RENTON, Wash. — Doug Baldwin wanted to be done at Stanford. ADVERTISING RENTON, Wash. — Doug Baldwin wanted to be done at Stanford. The transfer papers were filled out. Baldwin even had a destination in mind. And then Baldwin’s mom,
RENTON, Wash. — Doug Baldwin wanted to be done at Stanford.
The transfer papers were filled out.
Baldwin even had a destination in mind.
And then Baldwin’s mom, Cindy, said no.
She wasn’t about to let him give up a Stanford education even if it meant sticking through an uncomfortable situation playing football for Jim Harbaugh.
“I eventually came to the realization that I needed to stick through it as well,” Baldwin said. “I was very close though.”
Baldwin can look back on that time in college with reverence and perspective now that he’s established in the NFL and about to face his former college coach in today’s NFC championship game between Seattle and San Francisco.
With Percy Harvin not playing after suffering a concussion last week against New Orleans, Baldwin’s role and importance is even greater.
The fact a trip to the Super Bowl being at stake comes against Harbaugh and the 49ers, the coach he clashed with occasionally during their time at Stanford, could make the day even more special for Baldwin should Seattle win.
“It’s not extra personal. I just think that you get a little bit of extra motivation because you know the guy on the other side of the field,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin doesn’t carry a chip, but a “boulder” on his shoulder. He thrives off negativity. He’s picked up the nickname “Angry Doug Baldwin,” and embraces the moniker.
And leading into the NFC title game Baldwin opened up this week about his time at Stanford. Baldwin said the animosity he held toward Harbaugh in college is now gone. He said they text on occasion and called their relationship now, “decent.”
That wasn’t the case at Stanford when Baldwin was ready to leave, with Vanderbilt a possible destination, before sticking it out.
Baldwin’s role could be critical on Sunday. With Harvin out, Baldwin will be returning kickoffs and likely playing more snaps as an outside receiver than in the slot.
He’s made a point of having big games against Harbaugh and the 49ers. Baldwin has 16 receptions and four touchdowns against San Francisco.
