Luke Gifford’s first Pro Bowl nod emblematic of the 49ers’ special teams success

SANTA CLARA — Luke Gifford, the 49ers’ top player on special teams, was disappointed Monday morning to learn he was not among the top 10 at his position in the final fan voting for the Pro Bowl.Still, he heard enough positive feedback from friends and acquaintances around the NFL to figure he had a chance to make up some ground when the votes from players and coaches were tabulated.“I knew I had a chance,” Gifford said on Wednesday. “I’ve kind of learned not to hold your breath on things like that.”Gifford received the good news from 49ers special teams coordinator Brant Boyer and assistant Colt Anderson after San Francisco’s game on Monday night in Indianapolis.Gifford was selected to the first Pro Bowl of his seven-year career as the NFC’s top special-teams player.“I was emotional, for sure,” Gifford said. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted and worked for and it’s a pretty special thing.”The same could be said for the 49ers’ improvements on special teams this season. It has been a pretty special thing, as the kicking game has been a reason for the team’s success this...