SANTA CLARA – The quarterback who delivered the pass that resulted in Marquise Goodwin’s emotion-packed touchdown did not know the sorrow with which his teammate was playing.
“I had no clue,” 49ers rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard said on The 49ers Insider Podcast.
Beathard, like many of his teammates, did not find out Marquise and Morgan Goodwin lost their baby boy in the early morning on Sunday due to complications during pregnancy. Beathard learned about the tragedy after the game – a game in which Goodwin caught an 83-yard touchdown pass.
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“That shows a lot about who he is,” Beathard said. “He’s a great dude. The night before – I didn’t even realize – he probably didn’t sleep. I’m sure he got no sleep the night before and went out and played. There are a lot of guys in that situation who would not have been able to do that. He showed a lot to us, the tough guy that he is.
“Our prayers have been with him and his family. I can’t even imagine going through that. He’s just a genuine dude, and it was awesome to have him have that big touchdown."
A clearly distraught Goodwin arrived at Levi’s Stadium 3 ½ hours before kickoff Sunday against the New York Giants and met with 49ers officials before deciding to play. The 49ers entered the game short-handed at the receiver position. Goodwin played 48 of the 49ers' 61 offensive snaps.
“I just met him up here and a few of us did and talked to him,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He was struggling with it for obvious reasons. He decided to play, which we were very grateful for. I think he did a hell of a job for his wife being there for her and helped out his family from that aspect, and also helped out his family here, too. I think he helped out every side and was pretty impressive.”
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Goodwin also provided a key block to clear the sideline for tight end Garrett Celek on a 47-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. Earlier, everything came together on Goodwin’s long touchdown reception. His emotions poured out in the end zone as he fell to his knees in prayer.
“I think it meant a ton to him , and you see that when he crosses the goal line,” Beathard said. “It’s like he releases all the (emotion). It was an emotional moment for him. Now knowing what he went through the night before, I’m glad I was a part of that and the way that play worked out.”