Young heading into 49ers Hall of Fame
Bryant Young is this year’s inductee to the 49ers’ Edward J.DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame, CEO Jed York announced Tuesday.
“I am so thrilled for this opportunity,” Young said on the 49ers’ State-of-the-Franchise show. “When I look back and think about all that has transpired and how I got to this point, it took a lot of people that supported me, that were part of my village, so I bring all those people with me. This is very special to me.”
York announced Young’s honor first on Twitter before joining him on the state-of-the-franchise episode.
It is a well-earned from his 19942007 tenure as a dominant defensive line and model pro.
Young, the 49ers’ 1994 firstround draft pick from Notre Dame, played his entire career with the 49ers. He won the 49ers’ prestigious Len Eshmont Award eight times and was a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist this year.
“You could not ask for someone to be a better 49er and a better human being than Bryant Young,” York said in a statement. “There was no question he was the heart and soul of this team as a player and a person who took great pride in wearing the SF oval. He exemplifies the championship culture we strive for in the game of football and in life.”
Young ranks first in 49ers history with 89 1/2 sacks from his 208game career in which he earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1994, NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 1999 and four selections to both the AllPro and Pro Bowl teams.
“When I talk about the badge of honor and representing it the best way I can, one is the name on my back, who I represent as an organization and the guys who came before me, I wanted to leave it way better than when I found it,” Young added.
YORK TALKS UP SOCIAL JUSTICE >>
The 49ers’ fourth annual State-ofthe-Franchise address opened virtually Monday night exclusively for season-ticket holders. The first topic was Black Lives Matter.
York spoke about how the 49ers gained awareness on racial inequality during the 2016 season when, with their endorsement, Colin Kaepernick launched his protests during the national anthem.
Now a Black Lives Matter flag is being flown atop Levi’s Stadium next to those representing California and United States. The 49ers not only pledged $1 million to social initiatives this offseason but also in 2016, when they matched Kaepernick’s $1 million vow from his own contract.
“When Colin started a protest movement in 2016, what we had talked about in talking to Dr. Harry Edwards, his message which we’ve adopted was to take protests to progress,” York said in the taped address which was released Monday night.
“We want to work with people that are experts, so that we can make real, serious change in this country.”
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEASON >>
York is “so excited” about the schedule that awaits the defending NFC champion 49ers.
He’s confident a season indeed will unfold.
He’s even promising fans, assuming they’re allowed entry, free food and soft drinks at Levi’s Stadium if they’re season-ticket holders.
“We’re preparing to play the 2020 season as scheduled. That’s the only thing we can do right now,” York said Monday in kicking off the 49ers’ state-of-the-franchise virtual shows this week. “We have to make sure our primary focus — the players, coaches, fans and all the people that work around the game — are healthy.
“The great folks in the county have been awesome to work with. You’re bringing a ton of people together to figure out what are the best decisions we can make, based off the medical officers and public health officials, so we can make sure we move forward in the right manner.”
Since clearing out their Levi’s Stadium lockers shortly in February a couple days after Super Bowl LIV, the 49ers players have been kept out, and they’re due back in training camp about a month from now, if all goes well.