Ready For Some Football: 49ers' Harley-Riding Opening Act Gets The Call For Monday Night

Tom Tracy

He's back!

​Steve Mahoney notes that he didn't play football in high school -- "I was kind of small." So he found a way onto the field at Candlestick Park along with the San Francisco 49ers by gaining a few hundred pounds -- of motorcycle.

We've written a bit about the Department of Public Works steam-cleaner's dream gig whooping up the pregame crowd by roaring around the field on his custom red-and-gold Harley-Davidson emblazoned with a Niners logo. It turns out Mahoney's dream isn't done yet. Over the weekend, he reports, team officials called him up and invited him back -- for Monday Night Football.

In a word, Mahoney is stoked; when he utters the term "Monday Night Football," each word grows progressively louder. "I'll do whatever they want me to do," he said of the Dec. 14 contest vs. Arizona.

Mahoney's pregame ride prior to the Sept. 20 home-opener came off without a hitch, despite a bout of last-minute maintenance being required to ensure he didn't have to push-start the bike. Actually, there was one hitch. In the heat of the moment, Mahoney forgot the name of the 49ers' cheerleader who took a lift on his bike. (Don't worry, pal. We're looking out for you).

Mahoney isn't getting paid for all this, by the way. He did get a few free tickets to the last game. And he's thrilled the team let him keep the No. 49 jersey -- with the word "faithful" on the back -- he wore for his prior gig.

When asked what the compensation will be for his next ride, he laughed. He has no idea.

Photo   |   Tom Tracy