Clements acquisition already paying off for 49ers

By Danny Dabiri  |   Monday, June 25, 2007  |  Comments( 35 )

San Francisco 49ers
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When the San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Nate Clements to an eight-year, $80 million contract back in March, there was a lot of debate as to whether the team overpaid for his services. While the price tag was pretty high, Clements -- a former Buffalo Bill -- appears to be well worth it. Granted, it's only June and not a single down has been played, but Clements has provided invaluable leadership during San Francisco's organized team activities thus far.

Even though it's only his first season in the Bay, Clements has been very vocal and engaged with his teammates. He has accepted his new leadership role, raising expectations for the upcoming season. The six-year veteran believes the 49ers have the components to make a significant improvement this year.

"We have a team that can win, not only that can win, but a team that can win the Super Bowl," said Clements to the Niners' official website. "The players, the coaching staff, the training staff, the strength and conditioning program, we just have an all-around great staff here in San Francisco. We work together to collectively accomplish the goals we have. You work together like that, and then go out and put that together out on the field and you'll win games."

Clements exudes the utmost confidence, and his job is largely to instill the same mentality to the rest of the team. Clements intends to keep challenging and encouraging his teammates with constant, ongoing commentary.

"It not only makes it fun, it makes it competitive," Clements said about his motivational speaking. "I'm not doing it to nag on a guy. I'm trying to encourage a player and compete out there, raise my game, and make our team better."

The fact that Clements, a 2001 first-round pick from Ohio State who has 23 career interceptions, has embraced the leadership role instead of sitting back and collecting his paycheck will have a positive impact on the Niners as a whole. Younger teammates will likely fall in line and play with the same level of confidence that is being displayed by their new leader.

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CommentsComments: 35  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
chris		09:39 AM
06/25/2007
I think the addition of nate clements this offseason was an outstanding move by the organization. I believe nate has great size,...
No.2
Nate		10:00 AM
06/25/2007
I wish nothing but good things for Nate Clements and the 49ers but as a Bills fan I can tell you the guy talked a good game but...
No.3
wd searle		10:39 AM
06/25/2007
Ihave been in ca. for 28 years, seen the niners at their best, and i now have started to get trhe same feeling i got when joe and...
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