Home Sports Talk

NFL to honor Bill Walsh at Super Bowl XLII

The NFL will honor the legacy of coaching legend Bill Walsh during Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3, 2008.

His son Criag Walsh, along with San Francisco 49ers captains Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice and Steve Young, who all starred under Coach Walsh, will participate in the coin toss ceremony just prior to kickoff at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona.

The coin toss will be televised live by FOX Sports. Watched by nearly 140 million viewers in the U.S. last year, the Super Bowl is annually the nation’s highest-rated TV program. The game will be broadcast worldwide in more than 230 countries and territories.

Walsh, who passed away on July 30, 2007 at the age of 75, was one of the most influential figures in NFL history. He revolutionized the game with his “West Coast Offense” and led the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories. In his third season as head coach, Walsh led San Francisco to its first-ever Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XVI. He would go on to collect two more titles during his 10 years with the 49ers (Super Bowls XIX and XXIII) and guide the team to the playoffs in seven of his last eight years as head coach. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

In addition to his on-field accolades, Walsh is also remembered for helping the league on many important initiatives, from improving opportunities for minorities in coaching and the front office to its executive training and international development programs.

Lott, Rice and Young were among the finest players Walsh coached and were recognized for their leadership on and off the field.

Comments

  • Kinda odd Montana wasnt included, no?


  • << <i>Kinda odd Montana wasnt included, no? >>



    At Super Bowl #40 they had a ceremony to honor past super bowl MVPs, Montana was invited but couldn't make it he says because
    his son was playing in a basketball game (his story anyway). Rumors were going around that Montana wanted a lot of money
    to appear but the NFL refused his demands. Joe denies these allegations about wanting money. Whatever happened or not there
    might still be some hard feelings and that could be a factor in his not being scheduled to be at the Walsh ceremony.
Sign In or Register to comment.