The Bay Area has a fine tradition of athletes making cameo appearances on iconic, cheesy television programs. Who can forget Barry Bonds’ star turn on Beverly Hills 90210, complete with more fake laughter than you’ll hear on Fitz and Brooks?

“I wouldn’t count on it unless Steve has a hell of a swing!”

Thanks to @ravz510, we get to see an acting tour de force from Jim Harbaugh on Saved By The Bell: The New Class. He may have been a member of the Indianapolis Colts at the time, but I’m still going to count this in the Bay Area Sports Cameo Hall of Fame along with Bonds’ 90210 golfing and the time Joe Montana told Jan Hooks and Phil Hartman “I’ll be in my room masturbating” on Saturday Night Live.

I never watched a second of this show (as opposed to the original Saved By The Bell, because everyone my age has watched nearly every episode, especially the one featuring the iconic “I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so … scared” scene with Jessie and the caffeine pills), but Harbaugh didn’t just make a short cameo appearance. His appearance as Screech’s cousin was the pivotal moment of an entire episode.

Watch as Harbaugh teaches the class a lesson about what being a hero is all about. Also, check out Harbaugh’s grin during the freeze frame at the end of the show…

SB Nation came up with a GIF based on that final scene. Poor Alex Smith…