Legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali passed away late Friday night at the age of 74. The iconic athlete had been battling Parkinson's disease for years and was hospitalized in the Phoenix area this week with respiratory issues, per ESPN.
Many mourn the loss of the man still considered to be the greatest athlete of all time. Retired from boxing since 1981, he was entertaining, inspirational, and confident.
San Francisco 49ers players paid their respects to the legendary icon on social media. Here is what some had to say.
Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch address the media following 2020 season, discuss 49ers' future
By Site Staff
Jan 4, 2021
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters on Monday, the day after the team finished the 2020 season with a 6-10 record. Here is everything they had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Opening comments:
General Manager John Lynch: "The only thing I'd like to say, I know I speak for [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan], with all of you guys, I know a different year for you doing this remotely. You guys deal with Kyle a lot more than you do with me and our players, but we're very appreciative of your guys' patience and your flexibility to do it this way. We appreciate your cooperation and all that. So, thank you."
First
Trent Williams calls 49ers his No. 1 destination but is curious about his free agency value
By David Bonilla
Jan 5, 2021
Veteran left tackle Trent Williams may be one of the San Francisco 49ers' most important offseason decisions. During last year's draft, the team traded for him as a replacement for the retired Joe Staley. William was to anchor the offensive line. Some questioned whether there would be some rust after the tackle missed all of the 2019 season.
Williams finished the season as Pro Football Focus' highest-graded tackle and second-highest-graded offensive lineman.
The 49ers cannot use the franchise tag on Williams. That was part of his deal's restructured final year, which was reworked following the trade from Washington to San Francisco.
Now, Williams is slated to become a free agent. He would like to return to the 49ers, and the team would certainly like
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk earns spot on PFF's 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team
By David Bonilla
Jan 5, 2021
It looks like the San Francisco 49ers struck gold at wide receiver for the second consecutive year. It was Deebo Samuel in 2019, and in 2020, the Bay Area team landed another versatile wideout via the draft in Brandon Aiyuk.
Aiyuk finished the season with 60 receptions for 748 yards with five touchdowns. He added six carries for 77 rushing yards and another two scores on the ground.
The superb first year was enough to land Aiyuk on Pro Football Focus' 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team.
"The 49ers struck again," wrote Ben Linsey. "Aiyuk is in the same mold as the George Kittles and the Deebo Samuelses added to San
