"You could not ask for someone to be a better 49er and a better human being than Bryant Young," said York via a statement issued by the team. "There was no question he was the heart and soul of this team as a player and a person who took great pride in wearing the SF oval. He exemplifies the championship culture we strive for in the game of football and in life. During his 14-year career, B.Y. was an eight-time recipient of the Len Eshmont Award, the most prestigious honor a 49er can receive for their inspirational and courageous play as selected by their teammates. Bryant's contributions to our franchise, our community and the game of football are numerous and I am hopeful that another Hall of Fame is in his future."
The 49ers made Young the No. 7 overall draft pick out of Notre Dame in 1994. He spent 14 seasons with the team and was crucial in helping San Francisco win Super Bowl XXIX during his rookie campaign.
Young is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named first-team All-Pro in 1996. He is the 49ers' franchise leader in career sacks with 89.5 and was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
"First, I want to thank Mr. DeBartolo and his wife, Candy, for drafting me and making me part of this extraordinary 49ers family," said Young via a statement. "To Denise DeBartolo York, Dr. John York and Jed York, thank you for all of your support and for allowing me to spend my entire career with this iconic franchise. Great organizations start with great leadership from the top and I was blessed to be surrounded by outstanding leaders throughout my 49ers career.
"To all my coaches and teammates, if it weren't for you, I would not be receiving this incredible honor. I appreciate all that I learned from you and for all the highs and lows we experienced together. From winning a Super Bowl in my rookie season, to 14 years in one city, you made my NFL career adventurous and fulfilling. I will be forever grateful for all those relationships and the time we shared together.
"I also want to thank the front office staff from Carmen Policy and the great Dwight Clark to the public relations staff, business office, security team, stadium operations, maintenance crew, trainers, medical staff and equipment room. You need great people in every role to have the success the 49ers have had throughout the years and we were fortunate to have them throughout the building. Thank you to the entire staff from the bottom of my heart.
"To the best fans in the land, The Faithful, thank you for your unwavering support over the years. I can still hear your cheers echoing in my memories.
"To my wife, Kristin, and all my family and friends who have enriched my life during my career, my village, you are all a part of this. WE are being enshrined in the 49ers Hall of Fame.
"Finally, thank you to previous 49ers Hall of Fame inductees for establishing a foundation to build upon as well as paving a path for me and many others to follow."
Young racked up 627 tackles, 20 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries during his 14-year career, according to Pro Football Reference. He retired in 2007 and was an eight-time recipient of the 49ers prestigious Len Eshmont Award.
Last year's inductee was Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens.
Below is a list of the 49ers currently in the 49ers' 28-man Hall of Fame.
- John Brodie, quarterback (with 49ers 1957-73)
- Dwight Clark, wide receiver (1979-87)
- Roger Craig, running back (1983-90)
- Fred Dean, defensive end (1981-85)
- Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., owner (1977-2000)
- Charles Haley, linebacker (1986-91, '99)
- Jimmy Johnson, cornerback (1961-76)
- John Henry Johnson, fullback (1954-56)
- Charlie Krueger, defensive tackle (1959-73)
- Ronnie Lott, defensive back (1981-90)
- Hugh McElhenny, halfback (1952-60)
- John McVay, front office (1979-2003)
- Joe Montana, quarterback (1979-92)
- Tony Morabito, founding owner (1946-64)
- Vic Morabito, founding owner (1946-64)
- Leo Nomellini, defensive tackle (1950-63)
- R.C. Owens, wide receiver (1957-61)
- Terrell Owens, wide receiver (1996-2003)
- Joe Perry, fullback (1948-60, '63)
- Tom Rathman, fullback (1986-93)
- Jerry Rice, wide receiver (1985-2000)
- George Seifert, head coach (1989-96)
- Gordy Soltau, wide receiver (1950-58)
- Bob St. Clair, tackle (1953-64)
- Y.A. Tittle, quarterback (1951-60)
- Bill Walsh, head coach (1979-88)
- Dave Wilcox, linebacker (1964-74)
- Steve Young, quarterback (1987-99)
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