The San Francisco 49ers announced they have signed LB NaVorro Bowman to a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season*.
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"Over the last six years, NaVorro has become a cornerstone of our organization and securing his future in the Bay Area was a priority for us," said general manager Trent Baalke. "The perseverance he displayed while overcoming adversity and returning to his All-Pro form provides a great example of what can be accomplished through hard work and self-belief.  This contract extension reaffirms our core philosophy of rewarding our own players and we are thrilled to know NaVorro will play his entire career with the 49ers."

"I want to thank Jed, the York family and Trent for giving me the opportunity to continue my career where my heart is," said Bowman. "I appreciate the hard work that Drew and Paraag put in to getting this deal done.

My teammates and coaches have meant so much to me throughout my career and I thank them for helping me become the player I am today. The support I've received from my family and friends throughout my life, especially through the adversity of the past few years, has meant so much to me. I can't wait for the season to start and play in front of the best fans in the NFL."

The leader of the 49ers defense, Bowman (6-0, 242) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the third round (91st overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. The seven-year veteran has earned Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors four times in his career (2011-13 & 2015) as well as three trips to the Pro Bowl (2013-14 & 2016). Throughout his career, he has appeared in 80 games (65 starts) and registered 733 tackles, 11.5 sacks, three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 25 passes defensed. Bowman has also led the team in tackles in four of the past five seasons (2011-13 & 2015).

After missing the entire 2014 season due to injury, Bowman returned to action last season and led the NFL with 154 total tackles, according to gamebook statistics. He also added 2.5 sacks and two passes defensed, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and a selection to the Pro Bowl. Bowman was also the recipient of the 49ers Ed Block Courage Award in 2015.

In addition to his on-field accolades, Bowman has also done outstanding work off the field. He started The NaVorro Bowman 4th and Goal Foundation, which aims to impact the lives of children throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Bowman's goal for his foundation is to build play zones around the Bay Area that will provide state-of-the-art playgrounds to low income elementary schools so that the students will have a safe outdoor environment to increase social, emotional and cognitive skills as well as a place for increased physical activity.

A 28-year-old native of District Heights, MD, Bowman earned Second-Team All-America honors at Penn State, as he notched 215 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, eight sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his career.