In 2019, named the recipient of the 49ers Thomas Herrion Memorial Award, which was established in 2005 by 49ers owners Denise and John York 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.
During the 2019 offseason, Greenlaw spoke to a crowd of nearly 30 Santa Clara foster youth who were honored at Levi's Stadium for graduating from High School, obtaining a GED, earning a Vocational Program Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor and/or a Master Degree in the 2018-2019 academic year. A former foster child, Greenlaw addressed the crowd saying, "I can survive anything. Once you get that mindset, which I know you guys have. it's just the beginning."
Was named team captain in 2018 at Arkansas after week four of the season.
Participated in track & field at Fayetteville (AR) HS, in addition to football.
Golden Nuggets
In 2019, named the recipient of the 49ers Thomas Herrion Memorial Award, which was established in 2005 by 49ers owners Denise and John York 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.
During the 2019 offseason, Greenlaw spoke to a crowd of nearly 30 Santa Clara foster youth who were honored at Levi's Stadium for graduating from High School, obtaining a GED, earning a Vocational Program Certificate, Associate Degree, Bachelor and/or a Master Degree in the 2018-2019 academic year. A former foster child, Greenlaw addressed the crowd saying, "I can survive anything. Once you get that mindset, which I know you guys have. it's just the beginning."
Was named team captain in 2018 at Arkansas after week four of the season.
Participated in track & field at Fayetteville (AR) HS, in addition to football.
Goldmine
Since he was eight years old, Greenlaw had been living in group homes and shelters across Arkansas. Six years later, he met Brian Early, who was the defensive coach at Fayetteville High, while Greenlaw was getting treatment for an injury he suffered in football practice. After learning about Dre's situation, Brian and his wife, Nanci, began spending more time with him, and soon he became like a son. When they were informed that his group home was going to be shut down, they invited Dre to live with them and their two daughters, AJ and Camryn. The family later made his adoption official shortly after Greenlaw turned 21. "Even though it wasn't legal until July, he's always been my son," said Brian. "He's felt the same way. We're Mom and Dad to him. It's a pretty special relationship."
NFL players had the opportunity to participate in the NFL's annual My Cause, My Cleats campaign during Week 14 of the 2019 season. Greenlaw and his teammates represented their respective causes with custom-designed cleats in an effort to raise awareness and funding. Greenlaw represented the Bill Wilson Center and said, "I play for foster youth like me."
The 49ers LBs welcomed eight foster youth from Unity Care to Levi's Stadium in December of 2019. This group received gifts and much needed resources, like bedding and new shoes, this holiday season. The linebackers chose to support foster youth to honor Greenlaw, who is a former foster youth.
Took part in the 49ers Annual Community Day, helping pack more than 31,000 nutritious meals in collaboration with Feeding Children Anywhere. The meals, along with groceries and backpacks, were distributed to those most in need in East San Jose.
Prior to Week 2's matchup in Cincinnati during the 2019 season, the 49ers spent time in Youngstown, OH, where they participated in the Community Blitz. Greenlaw and some of his teammates joined the students at Williamson Elementary School to talk about inclusion and anti-bullying. The players spoke at an assembly before helping the kids write compliment cards and discuss how to be kind to one another.
During the 2019 offseason, members of the 49ers took part in the Second Annual Picnic on the Field, located on the Levi's Stadium field. Greenlaw and his teammates spent the day taking pictures with fans, who enjoyed music, food and games in support of the 49ers Foundation. The foundation, in conjunction with NFL Huddle for 100, partnered with Amazon to fill 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies. Fans and players joined together to assemble the packs, which were distributed throughout the community to children in need.
College
Appeared in 42 games (39 starts) in his four-year career (2015-18) at Arkansas, recording 299 tackles, 13 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, 3 INTs, 3 FFs and 3 FRs. As a senior in 2018, appeared in 10 games (9 starts) and finished with 80 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 FF and 1 FR. Started all 12 games in which he appeared as a junior in 2017, registering 84 tackles, 1.5 TFLs and 1.0 sack. Made 7 starts as a sophomore in 2016 and notched 42 tackles, 2 FRs, 1.5 TFLs and 1 INT. In 2015, named SEC All-Freshman, as voted on by coaches af- ter registering 93 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2 FFs and 1 .0 sack in 13 games played (11 starts).
Awards & Honors
2019: PFWA All-Rookie Team, Thomas Herrion Memorial Award
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