This one meant more.
For Tony? #FootballisFamily pic.twitter.com/exQSEKfCSb
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 9, 2019
49ers Co-Chairman John York gave an emotional thank you to 49ers players and coaches after receiving the game ball following San Francisco’s thrilling, last-minute victory in New Orleans. Game balls were also given to John’s wife Denise DeBartolo York and each of their children — Jed, Jenna and Mara — in honor of their late son Tony, who died by suicide a year ago on December 7, 2018, at the age of 35.
“Guys, I’ve got to say, obviously we know why we’re getting these game balls, I wish I never had one,” a tearful John York said. “We could not have done this without all of you. Coaches were terrific. Jimmy, this is the best game you’ve ever played. George, great at the end. Robbie, thank you. So congratulations, this is all of us.
“Thank you. Kyle, John, everybody, thank you.”
“We talk about everyone being family,” Kyle Shanahan said to the team, following York. “You say it on a lot of teams man, but as we’ve known all year it’s different here and it starts with these guys (the Yorks). You guys know when we come in, whether we win or lose, can’t tell you how much they worry about you guys and support you guys.”