Back to Work
The 49ers tried to resume football duties Monday, two days after guard Thomas Herrion collapsed in the team's locker room and later died following a 26-21 loss in Denver. Players gathered in the morning for a meeting with team physician Barry Bryan, chaplain Earl Smith, and crisis expert Dr. Bob McIntyre. Then, in front of a large media contingent, the 49ers went through a 50-minute unpadded practice.
'I think it's therapeutic to get back out here on the field for the players and coaches alike,' coach Mike Nolan said. 'The other thing was, it was important for me to feel the guys out here together. And I think it was equally important for them, whether they recognized it or not.'
Niner News:
Lineman's weight problematic
Press Democrat: Because he was one of them, Thomas Herrion's death has hit the 49ers' offensive linemen especially hard.
49ers try to extract inspiration from grief
Press Democrat: Coach Mike Nolan said he wants the 49ers to get back to their routine as soon as possible, but clearly there is nothing normal about these times.
Their bulk weighs on players' minds
Sacramento Bee: Offensive linemen are the most physically intimidating players on the football field, but in the wake of a teammate's death, several 49ers players admitted Monday their bulk also scares themselves.
More Niner News...
Perhaps 49ers should step back - and let Tim Rattay take over
Sacramento Bee: The adults have to make the tough decision here. That six-year, $49 million contract Alex Smith signed isn't a shield. It offers very little protection against heightened expectations or the physical pummeling routinely absorbed in pro football, and certainly, does nothing to ease the emotional strain caused by witnessing the death of a friend.
Team enters the unknown emotionally
Mercury News: Thomas Herrion's teammates practiced like they were at church, ran pass patterns in silence and, when contact was necessary, bumped into each other gently, softly and with brotherly care.
Brief practice for team in mourning
Mercury News: Amid an eerie silence, the 49ers returned to the practice field Monday for the first time since the death of guard Thomas Herrion. The offensive linemen led the way.
49ers, friends pay tribute to Herrion
Mercury News: When he was playing football, Thomas Herrion traveled the world. His stint in NFL Europe last spring took him to places such as Berlin and Amsterdam.
Family of 49ers Lineman Who Died Had History of Heart Ailments
New York Times (registration required): 'San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Thomas Herrion, who died Saturday in the locker room after his team's game in Denver, had a family history of heart ailments, but medical experts could not definitively say those problems contributed to his death.'
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