Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) scrambles from San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

We all hear about the San Francisco 49ers big name stars such as, QB Colin Kaepernick, TE Vernon Davis and LB Patrick Willis, and the great games they play week in and week out. However, this is a team sport, and without the “other players” they would not be in the position they sometimes find themselves in. I am not trying to take away anything from the stars, as they clearly deserve the praise, however it is the “other players” that often make their big play possible. I have identified three players who I feel deserve some love, despite their unpopularity in the celebrity circle. These players often make plays that do not go unnoticed by the coaching staff but rather the fans and media. So without further ado, here is my list of the top three players that have made a significant impact thus far.

December 4, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) walks on the field next to long snapper Brian Jennings (86) after the 49ers defeated the St. Louis Rams 26-20 at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian Jennings- The 14-year veteran has quietly become the 49ers best long snapper of All-Time. And although that may not be saying much, he is by far the best long snapper in the game ever since he stepped foot in the NFL 14 years ago. He is darn near perfect on every single snap, including practice snaps. I should know, I watch him during every game, standing 8 feet away from him. The long snapper position is greatly undervalued and the Forever Faithful should consider themselves very fortunate to have Jennings services.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Jonathan Goodwin (59) prepares to snap the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jonathan Goodwin- Ever since he became a 49er, Goodwin has been a rock. He is responsible for making line calls and sometimes audibles. If Goodwin sees something he will quickly point it out. He is the man responsible for calling out blocking assignments which helps open holes for Kaep, RB Frank Gore, RB Kendall Hunter, and RB LaMichael James. A former Pro Bowler, Goodwin is smart, reliable, and durable.

Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald (91) celebrates sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the first quarter in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ray McDonald- The “other” defensive end opposite of DE Justin Smith, McDonald has been extremely productive. Mostly known to stop the run, McDonald does an exceptional job filling his gaps “gap integrity” while allowing OLB Ahmad Brooks to make plays. He is not the best pass rusher, but does not need to be with OLB Aldon Smith and Brooks coming off the edge. A defensive end that earns his paycheck on every down, McDonald’s non-stop motor wears lineman down.

Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It’s Superbowl Sunday, a national holiday, and a day that will be remembered by all Niner fans. Today marks the day we capture that elusive 6^th Championship. Today marks the day guys like Frank Gore and Patrick Willis have been waiting for their entire career.

This game won’t be easy, Baltimore has proved they are a talented team that can beat the best. Since Coach Jim Harbaugh has come into the league there is only one team he has lost 2 twice, that would last year champions, the New York Giants. A loss on Superbowl Sunday would put the Baltimore Ravens in that exclusive club.

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Jan 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore is interviewed during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It is clear by now, that San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has transformed the 49ers culture into a team first mind-set. With nine Pro-Bowlers on the roster, it is easy for a team that talented to have egos, not this team. From the coaching staff to the players, everyone is on the same page, and all about the team.

Just ask supplanted 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, as he was interviewed by NFL Network Analyst Deion Sanders, saying:

This is a team game, I wasn’t going to sit and pout and mope around…I love the locker room we have, I love the group of guys we have, and that’s bigger than me, I feel like. I certainly wasn’t going to put myself before any of that, that’s just how I feel.

Jan 27, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) speaks during a press conference at the Marriott New Orleans after arriving in New Orleans to discuss their upcoming game in Super Bowl XLVII to be held February 3, 2013. Mandatory Credit: Tyler Kaufman-USA TODAY Sports

The team first mind-set has been instilled in the players, and running back Frank Gore is no exception. Gore enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career as he rushed for 1,214 yards and 8 touchdowns. A testament to his offensive line, the man known as “Frankie G” rewarded teammate offensive tackle Joe Staley with a rolex. Talk about ballin.’ The news was first reported when NFL Network Anchor Amber Theoharis made a joke to Gore, saying “I hope you that you bought them some very nice dinners over the years.” Gore responded:

I bought them a nice gift this year. Joe got a ro! Joe got a ro! (referring to Staley’s rolex)

Staley was then obligated to flash the bling in front of the cameras, showing off his nice piece, as Theoharis said:

See, that’s how you take care of your lineman right there. They’re going to block just a little bit harder with that on their wrist.

With the Super Bowl just four days away, it will be interesting to see how “Frankie G” will reward his lineman, considering they win Super Bowl XLVII. And if I had to take a guess, I would bet on “Frankie G” buying them more than just rolex watches after Sunday’s game.