Each year on August 7th, 49ers fans and players celebrate "Dwight Clark Day," a tribute to the legendary wide receiver whose career-defining catch in the 1981 NFC Championship game immortalized him in NFL history. The 49ers "87 Day" training camp tradition honors Clark's contributions to the team and celebrates the values he embodied.

For linebacker Dre Greenlaw, receiving the Dwight Clark Award over this year's offseason was more than just a personal achievement, it is a testament to the values he holds close to his heart.

"The legacy that he left behind, how much he meant to the organization, his teammates and coaches, they respected him," Greenlaw said. "Now for them to see that in me – that same hard work and fight. Being an encourager, a teammate that people can rely on, it's huge."

Clark's leadership set a standard for future generations of 49ers players, and the award in his life's honor recognizes Greenlaw's ability to uplift and support his teammates around him.

"I kind of did my own research on Dwight, and once I got the award, I really looked at what the award was for," Greenlaw said. "It made me realize how important he was to the team, and how big of a captain, how big of a person and how big of a leader he was to the team."

As Greenlaw gets ready for his sixth season in the NFL, this recognition has not altered his approach to the game, but rather has reinforced his commitment to encourage and inspire his teammates. The linebacker's constant drive to elevate his teammates reflects Clark's legacy within the organization.

"I'm really the same guy," Greenlaw said. "I'm not gonna change up or try to be something more than what I know, but it encourages me to encourage others more. It makes me realize to not take that for granted, my teammates do appreciate me... I like boosting and encouraging people, so it just makes me want to do it more."

Greenlaw's philosophy on teamwork aligns closely with Clark's legacy. His recipe for being a leader in the 49ers locker room includes laughter, honesty and mentorship – a recipe inspired by mentors like linebackers coach Johnny Holland and former 49ers defensive coordinator and Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.

"I think it takes a little bit of everything," Greenlaw said "It's about encouragement. You've got to be able to joke with your teammates. I keep it light, I like making jokes. It's already tough enough. I learned that from Johnny, he keeps it light in the room. Because the world is short and it's not just about football. At the same time, you've got to tell them what they don't want to hear either, be honest with them. People want to hear the truth... I love telling people, 'You did a good job with this, but, you're not going harder.' Because I was told that too. DeMeco was the guy that told me whether I wanted to hear it or not, 'You need to do better.'

"There's been times where I felt like my back was against the wall, but I just continue to work and continue to not only push myself, but push others too. It's the competition that also brings out the best of people too, it's going to get my teammates around me better."

"Dwight Clark Day" is a beloved tradition in The Bay also serves as a reminder of the qualities that Clark embodied – dedication, leadership and selflessness – qualities that continue to inspire and motivate the 49ers.