EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. –- Cornerback Chris Culliver came up with one of the 49ers’ five interceptions of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning on Sunday.
And he made a statement in the process.
Culliver sprinted to the 49ers’ sideline after his fourth-quarter interception. He went straight to coach Jim Harbaugh and handed him the football.
“I loved it,” said Harbaugh following the 49ers' 16-10 victory over the Giants. “That was great. That has happened a few times in my career in college and pro, but that was great. I was just happy for him, and a tremendous play by him. I was touched.”
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Culliver and Harbaugh also celebrated on the sideline last week when Culliver came up with a pivotal interception at the goal line against the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees.
“Me and coach Harbaugh have this little thing going on,” Culliver said. “Just trying to compete every play. He has faith in me and I have faith in him as a coach. Together, I think that works good.
“Any time I make a play, like he tells me before games, ‘Go out and let’s get busy.’ That’s what I do, and I appreciate him.”
There have been national reports this season that Harbaugh has lost the locker room. All that is news to Culliver, he said.
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“I don’t know about any talk about us not liking Harbaugh,” Culliver said. “He’s our coach. On the outside looking in, I don’t know what they’re seeing. But he’s our coach. I enjoy him, period. He’s our coach. I don’t know about any talk about him . . . whatever they’re saying.”
Harbaugh, however, said he has no intention of keeping the ball.
"I am going to give it to him," Harbaugh said. "It is his ball."
