49ers: Jim Harbaugh's handshake traced back to 'Saved By the Bell' cameo

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh's handshakes have slowly evolved since an appearnce on TV's "Saved By the Bell." (US Presswire)

Jim Harbaugh's postgame handshake with Lions coach Jim Schwartz last year drew more than it's share of attention.

At the time, Harbaugh described it is as "a strong slap-grab handshake. … A little too hard, the handshake."

Now, thanks to a cameo appearance he made on "Saved By the Bell: The New Class," which resurfaced online this week, it became clear that Schwartz wasn't the first to get a strong slap on the back from Harbaugh. That distinction could belong to Harbaugh's "cousin" Screetch, whom Harbaugh knocked down with a back slap to end the episode. The entire clip provides great entertainment value, but start at the 4:37 mark for the proof.

"Just shows you, that's how you do it," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "There's the evidence that it's just a normal handshake."

Over the past two days, several players have had a good laugh by watching the clip on their phones in the locker room.

"Lot of people have been mentioning that lately. I don't know why that's become so popular," Harbaugh said. "My wife told me about it, a few of the players did. They've been making quite a bit of sport out of me over that."

In the episode, Harbaugh delivered this nugget of wisdom:

"I'm here because my friend Eric has learned the hard way that being famous does not make you a hero," Harbaugh said. "Being a hero isn't about what you do out there on the field. It's about who you are -- in here (pointing to his heart)."

His appearance on "Saved By the Bell" wasn't his only bit of acting. He also appeared as Mason 'Cowboy' Dixon on an episode of "The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." in 1994 and as himself in an episode of "Arli$$" in 1997.

Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter @CBS49ers and @KyleBonagura.