The Pro Football Writers of America announced on Wednesday that 49ers WR Marquise Goodwin is the winner of the organization's 2018 George Halas Award. The award is given to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. Goodwin was one five nominees for the award [Keenan Allen (LAC), Nick Foles (PHI), Nate Solder (NYG) and Mike Zimmer (MIN)]. He is the 50th Halas Award winner, and he is the fifth member (sixth recipient) of the 49ers franchise to receive the honor from the PFWA, joining DB Jimmy Johnson (1972), QB Joe Montana (1988, 1994), DT Bryant Young (2000) and RB Garrison Hearst (2002).
"On behalf of my wife and I, I would like to thank the PFWA for this prestigious award," said Goodwin. "I am so grateful and thankful for all of the support given to us by my teammates, my coaching staff and the 49ers family that helped us get through some of the toughest times in our lives. I want all of the people out there that are struggling to remember that the reward lasts longer than the pain."
Hours prior to San Francisco's Week 10 victory over the New York Giants, Goodwin and his wife Morgan lost their infant son due to complications which led to a premature delivery. Despite the loss, Marquise was encouraged by Morgan to play versus the Giants. He saw his only catch of the game go for 83 yards and his first touchdown of the season. Goodwin also went through the loss of his biological father in the days before the 49ers Week 15 win against the Tennessee Titans. Against the Titans, he registered a season-high 10 receptions for 114 yards.
Goodwin (5-9, 179) originally signed with the 49ers on March 10, 2017. In his first season with San Francisco, he started all 16 games and set career highs in receptions (56), receiving yards (962) and receiving average (17.2 – minimum 20 receptions), to go along with two touchdowns. His 962 receiving yards led the team while his 17.2 receiving average ranked third in the NFL in 2017. The 49ers rewarded Goodwin with a three-year extension through the 2021 season on March 8, 2018.
Off the field in 2017, Goodwin was the winner of the Len Eshmont Award, which is voted on by 49ers players and is given to the 49er who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers team. He was also San Francisco's winner of the Ed Block Courage Award, which is presented in Ed Block's name each year to the player that exemplified a commitment to sportsmanship and courage. Additionally, Goodwin was the recipient of the Garry Niver Award, which is presented annually by the San Francisco Chapter of the PFWA to a 49ers player for his cooperation and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their jobs.
