11 Facts About Eric Heitmann

Eric Heitmann played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL draft.

Eric Heitmann played guard for his entire tenure as a Cardinal, and he was a three time All-Pac-10 selection.

In 2002, Heitmann was the first rookie to start a game on the 49ers offensive line since 1987, when Harris Barton started at right tackle.

Eric Heitmann finished the 2002 season starting 12 games, including two playoff contests.

Eric Heitmann switched to center in the absence of regular center Jeremy Newberry.

Eric Heitmann's work paid off early in minicamps, and the 49ers signed him to a 4-year extension in June 2005.

Eric Heitmann started in all 16 games including 10 at right guard and six at center during the 2005 season.

Eric Heitmann was converted to full-time center for the 2006 season.

Eric Heitmann was down on the field for several minutes before being taken to the locker room on a cart.

Eric Heitmann consequently had surgery on his knee and finished the 2006 season on injured reserve after having started the first 14 games.

In 2007, Eric Heitmann had recovered from his injury and started all 16 games at center.