San Francisco 49ers

Jim Tomsula and OL Erik Pears bond over NFL Europe experience

Published Jun. 5, 2015 12:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Erik Pears is in his first year in San Francisco. This is Tomsula's first year as an NFL head coach, but the two have a connection that dates back almost 10 years.

Pears' NFL Europe team Cologne Centurions faced off twice against Tomsula's NFL Europe team the Rhein Fire. It has been a nice bonding experience for the first-year head coach and the offensive lineman.

“He mentioned it. It was a good little connection there,” Pears told the 49ers official website. “I remember playing that team, and I can still remember seeing him and thinking, ‘That’s a crazy dude right there.’”

Tomsula's team won both meetings and he likes to not let Pears forget it.

“We've had a couple of good laughs about it,” Tomsula said. “It was a cool deal.”

Tomsula and Pears are both very fond of their time in Europe. Both men credit their time overseas as a valuable learning experience.

“Honestly, it was some of the most fun football I’ve played,” Pears said. “I grew up in Denver, played at Colorado State and immediately went down to the Broncos.

“I had never really left the state of Colorado, so it was awesome to get out on my own and do my own thing. The football aspect helped a ton with just getting some more experience.”

Tomsula and Pears are grateful for NFL Europe and now hope to make memories together in the NFL.

(h/t San Francisco 49ers)