SANTA CLARA -- Every so often the 49ers recognize a past hero at halftime who sends the fans hearkening back to better days. On Sunday, the contrast between now and then will be unavoidable.
Not only will former owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. be presented with his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring at the half, the true heirs to DeBartolo's 49ers dynasty will be taking the field before and after the ceremony. And they won't be wearing red and gold.
The New England Patriots, whose owners consulted with and were influenced by DeBartolo when they took over the then-moribund franchise in 1994, are in the midst of their 16th straight winning season and have won four Super Bowls, one fewer than the 49ers when DeBartolo presided over them.