2012-GameRelease-Divisional

O kNOWS bEST
In 2011, his first season as a starter, LB Navorro bowman excelled in
his new role. Only a 3rd-year player from Penn State, Bowman has had
the opportunity to learn from one of the best LBs in the NFL in Patrick
Willis. He led the team in tackles in 2011 and was named 1st Team AP
All-Pro and an alternate for the 2012 Pro Bowl. Now in his 2nd season
as a full-time starter, and paired with Willis, this inside LB duo
is considered one of the best tandems in the NFL. The 49ers
signed Bowman to a five-year contract extension through the
2018 season on Nov. 27th. “NaVorro epitomizes what we look for in a 49er,” said
49ers General Manager Trent Baalke. “We are excited that the All Pro tandem of
Willis and Bowman will be together in red and gold for years to come.” All four of the
teams starting linebackers are under contract through at least the 2015 season (Ahmad
Brooks - 2017; Patrick Willis – 2016; Aldon Smith – 2015).
bowman’s 2012 Highlights...
• Tallied 144 total tackles according to NFL gamebook statistics, which ranked 5th in
the NFL.
• Recorded 12 games with 10+ tackles in 2012.
• Registered his 1st career INT, picking off Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in the 4th qtr. (9/9).
On the ensuing play, RB Frank Gore notched a 23-yd. TD run, helping to seal the Week 1
victory.
• Led the team with 14 tackles vs. Det. (9/16) and notched 1 PD.
• Tied a then career-high with 17 tackles at Min. (9/23).
• Led the team with 12 tackles at NYJ (9/30).
• Recorded 14 tackles, leading the team, vs. NYG (10/15).
• Notched 14 tackles and 1.0 sack on QB Russell Wilson vs. Sea. (10/18).
• Led the team with 15 tackles vs. StL (11/11).
• Tallied 15 tackles vs. Chi. (11/19), including a career-high 10 solo tackles.
• Registered 12 tackles at NO (11/25) to lead the team.
• Led the team with 13 tackles at StL (12/2).
• Notched 11 tackles at NE (12/16) and recorded his first career FF, stripping the ball from Patriots
RB Shane Vereen.
• Led the team with 16 tackles at Sea. (12/23).
bowman’s Career Highlights...
• Named 1st Team AP All-Pro and as an alternate for the Pro Bowl.
• Named Defensive Player of the Year by the Dallas Morning News’ Rick Gosselin, and led the team in tackles with 173.
• Tallied 13 tackles at Sea. (12/24/11), to record his 9th, 10+ tackle performance of the season.
• Recorded 1 FR vs. Arz. (11/20/11), registering his 3rd career FR and first on special teams.
• Tied his career high vs. NYG (11/13/11) by tallying 17 tackles.
• Named mid-season All-Pro by Pro Football Weekly and SI.com’s Peter King.
• Registered a career-high 17 tackles at Det. (10/16/11).
• Recorded his 1st career FR at Phi. (10/2/11).
• Tallied 12 tackles vs. Dal. (9/18/11), including his 1st career PD.
“Just one of those rough, tough football guys who does what he communicates, what he has to communicate. Smart, intelligent football player,
and just plays the game all out, all the time. Constant hustle, hustling at all times. Heck of a ball player.” - Head Coach Jim Harbaugh