Funny, Sherman was just a guest of a kid for 'show and tell' at an elementary school close to where I live. I saw the picture in the paper, but didn't read the story. Not even curious about his non-football life. Unfortunately, the Seahawks are pretty much the primary NFL interest in these parts because of geography. I was indifferent to their exploits when they were in the AFC but obviously they seem poised to be part of the most bitter Niner rivalry in years.

In fact, the Niners really haven't had such an intense divisional rivalry since the Rams were in L.A. and of decent quality. There were a few years when the competition with the Saints was pretty intense, but not with the spite and venom of the current scenario. Unless you count Tom Benson's twirling umbrella as a taunt! Even the recent backup qb signings seem to have the feel of being part of the overall rivalry. Quinn and McCoy. Two guys with roughly the same big school background who failed to make impacts in their early NFL opportunities. So we have parallels at starting quarterback in age, style, potential and now at backup. Not to mention the seeming lock-step wide receiver signings and some other bilateral roster shuffling. Should be interesting at the draft to see if there are obvious counter measures taken by either team in response to what unfolds in the enemy camp.