We Were Champions: The 49ers' Dynasty in Their Own Words

by Phil Barber, Bill Walsh (Afterword), John Madden (Foreword)

For 15 NFL seasons, during which they won five Super Bowl titles, no team in pro sports captured the public's fancy like the San Francisco 49ers. Thanks to a roster filled with superstars such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Ronnie Lott and an innovative coaching staff headed by the legendary Bill Walsh, the 49ers exuded an aura of invincibility in a sport in which every victory is hard fought. This is the story of the San Francisco dynasty in the players' own words, reflections and insights shared with the perspective of time, as they analyze the elements that combined to create pro football magic. Beginning with a stunning victory over the Dallas Cowboys and a berth in Super Bowl XVI and continuing through a victory in Super Bowl XXIV, the vital figures in 49ers history recall the pivotal moments, the clutch plays, and the smooth transitions that pointed toward the top of the NFL mountain. "When people ask me how many Super Bowl rings I have," lineman Jesse Sapolu says, "I don't mean to show a disappointed face, but I just say, 'Four.' And they say, 'You don't look very excited about it.' And I tell people, 'Well, I lost five NFC Championship Games. That's a lot of big games to lose.' When I look back on my career, I should be sitting here with at least six, maybe seven Super Bowl rings." We Were Champions features the rare behind-the-scenes photography of Michael Zagaris, the 49ers' club photographer for more than two decades, in the definitive look at one of the most storied sports franchises.

Genres: Sports

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Were Champions provides an immersive and engaging look at one of the NFL’s most iconic dynasties, the San Francisco 49ers. Phil Barber, with contributions from Bill Walsh and John Madden, captures the team’s legendary achievements while offering intimate reflections from players and coaches.

The book excels in storytelling, blending behind-the-scenes anecdotes with strategic insight into the game. Readers gain perspective on pivotal moments, clutch plays, and the teamwork that fueled five Super Bowl victories over 15 NFL seasons. The inclusion of rare photography by Michael Zagaris adds a visual dimension that brings the era to life and strengthens the narrative’s authenticity.

What stands out most is the emphasis on perspective, humility, and reflection. Even the team’s greatest stars discuss setbacks, challenges, and lessons learned, providing a nuanced view of what it takes to build and maintain a dynasty. We Were Champions is essential for sports enthusiasts, football historians, and fans of the 49ers who want a firsthand account of pro football excellence.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a great gift! I enjoyed reading it and before I knew it there was no more to read! One of the greatest drawbacks was the lack of Jerry Rice in the book! Because of his stature in the organization and the sport, it just felt like the biggest whole in all of the book. i loved reading about those glory days from the guys who actually played in those heartpounding games. Worth it for a 49er fan, but probably not enough substance for the casual reader not to feel a little robbed.