4 Faithfuls explain why they’re 49ers fans

No. 2: It might have taken him a bit, but eventually Marshall Van Iderstine followed in his Dad’s footsteps to become part of the Faithful.

Many fathers dream their kids will grow up liking the same teams as them. Marshall Van Iderstine always said he was a Niners fan by birthright, but it took him a while to get into football.

“Growing up with my Dad being a long-time 49ers fan, I would see him watching the games. I never really paid specific attention until about seventh or eighth grade, when a lot of my friends started talking about football,” he explained.

Unlike his dad, Drew, Marshall missed the 49ers dynasty in the 1980s and 1990s, but he fondly remembers the early 2010s and says this was his favorite era to watch.

“My favorite has to be around and before the 2013 Super Bowl run. This era was the most impactful on because it was a successful team, and pushed me even deeper into the Niner Empire.”

Marshall’s favorite player was none other than linebacker Patrick Willis. But he’s just one of the many favorite’s Marshall has because as you may recall, the 2010 era of 49ers defense was legendary.

“Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, Ahmad Brooks and the great NaVorro Bowman… This time characterizes a phenomenal defense and killer run game, just like the Niners are getting back to these days. I’d imagine if the trajectory continues for the next few years, it’ll rival being my favorite era.”

Tickets to sporting events are quite expensive nowadays. It gets even more pricey when you have to include airfare, hotel accommodations and of course souvenirs. Though he hasn’t been to a game yet, Marshall still carries out superstitions on game days.

”Generally try to have all my schoolwork done, so it’s not on my mind,” he added. “If it’s during the summertime, I try to rush home after work if they happen to have an early game. If we’re at home we try to either eat after the game or quickly during halftime so we don’t have to pause and fall behind!”

Marshall got into 49ers football through not only his Dad but by watching old films to learn about the rich history of the organization. The 49ers have always been a franchise who’s been respected and the new brass of leadership, new fans can easily get into the game.

One of the best reasons to be a Niner fan? “You get to say ‘bang bang Niner gang’, which is kind of cool,” Marshall says.

No better reason to be Faithful.