Exclusive Interview with Derek Smith, San Francisco Forty Niners Linebacker

By Ivette Ricco

December 15, 2005

The San Francisco Forty Niners have fallen on hard times.

Five time Super Bowl winners, “The Team of The 80’s”, and home to Hall of Famers, Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and future Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, the franchise has come full circle. As of today their record is 2-12 with 2 games left in the regular season.

The 49ers earned the moniker "Team of the 80s" after claiming four Super Bowl titles during that decade. They extended their dominance into the 90s, becoming only NFL team to produce 10-or-more wins for 16 consecutive seasons (1983-98). Since 1981, the 49ers have won 13 division titles, five conference championships and five Super Bowl championships (the first franchise in NFL history to win five), claiming the world title in 1981 (Super Bowl XVI), '84 (Super Bowl XIX), '88 (Super Bowl XXIII), '89 (Super Bowl XXIV) and '94 (Super Bowl XXIX).

The 49ers last appearance Super Bowl was in 1994, a distant memory to Niners fans.

Some reports say that the “Faithful” are losing faith. Naysayers claim Niner fans are bandwagon fans who long for the good old days, the days of Eddie DeBartolo with no money constraints or salary cap woes.

The Niners change in ownership signaled an end to the free-wheeling ways of Eddie DeBartolo and the beginning of the fiscally responsible York ownership.

This change has been blamed for virtually everything that has gone wrong with the team.

But, recently the Yorks have taken some steps to turn the fortunes of their franchise around.

The first order of business was a complete “house-cleaning” with the termination of Terry Donohue as GM and Coach Dennis Erickson.

So much for penny-pinching.

The franchise has taken a hard look at every facet of its operation and it appears as if a change in attitude and perception is occurring at 4949 Centennial Boulevard.

As a 49er fan and a season ticket holder I have been very aware of fans’ feelings but as a sports “journalist” I have also noticed the progress being made, albeit in measured increments.

Reasons for optimism include the leadership of Mike Nolan and his staff. As a rookie Head Coach Nolan hasn’t always made the right choices, in my opinion, but it seems fairly obvious to those who follow the team that he has infused his players with energy and enthusiasm and instilled a sense of loyalty and work ethics in this young team.

Among the positives this season and one of the players I have been most impressed with, because of his constant hard play, energy, and dedication is linebacker Derek Smith.

Derek Smith is one of the players the 49ers are counting on to help them build their young defense as they work to return the franchise to its glory days.

It was my distinct pleasure to speak with Derek Smith on December 15, about his career, his family and the future of the 49ers.

Derek was born in American Fork, Utah and is a member of the Mormon Church.

He and his wife, Taryn have two children, Carson Michael, 3 years old and Cassidy, eight months old.
Derek was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1997 NFL draft.

Derek played for the Redskins until 2000, joining the 49ers in 2001.

 

Q: You’ve been in the league for 9 years; half of your career has been with the San Francisco 49ers.
As you watch this team develop do you feel that your contribution is more than just that of a player but perhaps as a mentor to the younger players?
A: Yes, the young players look to me as an example, especially when it comes to preparation. The team has a lot of young players, but the line-backing corps has experienced vets that can help young players still learning what is required to play in the NFL, players like Julian Peterson and BY and others veterans.

 

Q: The average fan believes that football players are living a dream life. They often don’t consider the difficulties a career in the ever-changing sports landscape can cause and the stress it puts on the families. Have you and your wife found a balance?
A: Yes it can also be difficult on families. On my day off, Tuesday, I try to help at home as much as I can to give my wife Taryn a break.

It is difficult, because for 6 months out of the year my time is consumed by football and there is little time for me to spend with my family. But the other six months are pretty idyllic and as you said a “dream life”.

 

Q: You were born in Utah; do you plan to live there when your football career ends?
A: We have a home in Park City Utah and we go there for vacations but we plan to live in San Diego.

Q: What will do you hope to do once your football career is over?
A: I have some projects I’m working on, some small business ventures that will keep me busy.

 

Q: Are there any charitable organizations you support?
A: The Pat Tillman Foundation

Q: If you could pick one position on the team you would like to play other than linebacker, which would it be and why?
A: Safety, I think it would be fun and I could use my speed and skills.

Q: What types of hobbies or other interests do you have aside from football?
A: Hunting and fishing, I’m an outdoorsman.

Q: Does your wife look forward to the day she can have you home all the time?
A: I don’t expect to be home all the time when my career ends, but I think she looks forward to the family spending more time together less chaos and more of a normal routine.

Q: What is your typical day like during the football season?
A: I get up at 6:45 and leave the house at about 7 am.

I go to the facility and the day is spent watching film, attending meetings and practicing. During lunch I lift. Practice typically runs from 1:15 – 4:00. I get home at about 5 pm. By then my wife has taken care of everything including the kids.

Q: Any words of encouragement for 49er fans?
A: I know that 2-11 is tough but Coach Nolan has the ship headed in the right direction. It’s going to take time but with some off-season moves and his leadership things will improve.

Q: It seems to me that the players are solidly behind Coach Nolan and believe in him.
A: Yes, the players believe in Coach Nolan and support him and really believe that he has the ship headed in the right direction.

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