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Nothing else is quite like the sting that comes when a facing off against someone who used to be fighting by your side. The feeling may be dulled for those in the NFL who are used to such a scenario, but fans across the country know the pain of seeing one of “our guys” in enemy colors.
In light of former 49ers GM Trent Baalke getting the same position with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Levin Black and I debated a question on today’s Niners Nation Gold Standard Podcast: Who is the greatest 49ers’ heel turn of all-time?
There’s certainly no shortage of candidates. Charles Haley terrorized quarterbacks for the scarlet and gold before a trade to the Cowboys turned the terror on us. Deion Sanders helped topple those same Cowboys after two straight playoff losses, and then helped Dallas win the Super Bowl again in 1995. And who can forget the infamy of Terrell Owens?
While all of these are fine choices, I don’t think any of them can lay claim to the title of the 49ers’ greatest heel. For that, you have to turn to former 49ers linebacker Bill Romanowski, and honestly, it wasn’t that close.
To hear why, listen to today’s episode of the Niners Nation Gold Standard Podcast in the player below.
Other topics covered in today’s episode
-In honor of Inauguration Day, which players/coaches will be with the 49ers in four years?
-Why is Richard Sherman telling Deshaun Watson to go to the Jets?
Before you go, vote in our poll question, and leave a comment with your thoughts
Poll
Who is the greatest 49ers heel turn of all-time?
This poll is closed
-
23%
Charley Haley
(160 votes) -
15%
Deion Sanders
(101 votes) -
11%
Terrell Owens
(77 votes) -
17%
Bill Romanowski
(120 votes) -
27%
Trent Baalke
(183 votes) -
4%
Other
(32 votes)