What is PJ Fleck really and why do a lot of people like him?

[statniner]

I never heard or seen PJ play, but I heard of his work ethic (working out overtime with Ken after practices). That seems exaggerated. What did he really do that a lot of fans, especially Coach Nolan, to have to want this guy back to our team? He isn't durable and he is unproven player, isn't he? I looked up wikipedia, found nothing. I'd appreciate some response from guys who are knowledgeable about htis work horse.

[statniner]

Oh man, I guess the dude is just over rated. Thanks everyone.

:closed:

[Monster49er]

KFFL states Nolan may let him come back as a coach..........He was just a tough little guy..............Tiz wants to grow up to be like him :ok:

[niners25]

everyone liked him because he was an underdog. He was undersized but had all the heart in the world and gave everything he had on every play. He made for a good story and thats why I think everyone was rooting for the guy

[GoldenFuture]

everyone liked him because he was the guy that no one said could play in the NFL. AND HE DID! For one game, but still, he was the little man that worked his ***** off, the complete opposite as some supertalented but no heart players in pro sports (milton bradley esque)

[statniner]

"He was always constantly going," said his mother. "He was like the energizer bunny. He was a real go-getter as a kid and always wanted to be better than the next kid."

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/articles/2003/12/14/sports/sports01.txt

Full article about P.J.

[IowaNinersFan]

I was hoping he'd become our version of Wayne Chrebet but things didn't work out :surrender:

[Nikko]

He was an okay player at Northern Illinois, an overachiever if you will. Lacked the physical tools to be succesful in the NFL, but he was tough and willing to do whatever the coaches asked of him. You told him to go over the middle and take a hit from Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, or Sean Taylor, and he would.. He worked hard, he knew he had to since he didn't have the physical tools. It's a shame that he couldn't make it in the NFL, hopefully Nolan let's him be a coach.

[Peter Proud]

Because he doesn't quit!!!!

[xraided25]

pj fleck was just a great guy all the heart in the world but 2 small. Can't help but to cheer for a guy like that. I remember last year my little brother in law asked him for his gloves and he was like shore took them off signed them and gave him his gloves real class act. My brother in law was asking other players and they were like no I can't these are the only one's I have. So that just shows the type of person he was I remember him all scratched up and bruised up a tru warrior!

[nospin06]

His work ethic and drive was all-star caliber. Unfortunately, his athletic ability prevented him from being more than a practice squad player.

[Niner Jan]

His work ethic and drive was all-star caliber. Unfortunately, his athletic ability prevented him from being more than a practice squad player.

That is not exactly true. He was on the PS initially, but at the end of Year 1 on the PS, he was promoted to the roster for the last game in 2004.

In 2005, he was on the roster and practiced with the team, but he hurt his shoulder (I believe it was), so he had to be put on IR. He played a little, but the coaches probably felt he would not survive in the NFL, due to his size.

I'm sure it broke his heart to have to be released. He was everyone favorite 49er because he was so energetic and cheerful, and willing to do anything to be a 49er.

Coach Nolan told him he might want to apply for a job as an ASSISTANT to the WR coach--NOT a coach! He is smart and talented, but just not possessing the physique needed for the NFL.

I met him on several occasions; he was a guest at our 49ers Booster Club. The Bears are going to let him try out in their TC (he is from Illinois), but he does not want to just be camp fodder.

I haven't heard anything more about him recently. :wub: