SANTA CLARA – Vernon Davis spoke in the locker room Wednesday afternoon. Here’s a story he told about a dinner he had with Colin Kaepernick a few months ago in Youngstown Ohio, after the loss to the Vikings.
VERNON DAVIS: Colin, he wants to be successful. He wants to be great. I remember back when we were in Youngstown, Ohio. We went to a restaurant called LongHorn. And he sat there, and he said: “I just want to play. I just want to play. I just want my opportunity.” I could see the fire in his eyes. He just wanted to prove what he could do. He wanted to let the coaches know that he was ready.
ME: Did he invite you out to dinner?
VERNON DAVIS: We got off the bus from practice and he came over to me and he was like, “Vern, are you going over to LongHorn?” And I was like, “Yeah, I’m going over.” And he was like, “I’m gonna go with you.”
ME: Could you tell he had something on his mind he wanted to talk to you about?
VERNON DAVIS: I didn’t know what he was going to talk about, but I could tell he was a little frustrated with everything that was going on.
Q: What advice did you give him?
VERNON DAVIS: I told him just have patience. You’ve gone through a lot. You have a beautiful story. You’re just destined for success. His story touches my heart. And I didn’t know his story until we sat down and he told me his story in depth, everything that went on his life. And I just knew at that moment. You will be successful, so just wait your time. It will come.
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Love it man!!! Colin’s story is only beginning at this level… I don’t think anyone here or on earth could have predicted all the things that have happened over the last few months. Funny how at training camp last year… my gf and I walked over to where the players sign autographs after practice. Colin was signing a hat for a young kid but didn’t have as many people trying to get his as all the other players down the way. Someone he must have know from Reno said.. “Hey Colin, a little bit different then Reno don’t ya think.” He just smiled and then signed my hat (I wish i still had it). Here we are 2 years later and he has become the face of the NFL
Wish I could know more about what was said.
The kid has arrived. He has a great friend in Vernon.
Grant
Thanks for the post. That’s a nice story. CK7 elevates the play of those around him. That’s a sign of greatness. Go Niners.
In retrospect.. I wonder if The Harbs is glad Peyton chose
‘ole horse face to work for ..
I wouldn’t trade CK7 for two Peytons !
(and, I bet, neither would Harbaugh)
I don’t think Harbaugh was gonna let Peyton come in on his terms. Jim’s way or the highway.
Exactly, there was a reason he chose the donkeys! It’s called dollars! Not to mention the ability to run things his way!
Yep, I wouldn’t trade CK for anyone else in football.
Gotta laugh, MidWest. My wife calls Elway ‘Horseface’ too.
yes, i was wondering if we pulled up short in the Manning sweepstakes – not going the extra, extra mile to land him, perhaps – because Harbaugh and Baalke felt good about what they had with Kaep.
either way…great piece, Grant, thanks
Here’s an old post from that Wunderkind, Offensive Matrix:
From November:
“Colin Kaepernick is the best player in the entire NFL.”
- Jon Gruden, 2/4/13
For which statement that Wunderkind, Offensive Matrix, was roundly scorned by most.
VD seems like a really great dude and quite a leader on this team. Who would have thought we’d be saying those types of things about him during his rookie year. I’m ecstatic he’s our tight end.
the only good thing singletary left behind was straightening vernon out …..he turned out the better for it.
“Et tu, Vernon?” – Alex Smith
Alex was pissed that Vernon told him they were going to IHOP.
Grant, Well done on the Davis/Kapernick story. First rate piece of human interest. Puts a little insight or maybe perspective is a better word on fellows most of us will never get a chance to know personally