SANTA CLARA – Joe Staley became the first offensive lineman to win the Bill Walsh Award as the 49ers' team MVP.
The honor was established in 2004 in honor the three-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. Staley, a 10-year NFL veteran, has been named to five consecutive Pro Bowls. This year, he was recognized as a second alternate.
The 49ers announced all of their team award on Friday, two days prior to the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium.
Here are the other award winners:
Len Eshmont Award: QB Colin Kaepernick
The Len Eshmont Award is voted on by the players and is awarded to the 49er who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, a member of the 49ers' inaugural team in 1946. The award was established in 1957.
Bobb McKittrick Award: G Zane Beadles
The Bobb McKittrick Award is awarded to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach. The award was established by the 49ers in 1999. The team's offensive linemen vote on the award.
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Hazeltine Iron Man Award: S Antoine Bethea
The Hazeltine Iron Man Award is named for former linebacker Matt Hazeltine, a 13-year performer who played more seasons at linebacker than any other 49ers player. Known for his durability and dedication, Hazeltine passed away in 1987 from ALS. The award was established that year and is presented annually to the most courageous and inspirational defensive player as voted upon by the defensive coaches.
Thomas Herrion Memorial Award: DL DeForest Buckner
Thomas Herrion Memorial Award was established in 2005 and is presented to a rookie or first-year player who best represents the dream of Thomas Herrion. The recipient has taken advantage of every opportunity, turned it into a positive situation and made their dream turn into a reality. The award is voted on by the coaches.
Perry/Yonamine Unity Award: S Antoine Bethea
The Perry/Yonamine Award is presented to the 49ers player who exhibits an exceptional commitment to promoting unity within the team and in their community. The Perry/Yonamine Unity Award is named for the former 49ers players and pioneers of unity and diversity, Joe "The Jet" Perry and Wally Yonamine, and is voted on by the players.
Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee: WR Torrey Smith
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, named after the late Hall of Fame running back of the Chicago Bears, is given annually to the player who best exemplifies a commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. Each team nominated one player with the 32 Man of the Year nominees pared down to three finalists in January. The winner will be announced in Houston, the site of Super Bowl 51, on Feb. 4.
Ed Block Courage Award: DL Glenn Dorsey
The Ed Block Courage Award is named after Ed Block, the former head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts of 23 years. Block was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian whose most passionate cause was helping children of abuse. The award is presented in his name each year to the player that exemplified a commitment to sportsmanship and courage. Ed Block Courage Award winners from each of the 32 NFL teams are honored at a banquet in Baltimore. All proceeds from the event benefit the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation's Courage House National Support Network. Named after the NFL team in a respective NFL city, a Courage House is a facility that provides support and quality care for abused children and their families in that community. The 49ers dedicated their Courage House in October 2003 at the Edgewood House in San Francisco.
Garry Niver Award: S Antoine Bethea
The Garry Niver Award is presented annually by the San Francisco Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America to a 49ers' player for his cooperation and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their jobs. 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.
Community Relations Service Awards
Together, players from the San Francisco 49ers provided over 500 hours of community service during the 2016 season. Including the annual Pasta Bowl, 100 percent of the team participated in at least one community service event during the year. Top participants and winners of the Community Relations Service Awards were OL John Theus, who won the rookie player award, DT Quinton Dial, who was presented with this season's veteran player award along with TE Garrett Celek, who won the 49ers NFL Salute to Service. Additionally, TE Vance McDonald, his wife Kendi and son Coman were the recipients of the family award. Dennis Brown was presented with the alumnus award for the sixth consecutive year.
