The Garry Niver Award is presented by the 49ers chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America and goes to the individual who best represents professionalism and cooperation with the media. The award is named after pro football writer, Garry Niver, who was a long-time beat writer who covered the 49ers for the San Mateo Times.
"From the bottom of heart, I appreciate that," Williams told reporters upon learning he won the award.
Williams went on to describe what this season has been like for him not playing last season.
"It's been a rollercoaster, to be honest," he said, "but I was so blessed to be back on the field. I know it sucks losing games. It sucks [because] we've got a Super Bowl roster, and it sucks that we weren't able to put those guys on the field together as many times as we needed to, to have a successful season. All that sucks, but I was just blessed to just have a chance to put back on my cleats, and strap my helmet back up, and feel the comradely of the locker room.
"Like I said, it was bitter-sweet. It sucks that we didn't fulfill our potential, but definitely sweet getting back out there with the guys and feeling that adrenaline rush again of playing football and being the person I feel like God designed me to be."
Last year's recipient was cornerback Richard Sherman.
Williams, 32, is in his first season with the 49ers. The team acquired him in April via a trade with Washington. Williams has started 14 games this season but will not play in Sunday's Week 17 finale against the Seattle Seahawks due to an elbow injury.
The other 49ers players who received votes for the award are Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Mike McGlinchey, Raheem Mostert, Nick Mullens, Jason Verrett, Jimmie Ward, and Fred Warner.
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