Almost 13 years to the day, the San Francisco 49ers had two picks in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. With their first selection, they took a linebacker from Mississippi in Patrick Willis. 17 picks later they chose an offensive tackle from Central Michigan — Joe Staley.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of loyal is “unswerving in allegiance.” For over a decade Staley was unwavering in allegiance to the 49ers.
The organization was far from perfect, but Staley stuck around. The 49ers had six coaches over the course of his career.