Big win comes with heavy hearts after the death of Tony York.
SANTA CLARA >> Earning a win Sunday meant a lot more to the 49ers than just putting an end to a threegame losing streak.
The 49ers also wanted to win for the York family, which was struck by tragedy with Friday’s death of Tony York, youngest son of 49ers owners Denise DeBartolo York and John York and brother of team CEO Jed York. Tony York was 35.
Jed York was at Levi’s Stadium for the game and gave an emotional speech to the team in the locker room after the 20-14 win over the Denver Broncos.
That postgame address, as shared by the 49ers, began: “This hasn’t been the easiest year for any of us. It’s probably the understatement of the year. My brother was a great kid. He loved everything about this, he loved everything about you guys. You know, it was hard for him sometimes, and I think he’s at peace now.
“But I want you guys to know this, and I talked to Kyle and John a little about it last night: Bill Walsh said something, ‘Champions behave like champions before they’re champions.’ This team is going to be a champion. I’m going to leave a ring when we get one for my brother.”
Before Sunday’s national anthem, a moment of silence was held in Tony York’s honor.
“This game was definitely for him,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Getting to know the Yorks the last two years, the one thing that was so apparent to me about Tony, the times I’ve been around him, he was the biggest Niners fan out of any of them and really out of anyone I’ve been around since I’ve been in San Fran.
“For us to have a win today and with what happened to him (Friday), it means a ton.”
It’s believed York took his own life, according to a team source. A 49ers spokesman would not confirm that, and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying “an investigation into the cause, mode, manner and circumstances of death is currently underway.”
Left tackle Joe Staley, the longesttenured 49ers player, described Anthony as a “really nice guy” who would come to the stadium for each game.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking for them. Knowing the Yorks for how long I’ve known them, 12 years now, it’s a very tight knit and close knit, loving family and anytime there’s a young death like this, it’s just tragic,” Staley said. “Your heart goes out to them and you just feel so bad.
“It’s just one of those situations where you don’t know what to say. You just want to be there for them, it was really special to get this win today.”