We hopped on the 47 Express from Van Ness and California this morning and headed over to the stadium. Yup - we were at Monster Park today to see the San Francisco 49ers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs didn’t really have to worry much about the game’s outcome. The team is playoff bound regardless but the 49ers wanted a win very badly. This game was QB Jeff Garcia’s “homecoming” and possibly Bryant Young’s last appearance.
We got to the stadium early enough to see the kickers practice and other players come out and stretch. Having great seats in one of the end zones, we had an awesome view of the action on the field. As we were waiting for kickoff, Derrick Brooks came over to the edge of the field near us to stretch. From about five rows back some 49ers fans yelled at him – saying that he “sucks”. What? Seriously? Derrick Brooks? Were they nuts? While I understand ragging on the opposing team, I don’t understand when fans are outright disrespectful (and oh so wrong) like that. Here is a guy that has been to the Pro Bowl for most of the seasons that he has played, has a Super Bowl ring, and will more than likely go to Canton. My normally laid-back spouse couldn’t contain himself and asked Mr. Brooks to show them his ring and we’ll see him in the Hall of Fame. I swear he smiled at us - there was no way he didn’t hear the whole exchange.
At any rate, saying Derrick Brooks sucks is like saying Bryant Young, Brian Urlacher, or Reggie White sucks. These are all excellent defensive players that have had long, fruitful careers. I thought about it for a while and eventually felt sorry for the fan that delivered this tirade. It was too bad that he couldn’t think of a better insult. You know, like something about his mother.
