The San Francisco 49ers haven't announced the team-issued awards yet, but cornerback Richard Sherman earned the Garry Niver Award on the same day he learned he was named to the All-Pro team for the fifth time in his illustrious career.
The Garry Niver Award is presented by the 49ers chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America and goes to the individual who best represents professionalism and cooperation with the media. The award is named after pro football writer, Garry Niver, who was a long-time beat writer who covered the 49ers for the San Mateo Times.
Last year's recipient was offensive tackle Joe Staley.
Richard Sherman's All-Pro nod wasn't his only honor Friday. The reporters who cover the team voted him the winner of the Garry Niver Award, which goes to the player who is most professional and helpful to the media. No, there was not bonus $$ connected to the award.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 3, 2020
"I hope I was decently cooperative," Sherman told reporters after learning he is this year's recipient. "I try to do my part. You guys do a great job. ... I appreciate you guys, and I appreciate how hard you work. You guys show up every day for us, and you guys do a fantastic job.
"You've got to ask some tough questions. Every day isn't going to be a great day for us, but you guys do a great job, and I appreciate it."
You can watch and listen to Sherman's response below.
#49ers @RSherman_25 won the @PFWAwriters San Francisco chapter Garry Niver Award for his professionalism and cooperation with the media pic.twitter.com/5fpcpIc0Bq
— 𝙲𝚊𝚖 𝙸𝚗𝚖𝚊𝚗 (@CamInman) January 3, 2020
Sherman is in his second season with the 49ers and ninth in the NFL. He recorded 61 tackles, 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, and a touchdown through 15 games in 2019.
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