HONOLULU A third of the 49ers recipe for success in 2011 was the consistent play of the team s special teams units.

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2 HONOLULU A third of the 49ers recipe for success in 2011 was the consistent play of the team s special teams units. With three San Francisco specialists representing the club at the 2012 Pro Bowl, it wasn t hard to see why the contributions from players like David Akers, Brian Jennings and Andy Lee led the team to a 14-win season and a NFC West division crown. On Sunday, the trio combined to make several key plays in the National Football League s annual showcase game, proving once and for all just how vital they ve been this year. Ultimately, the NFC team fell short, falling to the AFC, but the 49ers were well represented at Aloha Stadium throughout the 60-minute affair. Akers, the six-time Pro Bowl kicker, successfully executed two onside kicks (one of which was recovered by Jennings, the 49ers long snapper). Meanwhile, Lee completed an 8-yard pass on a fake punt which set up the NFC s second touchdown of the game. The first onside kick, coupled with Lee s pass, led to 14 first half points for the NFC, who led at the half. The AFC squad, however, stormed back in the second half and went on to outscore their counterparts to win in convincing fashion. Miami Dolphins wide-out Brandon Marshall caught six passes for 176 yards and a Pro Bowl-record four touchdown passes to win the game s Most Valuable Player award. But for San Francisco s representatives, it was clear that the special teams trio deserved much of the credit for the NFC s success on Sunday. Those guys are phenomenal guys, five-time 49ers Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis said. They re very good at what they do. They came out today and showcased a little of that. We re very fortunate to have them on our team. Likewise, the NFC was fortunate to have them and the Green Bay Packers coaching staff made sure to use all their punt, pass and kicking talents. Akers second onside kick, recovered by Jennings, was attempted in the third quarter with the NFC leading The kick bounced around at first, but eventually the 49ers long snapper wound up with the ball and held it high in the air for everyone to see. Hours later, Jennings held on to the ball postgame during on-field interviews. I m going to get it painted up and put it on a shelf, said Jennings, who made his second Pro Bowl appearance.

3 February 1st, 2012 Dear 49ers Kids Club Member, On behalf of the San Francisco 49ers organization, we thank you for your participation this past season in our fan events, training camp sessions, and contests. Not only did many of you receive 49ers gear and prizes, but several Gold members had the once in a lifetime opportunity to be a Kickoff Kid for a 49ers home game. One highlight this season was the 49ers Kids Club Skating Party, which was free for all Gold members to attend. The event was held in mid-december underneath the palm trees of Downtown Ice skating rink in San Jose, alongside 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam and Gold Rush cheerleaders. While new memberships for siblings and friends are currently on hold for the next few months, we will continue to host contests for all current members to win signed 49ers memorabilia and great 49ers prizes. Each month we will distribute the Playbook e-newsletter directly to your parents inboxes, so you can stay up to date with the happenings of your favorite football team even during the offseason. Sign-ups for the 2012 Kids Club will launch around Draft Day at the end of April and will include a brand new merchandise packet full of exclusive 49ers Kids Club goodies! There will also be newly added events and special invitations for you and your family throughout the football season. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for the 49ers Kids Club, we would love to hear from you! Please us at: 49erskidsclub@niners.nfl.com or call (408) We wish you all the best as we head into a busy offseason and can t wait to see everyone next year! Sincerely, Sourdough Sam 49ers Kids Club

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5 Sourdough Sam, the beloved mascot of the 49ers joined eight of the 49ers players as they journeyed to Honolulu for the 2012 Pro Bowl on Sunday, January 29th. For more updates on Sourdough Sam and the 49ers, follow him on Facebook

6 San Francisco 49ers Pro Bowlers Joe Staley, Justin Smith, and Andy Lee taking a break during their Pro Bowl trip in Hawaii during the end of January. The Pro Bowl took place in Honolulu and the AFC defeated the NFC,

7 HONOLULU Chicken wings by the pool and making plans for a possible deep-sea fishing expedition later in the week is how Patrick Willis celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday. Not only is the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker joined by five other 49ers in town for the NFL s annual All- Star game, but Willis is accompanied by family members in making the trip to the islands. Granted, Willis and his teammates would much rather be preparing for the Super Bowl having suffered a overtime loss in the NFC title game to the New York Giants. Yet, being able to celebrate his birthday with friends and family so soon after a difficult day isn t lost on Willis. Having to do it in Hawaii isn t bad either. It s not, said Willis after a 90-minute practice at Kapolei High School, sight of the NFC s first practice of the week. Hawaii s a great place, great weather and it s really warm right now. I thank God I was able to see my 27th birthday and to be around some of my teammates and some of my friends I ve known throughout the league it s a good feeling. Perhaps the ultimate respect for the first 49ers player to make five consecutive Pro Bowls to start a career was the outpouring of support from his new teammates on the NFC roster. Many congratulated Willis and the 49ers on a tremendous season, even members of the New Orleans Saints, who were eliminated by the 49ers in the NFL Divisional Playoff round, offered kind words. They said they were rooting for us, shared Willis on some of the NFC s practice chatter. They said, We knew y all we re going to go. We knew y all had it. The Super Bowl was yours. But to hear them say that, it means a lot to us because we felt that way. To hear them say it, it means a lot.

8 Willis, himself, couldn t help but share a little harmless practice banter with Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, who caught a pair of touchdowns in a losing effort against the 49ers. Although practice was at a teaching tempo for the most part and involved play installation and brief 7- on-7 passing drills, Willis couldn t resist sharing insight with his new teammates as to how to defend New Orleans unique play-maker. I was telling somebody, Hit this guy right here, don t even let him get off the line, said Willis with a big grin. We laugh about it, because the games are competitive, but off the field, I feel like we re all good people. All the best are out here. All the best includes five other 49ers on the NFC squad. Seeing so many red and gold helmets amongst an NFC roster wearing grey and blue t-shirts out at practice was a great feeling for Willis, who is coming off his first career playoff appearance like many on San Francisco s roster. I remember coming here and it was just myself, Willis shared. Now to come here and have the guys we have, Joe Staley, Justin Smith, David Akers, Brian Jennings and Andy, my man, Andy Lee To see that (now), it s a good feeling. I m blessed. Humble and committed to succeed as ever, Willis made it clear how appreciative he was for all the people who ve helped him get to this point of his career. I m thankful for everyone who voted for me to get here over the past five years, Willis said. To be here, it s something I don t take for granted.

9 This year for the big game, make sure to pick healthier snacks and meals with your family and friends. Check out the healthier recipes below for dishes that may already be on your game day menu! Ingredients 1 16-ounce can nonfat refried beans, preferably spicy 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed 4 scallions, sliced ½ cup prepared salsa ½ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ cup pickled jalapeño slices, chopped 1 cup shredded low-fat Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese ½ cup reduced-fat sour cream 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 medium tomato, chopped 1 medium avocado, chopped ¼ cup canned sliced black olives (optional) Preparation 1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, and jalapeños in a medium bowl. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart microwave-safe dish; sprinkle with cheese. 2. Microwave on High until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture, then scatter with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives (if using). Nutrition Per serving: 146 calories; 7 g fat;12 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrates; 7 g protein; 5 g fiber; 288 mg sodium; 164 mg potassium. Preparation Ingredients ½ small shallot, peeled 1 5-ounce can water chestnuts, rinsed ½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese ½ cup lowfat cottage cheese ¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt 1 tablespoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground pepper, to taste 6 ounces baby spinach 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives Make sure to ask your parents for help! Pulse shallot and water chestnuts in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper and pulse until just combined. Add spinach and chives and pulse until incorporated. Nutrition Per 1/4-cup serving: 54 calories; 3 g fat ( 2 g sat, 1 g mono ); 10 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrates; 4 g protein; 1 g fiber; 222 mg sodium; 102 mg potassium. For more healthy recipes, visit eatingwell.com

10 In NFLRZ, players can: Create their own game character called an "avatar" which can explore the NFLRZ online world Play numerous games Chat with other players in a safe and secure manner, where no one is able to use profanity or share their real names, ages, or addresses Watch animated videos Discover hidden items, including pet-like characters called "Gameballz," which your child must feed and care for inside NFLRZ Earn "Pigskins" (NFLRZ's virtual currency) and spend them on new gear and NFL team jerseys for their avatar, which helps teach kids about earning currency, saving and spending it wisely.

11 Hometown: Alviso, CA What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a pro athlete, (baseball, or football), a firefighter, or nurse. How long have you been working here? I just finished my fifth season with the 49ers. What do you do for the 49ers? Currently I work for the security department and help out both at team headquarters during the week, and also at home/ away football games. What did you study in school? I studied to become an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and wanted to get into the medical field, but I ve had to put that on hold for family. What s your favorite part about working for the 49ers? I d have to say my favorite part working for the 49ers is the staff and the family atmosphere within the organization. What advice would you give someone who wants to work in sports? I would say work hard and put your nose to the grind stone. Do you have any funny experiences with a 49ers player? When we were flying home after the win in October 2011 against the Detroit Lions some of the football players started a little rap circle on the plane, one of our guests for the game was wearing a 49ers jersey and a player pulled him to the back of the game to join the circle, so he helped out with the songs. And lastly: Being able to watch all the away games from the sidelines is pretty interesting.