It was the San Francisco 49ers’ goal this offseason to keep starting left tackle Joe Staley in their uniform for the rest of his career.

Thursday night, in dramatic fashion, the 49ers went a long way toward making that goal happen.

During  a team event, the 49ers announced a two-year deal for Staley.

Staley, on stage with key members of the organization, including owner Jed York, had heart-felt things to say about the owner and the team. Staley said its been his honor to be a 49er, and it is his goal to win a Super Bowl championship for York.

Staley is entering his 13th season with San Francisco. He was drafted at No. 28 of the 2007 draft out of Central Michigan. Staley wasn’t known much then, but he has developed into a premier player and he is a team leader in San Francisco. Staley, who turns 35 in August, has also been an iron man for the 49ers.

He has started all 174 regular-season games, of his career. which is a remarkable feat for an offensive lineman. Oh, and, he’s played in all eight of the postseason games the 49ers have played in since he was drafted. 182-for-182 isn’t bad.

He has been named All-Pro three times and has been to the Pro Bowl six times. It’s no wonder the 49ers don’t want him to play for anyone else.