Part of Seija Sisko Rokhea’s collection of San Francisco 49ers memorabilia, including a 1998 TV Guide with quarterback Steve Young on the cover; a cap (far left) that came directly from the 49ers Super Bowl XXIX victory, gifted by a friend; and a 1997 Wheaties box that features a painting of Ronnie Lott.
A novelty San Francisco 49ers ring purchased in the 49ers fan store at Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco.
Seija and friends at the 2014 opening day at Levi’s Stadium (tickets in hand).
Farewell Candlestick Park memorial football, 2013, signed by Jerry Rice and Joe Montana.
Seija’s license plate.
Official 49ers case and wristwatches, including (center) a tribute to Jerry Rice, who is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver, and one of the greatest players, in NFL history.
October 16, 2016, Orchard Park, New York: San Francisco 49ers Eli Harold, Colin Kaepernick, and Eric Reid kneel in protest during the U.S. national anthem before the game against the Buffalo Bills. (Photograph by Michael Zagaris).
GameDay programs featuring wide receivers Jerry Rice and J. J. Stokes, and quarterback Steve Young.
An open box of 49er treasures, including the 1997 Honey Frosted Wheaties cereal box decorated by LeRoy Neiman, a “commercially successful yet critically marginalized artist,” who’s work appeared in every issue of ‘Playboy’ magazine for over 50-years [2].
More treasure, including mounted images of Steve Young and Jerry Rice, and a 1995 silver Joe Montana Commemorative Retirement Medallion (back right).
Seija and Nellie in 9ers regalia, 2020.
A photograph of Steve Young #8, lead quarterback (QB) for the 49ers, meeting Joe Montana, former 49ers QB, while Montana was playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. “Young was Montana’s back-up QB for 4 years beginning in 1987 but after taking control of the team in 1992, Montana was traded as he was not yet ready for retirement. Montana played for KC for just 2 seasons (92,93).”
1990 Roger Craig #33 San Francisco 49ers Starting Lineup Figure Collectors Cards
San Francisco 49ers Memorabilia
Seija Sisko Rohkea
Art
Seija Sisko Rohkea is a HUGE San Francisco 49ers fan, and a huge fan of football in general: “no other sport, not even college,” she says, “just the NFL.”
“I fell in love with the 49ers in the ‘80s watching Joe Montana and Steve Young play,” she explains, “I was fascinated at the precision in which they played and the excitement of the victories.” Named for the Gold Rush prospectors of 1849, the 49ers struck the championship motherlode with Superbowl win #1 in 1982, followed by victories in ’85, ’89, ’90, and ’95.
“I began collecting as a fan,” says Rohkea, but it “quickly turned into an obsession.” In addition to shirts and hats, her collection boasts Gameday programs, trading cards, figurines, photographs, watches, and the collector’s favorite items: a numbered 35/100 Farewell Candlestick Park memorial football from 2013, signed by Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, and a license plate that reads: “9er fan.”
There is also a 1997 Honey Frosted Wheaties box, which sports a painting of defensive back Ronnie Lott on the front, and a photograph of mustachioed artist LeRoy Neiman on the back. “A chronicler of contemporary lifestyles” who drew for Playboy magazine for 50-years, Neiman’s portrait of Lott – an explosion of red and gold marks on a flat blue ground – characterizes his gestural style. [1]
“I am very passionate about the players,” states Rokhea, “especially Colin Kaepernick,” the first player to kneel during the national anthem in protest against police brutality and the systemic oppression of black people. Kaep’s peaceful protests inspired some, including team-mate Eric Reid and 49ers cheerleader Kayla Morris, the first NFL cheerleader to “take a knee,” but they also drew backlash, and Kaepernick “was blackballed from the NFL in 2017.”
Since the May 2020 murder of George Floyd, people across the US and Europe have been following Kaepernick’s lead to take a knee; and, although he was subsequently criticized for not mentioning Kaep by name, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has apologized “for not doing a better job of listening to players' concerns on racial inequality.”[2]
Says Seija: “I stood by him then when all my conservative friends bashed me for it, and I stand by him now as the world witnesses these changes. My motto (and most 9er fans) is faithful then, faithful now.”
Notes
[1] Chris Sharp: “Golden Brush: Playboy Illustrator LeRoy Neiman," Ivy Style, May 24, 2017
[2] ESPN: “NFL commissioner Roger Goodell: I 'encourage' a team to sign Colin Kaepernick,”June 15, 2020