Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl in only his second season, quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been the most talked about Niner this offseason. With his new celebrity status Kaepernick presented the Vocal Duo of the Year at the Country Music Awards and most recently met he with First Lady Michelle Obama. He even got a picture with the First Lady Kaepernicking.

The offseason attention is only growing with the news that Kaepernick will be featured in ESPN the Magazine’s Body Issue. Not only will Kap’s physique be on display, but also his numerous tattoos on his body. Before the Super Bowl, Kap said in an interview that each of his tattoos signify something that he believes in. Of course none of his offseason activities has prevented or distracted him from his workouts and preparing for the new the season.

Kaepernick on being featured in the Body Issue:

Being selected by ESPN the Magazine for the body issue is an incredible honor. Thank you for believing in me, my 49ers family, and my INK!

Kap is not the first Niner to appear in the Body Issue. Linebacker Patrick Willis was featured in the 2010 edition. Speaking of Willis, a new funny commercial for Foot Locker was released that featured the linebacker. He shot the commercial back in March and it’s hilarious. See the video of the commercial below.

Oct. 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle (76) Anthony Davis against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

According to CSN Bay Area Sports, the San Francisco 49ers have negotiated a contract with T Anthony Davis, that contains what is called “de-escalators,” in his contract. The “de-escalators” is a philosophy that is sometimes used to motivate a player to perform up to his potential. In Davis’ case, his “de-escalators,” is tied to his weight, meaning Davis will need to maintain his current physique, year in and year out, in order to maximize his contract.

Jan 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (second from left) is congratulated by offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76), tight end Vernon Davis (85), and wide receiver Brett Swain (far right) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Saints 36-32. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

That should not be a problem with Davis, as he is a beast in the weight room year around. I know this first hand, because I see him at the gym pumping iron like no one’s business. Also, he gets his cardio in by playing basketball in the off-season with QB Colin Kaepernick, CB Chris Culliver, ILB NaVorro Bowman, ILB Patrick Willis, and sometimes WR Michael Crabtree.

One of the main reasons the 49ers added the “de-escalator” was to ensure Davis would not become content, now that he is financially set. Often times, you will see NFL players, especially lineman, come to training camp overweight or out of shape. Some prime examples include, DT Albert Haynesworth, OT Andre Smith, and OT Bryant McKinnie.

However, despite these “de-escalators,” I do not see it being a problem for Davis, as he is out to prove he is one of the best right tackles in the game.

Sept 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone (75) celebrate Kaepernick

According to the NFL’s PR Department, the San Francisco 49ers are the league’s most popular team in regards to merchandise sales. The sales record for the 49ers are based on jerseys and other team apparel sold on NFLshop.com. This is the first time since 1979 San Francisco has topped the NFL merchandise list.

The previous best for the 49ers on the NFL sales list was in 1994 and ’95 when they finished second. Of the top six teams in sales this year, San Francisco is the lone west coast team. The second-place team was the Baltimore Ravens.

Top-five teams in merchandise sales: 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

The 49ers were able to top the list mainly because of jersey sales for quarterback Colin Kaepernick and linebacker Patrick Willis. Kaepernick had the fourth-most purchased jersey, while Willis had the tenth-most purchased jersey. The Niners are one of two teams to have two players appear in the top-ten of most purchased jerseys. The Giants were the other team with Victor Cruz (8th) and Eli Manning (9th) leading the way for the G-Men.

Washington Redskins quarterback and Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Robert Griffin III topped the jersey sales list by setting a single-season jersey sales record. The other two players ahead of Kaepernick on the list are future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis. Willis is the second ranked defensive player on the list.

We all know the excitement Kaepernick generated for Niner fans everywhere by leading the team to a 7-3 record as a starter and to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1995. So it is not too much of a surprise that Kaepernick was fourth-overall on the jersey sales list. But for a quarterback who only has 10 career starts under his belt, it’s quite an accomplishment to out sale so many NFL veterans and future Hall of Famers. Don’t be surprised if Kaep tops the list after next season. Not only because of his play on the field, but also it looks so much better Kaepernicking in a Kaepernick jersey.