A day after a brutally physical game early in his career, a young NaVorro Bowman, was slumped in his locker dozing off. Then, a shirtless Justin Smith strode by looking like he was late for a train at Penn Station. Boman perked up and said, “Where are you going?”
The now retired, one-time All-Pro defensive lineman didn’t even turn to Bowman when he said, “Weight room.”
Bowman muttered a swear word, roused himself and followed Smith to the workout area.
Once Smith retired, Bowman assumed his role as the locker room’s alpha male, a position he held until he released Friday afternoon.
Bowman earned his leadership status by being the best tackling linebacker in the game. He also overcame a crippling knee injury; he’s been an All-Pro (four times) and the tackle he made in the 2013 NFC championship game preserved the 49ers’ 28-24 win and sent his team to Super Bowl XLVII.
You can’t write the history of the 49ers without him, and now the most recognizable player on the roster is unemployed.
So what does this due to the 49ers’ chemistry? How great are the shock waves to the locker room? Will it be devastating?
It could take a moment for the team to get over the body blow. However, players realize if you are no longer excelling at a high level and players behind you are better, your leadership status can diminish quickly. What also helps is that Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch have been consistent.
If you are a veteran player, you better add a lot to the team on the field and the chemistry of the locker room. If not, you’re gone. Shanaynch proved that the release of other veterans like Ahmad Brooks, who was never considered to be much of a team player.
The release also sends an emphatic message – Don’t question your playing time! Bowman became expendable the minute he publicly questioned the team’s decision to rest him during games. Running back Carlos Hyde did the same thing, but it would be stunning if Hyde continues to bring up that subject.
Shanaynch come into the first season of their six-year deals without being wedded to anyone on the team. And right now, eveyone’s expendable with the exception of DeForest Buckner and maybe Reuben Foster.
Shanaynch are also staying consistent, even at the cost of losing some players in the locker room. Their message is: Be diligent, be productive, and don’t question our decisions. They are boldly adhering to their program, which says something about them.
The question now becomes, who are the leaders now?
Left tackle Joe Staley continues to play exceptionally well, and while he can flash his unique brand of humor, he has the gravitas to lead. While appearing on Tolbert and Lund, a suggestion was humorously made to put wide receiver Pierre Gascon at defensive back on the Kyle Shanahan show.
“If you put Pierre out there as a DB, he would get so many personal fouls,” Shanahan said.
Tough, productive and someone who exudes a quiet strength, Garcon is certainly a leader.
DeForest Buckner is only in his second season but he has leader scrawled all over him. He might be the team’s best player right now, and his effort and relatability make him an instant leader.
Safety Eric Reid has been the team’s player rep, and his willingness to risk his career for racial injustice is admired. Consider that last year Colin Kaepernick won the Len Eshmont Award (given to the player who exemplifies courageous and inspirational play by teammate vote), Reid is looked upon as a leader.
These players will need to step up to fill the gaping void left by Bowman’s departure.