San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan kicked off his post-game speech by discussing the loss of Tony York, the younger brother of team CEO Jed York.
"This game was definitely for him," Shanahan told reporters. "Getting to know the Yorks the last two years, the one thing that was so apparent to me about Tony, the times I've been around him, he was the biggest Niners fan out of any of them and really out of anyone I've been around since I've been in San Fran. Yeah, he is an owner, but just the true fan he was for the Niners, always was so fun to watch. That's what was so cool about him.
"For us to have a win today with what happened to him yesterday, it means a ton. I know it means a lot to the York family. He was a special person who will be missed a lot. Prayers are with all the Yorks today."
Shanahan gave one game ball to tight end George Kittle, who had a record-breaking performance with 210 receiving yards in the 49ers' win over the Denver Broncos. A second game ball went to Jed York.
The understandably emotional York addressed the team in the locker room after the game and spoke a little bit about his brother and what the 49ers meant to him.
"This team is going to be a champion," York told the players while trying to maintain his composure. "I'm going to leave a ring, when we get one, for my brother. And I want everyone to look around this room, and know how good we can be. Believe in this brotherhood."
You can watch all of York's incredible post-game speech below.
Tony was born on August 3, 1983, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Denise DeBartolo York and John York. He is survived by his parents, brother, sisters, Jenna and Mara, and nephews, Jaxon and Brixton.
Tony passed away on Friday at the age of 35.
