Manningham a Super Bowl Spectator for 49ers

Mario Manningham hobbled into the Superdome on crutches and found a seat in the stands to watch his San Francisco teammates go through media day frenzy, nearly two weeks after undergoing left knee surgery and a year after making the catch of his career in the New York Giants' Super Bowl victory.

Manningham could capture another ring this season — this time, as a spectator.

As much as Manningham wants to be on the field and help the NFC champion Niners on Sunday against Baltimore, he realizes it's rare to return to the NFL's showcase in consecutive years.

That doesn't make it much easier now after that spectacular over-the-shoulder 38-yard catch between two defenders to start the game-winning, 88-yard touchdown drive in last season's Super Bowl against New England.