The annual event, which is in its second year, included an awards ceremony and dinner. One of the 49ers players who addressed the graduates was rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who himself spent years in foster homes. Also in attendance was defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and offensive lineman Ben Garland.
"A lot of people can't relate to us," Greenlaw said during his speech. "We're a different type of people in this world because we can survive anything. I'm telling you, we can survive anything. We've been through it all. I keep that in my mind every day that I wake up, that I'm a survivor.
"I feel like what has happened in my life previously, there's nothing that can stop me from where I want to be and where I want to go. I feel like the only person that's stopping me is me."
RELATED
You can watch part of Greenlaw's speech below, courtesy of Hannah Gordon of the 49ers.
If you're not familiar with Greenlaw's story, I recommend you read Matt Barrow's fantastic profile on the linebacker for The Athletic.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Schefter: Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga likely to leave 49ers
At the NFL Scouting Combine last week, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch made it clear that the team would love to retain linebacker Dre Greenlaw in 2025. However, that would require signing him to a new deal. Greenlaw is set to become a free agent next week, and... -
Deebo Samuel says 'no bad blood' with 49ers, addresses weight reports
Soon-to-be Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel took to social media on Monday to assure fans there's no animosity between him and the San Francisco 49ers. "49ers know where I stand with them and it's nothing but love," Samuel wrote. "Love [GM] John [Lynch] and... -
49ers GM John Lynch addresses Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors, recovery
This week, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that NFL teams have been "poking around" and inquiring about San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team signed Aiyuk to a contract extension before last season, but he suffered season-ending ACL and MCL injuries... -
John Lynch talks 49ers futures of Greenlaw, Mason, Juszczyk, and Moody
Following his scheduled press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch sat down for a more intimate conversation with Bay Area reporters. With quarterback Brock Purdy expected to become one of the NFL's highest-paid...