Isn’t it great? The 49ers are heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1994 season. It’s a great feeling for me since I grew up a 49ers fan but it means a lot more to me because it’s special for so many people I know.

My dad loves the team and I can just imagine him being so happy. He taught me the game and we watched the Niners when I was a young kid. This is for him.

I got so many friends who are also Niners fans and this is something that I know they are enjoying. They are true fans, not the bandwagon kind and they deserve this too.

But most importantly, this victory means so much to me because of all the great people I met in my three years on the beat covering the team.

I’ve met most of the current roster in those years and I got to know a good portion of them outside of football. A lot of them talked with me about things in life and also allowed themselves to welcome me into conversations. I saw these guys every day and they were like co-workers in a way. But not really that, I see them more as just good people I got to know over the years. This trip to the Super Bowl means a lot to these men and the joy that they have right now warms my heart. I care a lot about these guys not just as players, but as people. I am happy for them.

I am also happy for the coaching staff. Even though it’s hard to really get to know them, they have been courteous to me. Sometimes it’s tough when they don’t give me answers, but I know they work their tails off daily to get this team to this point. I am happy for them.

The public relations staff that I have to deal with daily are also deserving of this. They’ve provided me with countless information, transcripts and everything else to make my three years easy and fun. They’ve allowed me to cover the team in person and really live my dream. I am happy for them.

But the happiness doesn’t stop there. One more win and the ultimate goal is reached. Congratulations 49ers! You deserve this! Thanks for letting me be a part of it for three years.