49ers’ Beathard posts tribute to brother
San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard posted a heartfelt tribute Friday to his slain brother Clayton, whose memorial service will take place Saturday in their hometown of Franklin, Tenn., outside of Nashville.
“What happened is absolutely awful and has been and will continue to be the hardest things my family and I have had to go through,” C.J. Beathard said as part of a lengthy Instagram post. “But I can find some peace knowing that he is at peace in heaven right now, and I know without a doubt God will bring a whole bunch of good out of this.”
Clayton Beathard, 22, was fatally stabbed along with his friend, Paul Trapeni III, at a Nashville bar early Saturday morning.
Michael Mosley, 23, was captured by police Wednesday and is facing two counts of criminal homicide and one count of attempted criminal homicide.
Coach Kyle Shanahan excused Beathard to fly home last Saturday morning to mourn with his family for as long as he wishes. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday at Grace Chapel Church in Franklin.
Here is part of what Beathard wrote on an Instagram caption that accompanied 10 family photos:
“It’s hard to even know where to start for something like this, but I guess first I just want to say a can’t tell you how thankful and blessed me and my family are for all of the people that have reached out and prayers we have received since by brother went to heaven.
“It truly is unbelievable all of the support and friends we have. I love each every one of you. Thank y’all so much. But I want to start with clay. Clay has the biggest heart of anyone that I have ever known. Anyone that knows him knows this, he would do absolutely anything for the people he loves. He is the most loyal guy that I have ever known in my life and has always been so dang proud of my family and I.
“It sounds so cliche but clay is the best example of a dude that lights up every room he walks into whether its with his loud contagious laugh or just the smile on his face. Anyone that knows him would tell you the same. He also has the weirdest ways of making unforgettable relationships with literally everyone he meets.
“Clay is the sweetest, most humble, toughest, and kind hearted people this world had in it, but he was called home and now has none of the pains and stresses only this world could give. Clay is 1 of a kind. Him along with Tucker are and forever will be my best friends. We grew up doing everything together going all the way back to my mom sitting us three down at the kitchen table everyday and homeschooling us.”
Several of Beathard’s teammates commented on the post as they finished preparations for Sunday’s big game in Seattle.
Tight end George Kittle, a teammate since their Iowa days: “Love you ceej.”
Quarterback Nick Mullens: “You’re the man CJ. We love you”
Running back Raheem Mostert: “Love you my brother! Sending prayers your way!”
Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas: “Love you CJ”