The links are on me: Soon-to-be Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson thinks Patrick Willis is the best linebacker in the NFL right now. Where are they now: Former DE Kevin Fagan is a successful high school coach in Florida. But it’s not football.
We love football, but two 49ers show there’s more
When I attended two public appearances yesterday, I planned to ask a few dignified questions before diving into football. I did that, but came away highly impressed by the causes that WR Josh Morgan and TE Vernon Davis have gotten themselves involved with. Put down your depth chart for a minute and read about Year Up and Art Action.
Morgan on his QB: ‘It was like a whole new Alex’
In the ranks of Niner Nation, doubt still clings to Alex Smith. Among Smith’s teammates, though, the feeling seems to be highly positive as the top overall pick of the 2005 draft heads into his sixth season, and his second with offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye.
Mean Tweets (part 2)
Remember that recent Twitter dustup between the 49ers’ Vernon Davis and Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett? Well, apparently it isn’t over. The two were at it again yesterday, and Davis discussed the cyberspat after taking part in a panel discussion at the de Young Museum.
Davis in no hurry for contract extension
Brash. Outspoken. Controversial. Vernon Davis has been all three on occasion, but the Pro Bowl tight end is playing it cool when it comes to getting a long-term contract extension from the 49ers. Davis was a guest panelist at an Art Impact panel discussion at the de Young Museum’s Koret Auditorium this evening, and he talked a little football before and after the event.
49ers say they’re getting ripped
Don’t how much of it is lip service, but several 49ers have been talking up Duane Carlisle’s offseason conditioning program on various 49ers.com features.
Eddie D will present Rice in Canton
Eddie D slated for duty in Canton, the Santa Clara City Council helps the stadium cause, and Jerry Rice takes to the links again.
Davis, Iupati are likely Week 1 starters
The 49ers drafted tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati to provide immediate help along the offensive line. But will they be opening-day starters? Judging by recent NFL history, each has better than a two-thirds chance.
Barber violates three-strike rule
Sorry, 49ers fans, I’m planning to violate two of your strongest taboos, and maybe a third. I can’t wait to see a movie about the Raiders, Los Angeles and gangsta rap.
Vernon D vs. Adrian W: It’s on
In case you missed it, 49ers tight end Vernon Davis and hard-hitting Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson engaged in a highly entertaining tweet-off this morning. No, scratch that. Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett did all the texting for Wilson, by proxy. The give-and-take went like this…
Kristick gets probation, community service
Rookie 49ers linebacker Keaton Kristick and two of his Oregon State teammates were sentenced to probation and community service after pleading guilty to reduced charges in Corvallis, Ore., this morning. The trio had taken an athletic department golf cart for a joyride and flipped it on March 14.
Look who made ESPN’s fantasy top 200
ESPN fantasy football dude Christopher Harris released his top 200 players today, and here are your San Francisco 49ers. Check out who made the list at No. 177.
Comparing Davis to other tight ends
With Patrick Willis locked up through 2016, TE Vernon Davis – whose contract expires after this season – logically figures as the next Niner in line for a big payday. He’s a vital cog in the offense, and Davis is confident he can reach an agreement with his current team. He sent the following tweet a couple hours ago: “We got plenty of time y’all I’ll sign an extension soon I’m sure don’t worry I’m in 100%.”
But how big of a contract will Davis command?
Times set for preseason games
The NFL has released times for all exhibition games. Here is the data for the 49ers — all times PST.
Follow the money, and the accolades, and the race
The links are on me:
The Chronicle breaks down the Santa Clara stadium funding, USA Today picks an NFL all-decade team (including two Niners), Matt Wilhelm picks up an accolade, and look where the Amazing Race finishes up.
The mound, the mogul and the misdemeanor
The links are on me: Rookie RB Anthony Dixon’s finds time to watch his kid brother on the mound back in Mississippi. Where are they now? Ed Galigher, DT (1977-78) and his wife are in real-estate development. Another former Niners DT, Ronald Fields (2005-08), now with the Broncos, apparently has been arrested on a weapons charge.
Another McCloughan leaving
Director of college scouting David McCloughan is leaving the organization less than two months after his younger brother, Scot, did the same. The 49ers confirmed the move, saying “We have given David permission to seek employment elsewhere.” Joel Patten is expected to take his place.
Risk and reward among 49ers’ offseason moves
It will be months, if not years, before we know the true value of the 49ers’ 2010 offseason transactions. But some of them clearly came with greater risk (and perhaps greater reward) than others. Here is a look at the team’s major moves since January 1, categorized according to the Homeland Security Advisory System – because something worthwhile has to come out of those much-ignored color codes.
Trading stocks, teams (maybe) and opinions
The links are on me: Ronnie Lott and Steve Young go to the floor for charity, the Rams keep communication open with Brian Westbrook, and one “scientist” picks Patrick Willis over Nnamdi Asomugha.
Rookie Kristick charged in golf cart incident
Keaton Kristick’s chances of making the 49ers’ 53-man roster were slim to begin with. The undrafted rookie linebacker from Oregon State didn’t do himself any favors, then, when he and two teammates took a golf cart for a joyride on March 14.