Bryant Young expects 49ers’ sixth championship to ‘happen soon’

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday that former defensive lineman Bryant Young will be 29th inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame. Young spoke during the team's virtual State of the Franchise event this week and discussed the current 49ers and their quest to add to the trophy case.

The 49ers came close to winning a sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy in February, but fell just short.

"I've followed them very closely," Young told team reporter Keiana Martin with team CEO Jed York listening. "They're a very exciting team to watch. I loved how the chemistry of the team, the coaches, how the collaboration was there. The chemistry was great. They're just exciting to watch in a lot of ways. That defense, they caused a lot of problems and issues for a lot of offenses.

"We're hoping for (championship) number six, and boy, we're that close. I know we're that close, and it's going to happen soon."

Young won Super Bowl XXIX during his rookie campaign with the 49ers, and was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2020 after eight years of eligibility.

Young, who retired in 2007, is the 49ers' franchise leader in career sacks with 89.5. The eight-time winner of the team's prestigious Len Eshmont Award racked up 627 tackles, 20 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries during his 14-year career, according to Pro Football Reference.