it home next year Thankyou guys and GOOOO 9ernation.
By Tom Tidwell on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I have never been more proud this team.It has to be one of my favorite years. Coming back from a 6 and 10 season and having a super year reminds me of 1980. I saw my first 49er game at kezar in 1951 while in high School in Benicia. I took a date to her first game in December 1962 (in the rain) to see them play the Packers. Annie and I have now been married for almost 49 years. Can’t wait for next year
By David on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT SEASON! the loss may have lost and it may have been disappointing but I’m still thankful for the great year. I pray next year will be just as good.
By jgr1346 on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
WoW! I remember the 2-14 years. Before Montana and Young. I was a ‘Frisco fan then and I still am. This was an awesome performance this year. I loved trash talking my Seahawk friends week after week. I’ll always be a 9er fan and winning the division makes it even sweeter.
I repeat, WoW !!!
By rene ramirez on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
im so proud of u niners! even though we didnt make the superbowl, im so proud and thankful of the season youve had this year! next year for sure, espn, nfl, etc, wont be able to say we were lucky or not give us da attention we deserved because we will be contenders again, and for a long time coming
By 9er4evr on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I’ve been a Niner fan since 3rd grade (1967), and I still say that this is one of the best Niner squads I’ve ever seen. I am grateful for their hard work. They had an incredible season!!
By pennsylvanian9er on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I’m proud of alex smith and the hole team this year was a sign of things to come I didnt expect to even get to the playoffs I just expected a better eason than last year so no complaints I’m not sad that the year is over just happy it happened at all
#forever faithful
By seiratom on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
i’m proud of you guys, to my this was a pain that i can only describe like this: “it feels like i just lost one of my children” as i posted that nigth in FB. i ‘ve never got so much in to the NFL but this year was special. Is never been easy to call the NINERS my team here in Florida, specially when you got a huge SF helmet on the back of your truck and believe me “still There”. I’m an US Air Force Member that just move back to the states after 4 years in Okinawa, Japan. I was lucky to go to my first game two years ago in SF When i visited Travis AFB. simply the best experience of my FAN life! again Thanks NINERS!
SSgt Tomas Sanchez, Hurlburt Field AFB FL
By Forty-Niner For Life on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
I first fell in love with the 49ers in 1972, when I met the first Nolan – Dick Nolan. He was a kind man, who took the time to talk with three 6th-graders who took a “field trip” to learn about sports organizations. Then, roughly 9 lean years before greatness came. I felt I’d earned it, sticking by my ’9ers during rough times. That’s what we’ve all done lately – and I feel greatness is upon us again. Guys – you have what it takes to bring home another Lombardi trophy. Same work ethic next year – with this year as experience. The coaching staff – top to bottom – is great. The players have learned that they, too, are near greatness. Unwind…then rewind this summer for another good shot at the title. THANK YOU.
By Ty on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
The NFC Championship was my first experience at an NFL game, as a 27 year old 49ERS fan i am very proud of the team and all their accomplishments. All i have to say is “There is still nobody better than us” we win as a team or lose as a team, “NOBODY TAKES ball games from us.” quote that
By montv on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Coach Harbaugh, thank you for turning this franchise around and getting the team deep into the playoffs. What a tremendous year you had, and I wish we could have seen the Niners play the Ravens in the Super Bowl; but next year, there’s always hope! Great job on all fronts with the team, especially the defense and special teams. Here’s hoping for further improvement on offense, especially on the line and at wide out. Congratulations to Alex on his great year at QB, Frank at RB, Vernon at TE, Patrick at MLB and Navorro at MLB, Justin at DE, and what great additions Carlos and Donte were to the secondary! Thanks to the entire team for a wonderful season, and here’s hoping 2012 sees you guys in the Super Bowl, where you belong!
By jake on Jan 24, 2012 | Reply
Alex deservs one more year and if the off isnt a go yank him and put kapp in but I think Alex will get better next year
By Antonio E. Romero on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply
We had no playoff experience and we made it so far. Next year we will have experience and we’ll go all the way. I know for a fact you guys say you have no promises but I know for a fact…We will go all the way and win it all NEXT SEASON…Yes it’s the hard work you put into it but it’s also the heart and will. We’ll go all the way and then we’ll be the only with 6 superbowl titles while undefeated. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to be with my team. Being drafted to the Niners that would be a dream come true. That’s what I’m working on as a freshman in high school in Sacramento. Back on track we’ll win it all, I know for a fact!
By Marley Hustle on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply
Kyle Williams will ALWAYS be the player that kept the Niners out of the Super Bowl! No team loss…it was Kyle’s LOSS! Forever a mar on the Niner’s destiny and unform.
By Marley Hustle on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply
How can a pro NFL player be allowed to stay on a team when he loses the ball at the most important of times! And, has a habit of doing so! re: last bowl game at ASU!? How can Harbaugh keep him? Will he make him an example and try to turn him around! If he does, Harbaugh will be the goat when Kyle does he sheetz again.
By gary potter on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply
jeromy. you are the one that needs to go away. take your bitterness someplace else
By gpop on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply
I have been a fan since they played in Kezar. This could have been the best team over all I have seen. We may have had better individuals but as a team you guys would be hard to beat. Thanks for a great year and hope you do the same next year.
By LBG on Jan 25, 2012 | Reply
Thanks Coach Harbaugh and the rest of the coakching staff, you guys did a tremendous job turning this team around. We all knew these players were great but you ll made them much better.
Kyle Williams hold your head up and remember the great plays you made to help you guys get to the playoffs,
By Tarcules on Jan 26, 2012 | Reply
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d82653eb0/comments/Manning-to-the-49ers
By Jeremy on Jan 26, 2012 | Reply
It was a great season guys. I have been a 49er faithful for 25 years and loved seeing you guys play at the level you did this year. I would have sworn I was looking at Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, and Brent Jones out there. I really hope Alex gets resigned. Alex you made incedible progress this year under Harbaugh. That is a testament to you and Harbaugh, imagine what you can do with another year of conisistency from your head coach! I can’t wait to see what happens next year. Enjoy some much deserved time off guys. I have always been proud, through thick and thin, of this organization and will always support you guys! Whose got it better than us? NOBODY!
By grateful49 on Jan 26, 2012 | Reply
Great season Niners! Thank you for your hard work and dedication and for bringing back the pride to NinerFaithful, was alot of fun and cant wait till next year, and Kyle dont listen to any of the b.s….real fans dont say it. And nobody got it any better than us!
By Glen Dobbie on Jan 26, 2012 | Reply
If someone had’ve said to me at the start of the season that we’d be in the Championship game I’d been a very happy man, however having got so close to getting to the Superbowl I am distraught at the loss. I am so VERY VERY VERY proud of our season, this loss will hurt for a long time, but what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. WE WILL come back from this bigger, better & smarter for it. The REAL fans appreciate all that has been done, its the fair-weather supporters that instantly look for a scapegoat or 2. THE BAY WILL BE A ROCKING THIS TIME NEXT YEAR WHEN THE TROPHY IS OURS
By Matt on Jan 31, 2012 | Reply
Thank you for giving me something to cheer about! It’s been 9 long years. Harbaugh did so much with this team in 1 year can’t wait to see what he does next year. I live in NY and am disgusted everytime I hear about the “giants win” please they didn’t win anything. We all know who the real winner was. Forward progress my butt Bradshaw fumbled right before the 2min warning. Kyle Williams is going to come back with redemption next season and I can’t wait to see it. GO 49ERS! Keep hitting em hard defense!
By Laura on Feb 1, 2012 | Reply
I think it’s commendable that the team rallied behind Williams after those two horrible fumbles (which in my opinion allowed the Giants to score, win and ultimately move to the Super Bowl). With that said, I am proud to be a 49er fan and THANK the team for their sportsmanship and performance. It was a GREAT season! Aloha!