SANTA CLARA – By a vote of those who regularly cover the team, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin won this year’s Garry Niver Award. It’s given to the player who displays the most professionalism and cooperation with the media throughout the year.
Goodwin had a tough time off the field. He lost his infant son at birth on the day the 49ers notched their first win of the season, a 31-21 victory over the Giants on November 18. That morning, Goodwin and his wife suffered the tragedy. In the game, Goodwin scored on an 83-yard pass play and made a key block to spring tight end Garrett Celek into the end zone on another play.
He then left the game immediately to be with his wife. However, feeling bad that he didn’t speak to the media, Goodwin scheduled a conference call the next day to speak with reporters about his game and the loss of his son.
It was a highly unusual move, and something Goodwin didn’t have to do. However, he felt moved by the messages he received from fans and he wanted to make his voice heard.
Safety Eric Reid finished second in the voting. Niver was a long-time beat writer who covered the team for the San Mateo Times.
