49ers: Who should star as the team of the 1980s in a movie

Eric Roberts (Photo by John Wolfsohn/Getty Images)
Eric Roberts (Photo by John Wolfsohn/Getty Images)
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Eric Roberts at the Arpa International Film Festival (Photo by John Wolfsohn/Getty Images)
Eric Roberts at the Arpa International Film Festival (Photo by John Wolfsohn/Getty Images)

No. 5: Eric Roberts as 49ers Head Coach Bill Walsh

The mastermind of the 49ers rise to prominence in the 1980s was none other than head coach Bill Walsh. If a movie were to be made about the 49ers, Walsh would likely be the main character. He would be in the movie from start to finish.

To have an accurate portrayal, there would need to be a distinguished older gentleman playing the part of the coach they called “The Genius.”

Actor Eric Roberts would be a great fit here.

Roberts is best known for his role as… well, Julia Roberts’ older brother. OK, he actually was nominated for a few Golden Globes back in the day. And he’s been in a lot of productions. He has over 500 to his name.

Roberts has loads of experience behind his name, so who better to play the innovator of the West Coast offense than him. Walsh himself had a ton of coaching experience under his belt before he came to the 49ers. He was an assistant coach for several teams and head coach at Stanford before making the jump to the red and gold.

Roberts has the perfect look to play Walsh. The grey hair, the distinguished jawline and the right amount of experience all make him the perfect candidate.

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