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Lott's Bond with Franchise, Bay Area Stands Test of Time

Monday, November 17, 2003

San Jose Mercury News — The crowd's loudest roar started as the 49ers departed the field at halftime. Because the 49er was arriving. "Ron-nie! Ron-nie! Ron-nie!" Who knew there wee so many cherry red No. 42 jerseys still hanging in closets?

Their owners dug them out and wore them Monday night to honor the toughest 49er of all. Some carried framed photos of the great defensive back. Others waved handmade signs: "Thanks a Lott": "The 49ers Heart and Soul".

But in his big moment, Ronnie Lott was almost upstaged. Because when a short, middle-aged mad appeared on the field trailing Lott, the cheers suddenly changed.

"Ed-die! Ed-die! Ed-die"

The official holiday may be next week, but Monday night was a Thanksgiving for the fans at Candlestick. Thanks were given to Lott, who finally, belatedly saw his jersey retired. And thanks were given to Eddie DeBartolo, the exiled owner who never had a chance to say farewell to his franchise or his fans.

Leave it to Lott to help heal old wounds, forge new bonds.

It was interesting that Terrell Owens chose Monday night to wear a wristband that said, "The Answer." Because the true 49ers answer came in 1981, in the form of Lott.

Yes, Joe Montana was the catalyst, the offensive artist, the headliner. But the sport was still football, and Lott gave the 49ers a passion, a toughness and an intimidating presence, the likes of which they never had before and have never really had since.

And, unlike so many modern players, he forged a bond with a franchise, a community and with his teammates that will last forever.

Fifteen year from now, will dozens of former players come together to honor an old teammate?

"We always talked about having a certain culture, a certain oneness," Lott said. "The game of football teaches you just that – how to stick with people in great times, sad times, tough times. It's a great circle to be in. The only way to get in is you earn it."

The members of the circle were there Monday night, almost all of them. It was one of the greatest gatherings of 49ers dynasty: Montana, Roger Craig, Eric Wright, Carlton Williamson, Dwight Hicks, Harris Barton, Keena Turner, Jesse Sapolu, Jeff Fuller, Mike Wilson, Freddie Solomon, Steve Bono, Bill Ring, Guy McIntyre, Bill Walsh. And DeBartolo. All brought together because of Lott.

"He did it all the time back them," Montana said. "So why not now?"

Lott managed to do what few people ever expected to see: bring DeBartolo back in front of the cheering public, a welcome guest of the 49ers owners. The acrimony and vitriol over the bitter, lawsuit-filled split seemed in the past. DeBartolo hugged his sister, Denise. He and his brother-in-law, John York, were cordial and gracious with each other.

Some fans didn't seem so conciliatory. When the jersey unveiling was announced, York's name was greeted by boos, DeBartolo's by wild cheers But it didn't deteriorate into a Chris Cohan moment because Lott had the microphone and wouldn't allow it.

"I walk out here with so much love for all my teammates," Lott said. "Joe, Keena, Jeff Fuller. This is what love is all about". "And everyone knows…" he said, wrapping his arm around DeBartolo, "this is what loves is all about."

The crowd went wild.

"Mr. D, this is your huddle," Lott continues. "You built it. Dr. York, you carry the torch."

DeBartolo, of course, was emotional, being back at Candlestick after so many years. He said he couldn't find words to describe the fans' greeting. But he found words to describe the man of the hour.

"Ronnie's a special, special person," DeBartolo said. "He's right there with Joe. He made this franchise what it is."

Lott played in Super Bowls. He played in Pro Bowls. He has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But that didn't mean he was cool and calm Monday night.

"I felt like my legs had left me, like the air was sucked out of me." He said, "I wish I had eight hours to thank everybody – instead I had two minutes to try to get everything out. I thought I'd try to be a true warrior and hold my emotions. It was almost like playing a game – with the fans, the emotion, the adrenaline."

He said it was more intense that the Hall of Fame induction three years ago.

"Because this is where it all started," Lott said. "You don't get to Canton unless you do something on this field."

He did something. Lott's first game at Candlestick was against the Chicago Bears 22 years and two months ago. It was a 28-17 victory, the first win on the road to the astonishing Super Bowl. The rookie was nervous, unsure. He wanted to prove to the 49ers that he was worth the No. 8 pick in the draft.

"It was the moment of truth," Lott said. "I didn't know if I'd be good enough to make it."

He was good enough. And not just on the football field.

Finally the man – the person and the player – was properly honored. And, in the process, he pulled the 49ers together.

Just like always.