We left SF on a wet day and arrived in Dallas to clear but COLD (by Calif standards that is) tempretures. First time I'd ever been on the tarmac at SFO and bussed right to the door of an airplane. Coach Mariucci handed us our game tickets and we were able to shoot the bull with him a little before we boarded our busses to the hotel. The fans were there when we arrived looking for that autograph for their hat, shirt or helmet (baby ones too). A quick beer at the bar and off to bed. Never saw any players so they were either very discrete or did the same.

Morning broke and a quick 3 mile run and then off to watch the Niners practice. At 8:00 am in the morning the fans were still there (do they ever go home?). We now had the chance to see an empty stadium, walk on the infield and stand on the Texas Star. As the players came out we scooted to the sidelines to see just what you did for pre-game practice. A well orchestrated workout consisted of some brief jogging, stretching and drills that marched right down the field. Coach Mariucci was involved by throwing passes as well. We saw Jeff Garcia get accustomed to the facility (astro turf here - ouch). Also was able to get a good shot of Eric Johnson (I think). Then back to the hotel (fans were still there) and we were on our own, so we did the JFK thing and bought some gloves for the game (colder today). I local friend (Diana) mixed with some mexican food and margaritas made for a great evening.

Game day broke with high clouds and the news forecasting rain - the only thing that was for sure was fans being downstairs waiting - and that held true. For an hour and a half before game time we were able to be down on the infield to watch and learn. During these next 90 minutes I learned that the 49er organization is a "classy" operation. Terry Donahue (GM) smoozed with the fans and was very personnable with all of us "groupies" that were down on the infield. Bill Walsh then appeared and did the same. The owner (Jerry Jones) of the Cowboys showed up and you now had a "who's-who" in professional football. Pro Bowler Jesse Sapolu was there taking pictures with all who asked. Terrell Owens made his entrance and was greatet by both boos & cheers (where was a uniform I woindered). We then were asked to find our seat so they could get the show on the road. And start the show they did. Those Cowboy Cheerleaders bumped and grinded until I thought something would break or pop out. Then the teams took over. Niners played hesitantly like a college team in their first bowl game on national TV. Once they scored, they loosened up but were never in their smooth grove that they've been showing for most of the season. The last 4 minutes of the game were the most exciting for down by 13 points they began to move and make things happen. Cutting their lead to 6 with 39 seconds left after a score, they tried on onsides kick which we'd seen them practice successfully just the day before - no such luck today. Cowboys recover, a single snap and the game was now over.

An hour later we were back on our busses heading to the airport with a police escort stopping traffic along the way. We said "outta-here" to Texas Stadium knowing that the Niners were still going to the playoffs and the Cowboys weren't. Coach Mariucci seemed distant but then realize... he wanted to win. So on the plane we went with hamburgers waiting for us on our seats. Then 45 minutes later they bagan serving us dinner - they sure feed you well (and often) on these trips. Only one movie could be shown and the players voted for "Shrek" (their other option was "The Claim"). A little light-hearted Eddie Murphy was appreciated. As we rolled into SFO, it was POURING (but not cold). We bussed back to the Marriott, got a quick autograph from Jeff Garcia and headed home - a truly unique experience that all should partake in. Once again, a very "classy" organization.

Thank you Niners.