The National Football League 2009 season has been a surprising one thus far. The San Francisco 49er’s are 3-1, and are currently leading the NFC west so far. The 49ers are enjoying one of their best starts in recent years. Well all know about Frank Gore on the offensive end, but veteran defensive linebacker Takeo Spike aka (“The Knock Out”) was very eager to talk about the 49er’s impressive start to the season.

A lot was to be expected this season from the San Francisco 49ers after finishing last year 7-9. Last season the 49ers organization wanted to take the team to a new level and some things just had to be done. One of them was the firing of head coach Mike Nolan. Right after the firing of Nolan, the 49ers made Mike Singletary as head coach and since then the team is showing to be on the verge of success. Speaking with Takeo he gave much appraisal explaining that coach Singletary was a man that’s all about business and wants to help the team live up to it’s true potential as he stated “Coming into the season our team goals was to make the playoffs”. The reason why we are off to an impressive start is because of our head coach Mike Singletary, he has us playing for a purpose. Coach Singletary know we are a talented group of men and he is very motivating, with his attitude we can only play to our best ability.”

When you go back into the history of the 49ers as a football fan you know the team has one of the richest histories in the National Football League which is very impressive. Legendary names such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, are some of the best players ever and what they all have in common was being a 49er. In this current generation the Niners are striving to get back to those glory years and have a crew of young talent that is the future of the team. Takeo Spikes is an 11 year veteran and while on the football field it’s great to have young guns, its very important to have veterans that provide leadership. Takeo always gives credit when it was due and for that he once again let’s it be known who is a major part of the 49ers success. “Once again coach Mike Singletary he has changed the culture, and our veterans have stepped in, showed the ropes to the younger guys, not just about football, but life. It’s great he holds us accountable and he demands that we go out their and give a 100% all the time.”

Throughout the season each team will face tough losses and injuries that can either make or break a team. The 49ers had a chance to start 3-0 this season, but veteran hall of fame quarterback Brett Favre took it away in a close game. In week 3 the 49ers were at Minnesota in a very tight game and which they lost on a final play. Not only that star running back Frank Gore was injured as well. Takeo has been in the game for some time now and experienced a lot. So he already knows and understands the ups and downs involved with the NFL season. In reference to the loss against the Vikings he breaks it down how it won’t hurt the team “Our morale is great, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. We took it as a learning experience, you have to play sixty minutes in the NFL. We won’t make those mistakes again! That same game the 49ers lost running back Frank Gore who is one of the games top playmakers. Many will wonder since the loss of Gore how will the 49ers fair offensively, but according to Takeo everything will be just fine. “Frank Gore is a huge playmaker for us on offense we will miss him, but we drafted a great talent out of Alabama named Glen Coffee. Coffee had a great preseason and is carrying it over into the season.” While the defense is solid and only getting better, questions arise as if the defense has to perform top notch now, as the offense in the opinions of many may have took a step down “No were going to keep doing what we are doing on defense. We still have great weapons on offense they are ready to step and be major contributors.”

You can guarantee one thing though from Takeo. At the end of the day he is a linebacker and those hard hits are destined to be laid upon each and everyone who gets in his way. Takeo Spikes is the knockout and each Sunday or sometimes Monday, somebody on offense will absorb one of his backbreaking hits. “It was given to me in high school and I earned the reputation because of the punishing hits I gave. Takeo explains giving he quick history as to where his nickname originates from.

The 49ers is a team to watch this year and with all the rich history within the team, the fans, players, and coaches, history indeed needs to be written once again. Making the playoffs this year will be an big achievement and if more than a playoff comes their way, the 49ers will continue to dig for their precious gold.