November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) is congratulated by inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) after making a tackle against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Bears 32-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

When the San Francisco 49ers drafted NaVorro Bowman in the third-round (91st pick) in the 2010 NFL Draft, they had no idea he would get a tattoo representing his accomplishment. In only his third year, Bowman has quickly established himself as one of the premier linebackers in the game. A two-time All-Pro, Bowman has since decided to get a tattoo representing his journey to the NFL.

The ink is located on Bowman’s right bicep with the “NFL shield.” The tattoo is a constant reminder to Bowman, regarding the hardship and sacrifice to get to this point. As he said:

It’s really a tattoo that I always wanted. I felt like it was the elite part of playing this game. All the way from Pop Warner to College is a lot of work. And for me to be at this level, I feel like that shield should be on my arm. I walk proudly with it.

As the interrogations continue during Super Bowl week, look for more insights on the person not the player.

Jan 28, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) speaks during a press conference at the Marriott New Orleans game to discuss Super Bowl XLVII to be held February 3, 2013. Mandatory Credit: Tyler Kaufman-USA TODAY Sports

In the San Francisco 49ers first Super Bowl Press Conference, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced the team’s MVP. With all the big names on the San Francisco 49ers roster like Frank Gore and Patrick Willis, one would think they would be voted the team’s MVP. Not this year, as those honors go to second year player Aldon Smith.

Aldon was voted by his peers as this year’s Most Valuable Player, as he finished the regular season with a franchise-record 19.5 sacks. He made plays all over the field, and in my opinion, supplanted DeMarcus Ware as the best pure pass rusher in the game.

Although Aldon Smith was scrutinized for being held sack-less in his last five games, the players obviously felt he did enough to warrant MVP recognition. Teammate NaVorro Bowman had this to say, during his Super Bowl Media Day Press Conference:

He’s always doing his job. That’s pretty much an MVP. He’s always doing his job, you don’t really have to say too much to him and he’s always producing. When we need a big play, he’s always able to produce that. He’s very worthy of that award.

To date, Aldon holds the record for most sacks in his first two seasons with 33.5, beating out Hall of Fame legend Reggie White.

Credit: San Francisco 49ers

When the San Francisco 49ers arrived in NOLA last night, many of them were seen wearing Chicago Bulls apparel. I counted four players sporting “Chi Town’s” gear, including C Jonathan Goodwin, WR A.J. Jenkins, ILB NaVorro Bowman, and FS Dashon Goldson. I can understand if they dressed in Golden State Warriors attire, considering their winning ways this season, but the Chicago Bulls? That’s just odd.

Credit: San Francisco 49ers

Besides Jenkins, none of those players have any ties to Chicago, that I am aware of. Which raises the question, why Chicago? Maybe they wanted to make a fashion statement, with their Jordan jackets, or maybe they are actually die-hard fans. Whatever the case maybe, it was interesting to see nonetheless.

As the 49ers prepare for media week, it will be fun to see how they handle the limelight, as everything they do, will be under a microscope.