SANTA CLARA –DeForest Buckner and George Kittle garnered the top 49ers individual awards.
Buckner was awarded the Len Eshmont Award, the team’s most prestigious honor. The players vote for the award. It goes to the player who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Eshmont, a popular player from the inaugural 49ers team of 1946.
Kittle was named the winner of the Bill Walsh Award, which is voted on by the coaching staff. It is awarded to the player who best represents the standard of professionalism and excellence Walsh established.
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Buckner led the 49ers with 12 sacks. Kittle set the 49ers club records for tight ends with 88 receptions for 1,377 yards – the most receiving yards of any NFL tight end in a single season.
In other 49ers awards:
Guard Laken Tomlinson won the Bobb McKittrick Award for the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach.
Buckner also won the Matt Hazeltine Iron Man Award, given to the most courageous and inspirational defensive player as voted upon by the defensive coaches.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback Nick Mullens won the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award, which is awarded to a young player who has taken advantage of every opportunity, turned it into a positive situation and made their dream turn into a reality.
Cornerback Richard Sherman is the 49ers’ recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. The award is presented in his name each year to the player that exemplified a commitment to sportsmanship and courage. Ed Block Courage Award winners from each of the 32 NFL teams are honored at a banquet in Baltimore.
Running back Raheem Mostert won the Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, which is presented to the 49ers player who exhibits an exceptional commitment to promoting unity within the team and in their community.
The following individuals won community relations service awards: Tight ends Garrett Celek and Kittle, and wide receiver Steven Dunbar Jr. with the rookie player award. Mostert and his wife Devon, along with punter Bradley Pinion and his wife Kaeleigh as the co-recipients of the family award. Cornerback Greg Mabin received the youth football ambassador award. General manager John Lynch won the 49ers NFL Salute to Service Award. Dennis Brown was presented with the alumnus award for the eighth consecutive year.
Previously, kicker Robbie Gould was named as the 49ers’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, and Joe Staley was named by the San Francisco Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America as the Garry Niver Award winner for his professionalism and cooperation with the media.