BY now -- like the "Macarena," at least until the Rainbow volleyball season -- we have all forgotten what makes us groan, including the expression, "Show me the money." Steinberg says show
Sapolu some $ signsI thought you did. That's why I dug it up again. Sorry.
But I was reminded of that overused line from the movie "Jerry Maguire" because I just talked to the real-life Jerry Maguire: super agent Leigh Steinberg.
The movie character, played by Tom Cruise, can be linked to Steinberg, who served as a technical consultant. Steinberg also appeared in a cameo role with a number of his clients, including Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman.
It was even a Steinberg client, San Francisco 49ers safety Tim McDonald, who first came up with the film's most memorable line. I won't say it again, promise.
"Virtually everything in that movie has happened to someone I know," said Steinberg, who is almost as difficult to track down as one of his clients, Jesse Sapolu.
In fact, it was easier reaching Steinberg, which is saying something, considering that he is right now trying to extend the contract of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young.
This, on top of just landing a $22-million deal Tuesday for defensive lineman Darrell Russell with the Oakland Raiders. The total package for the USC standout set all kinds of records for a rookie.
Obviously, Steinberg showed them the money. Sorry, I forgot.
HOWEVER, it's not all about money with Steinberg.
That's why his representing Sapolu is an intriguing story. More intriguing in that Sapolu is reluctant to give interviews after getting released by the 49ers following heart surgery Jan. 27.
Obviously, Sapolu, who played 14 years with the 49ers after being drafted by them in the 11th round out of the University of Hawaii, was hurt by their action. But Sapolu, who's physically cleared to play, has no intention of retiring.
If anything, Sapolu was a victim of the 49ers' effort, not to down-size, but to "up-size." They're trying to field a bigger offensive line. At 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, Sapolu, who alternated at the center and guard positions, literally didn't fit in their plans.
The 49ers signed 6-foot-7, 325-pound Kevin Gogan, who made the free-agent jump from Oakland just as he did from Dallas for the 1994 season, to play right guard. Tackle Harris Barton has bulked up to 300 pounds.
"We beefed the offensive lineup," Jerry Rice, now the team's elder statesman with Sapolu gone, told the San Francisco Examiner. "We have no excuses. Either we're going to kick that door in or we're not."
Whether the 49ers, especially with a new coach, can kick butt in the NFL this year remains to be seen.
ANYWAY, it will be strange not seeing Sapolu, No. 61, in the 49ers' lineup after all these years.
Steinberg feels Sapolu can still help some NFL team because of his experience.
"I think he's still viable, but it has been a very tough year for free agents. The free-agent movement was very low this year with the salary structure being the way it is," he said.
"Unfortunately, in football there will be injuries and maybe some movement when that happens," Steinberg added.
For now, though, it's tough for someone of Sapolu's stature, according to Steinberg.
"He has started for so long and has been on a winning team for so long. He's got four Super Bowl rings. So we're looking for a proper team, proper situation and proper circumstances for him."
Me? I wouldn't be surprised if Sapolu somehow winds up playing for the 49ers again, though perhaps no longer as a starter.