Fall 2024

49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin encourages young fan with inspiring message

Marquise Goodwin is a former 2012 Olympian and current NFL player with the San Francisco 49ers. On August 18, Goodwin gave a fan, Austin DeMello, a memory that he will have forever.

In a video posted by the 49ers on their Instagram and Twitter pages, Goodwin is seen walking up to DeMello, who was sitting in a wheelchair. DeMello is seen in the video telling Goodwin that he has a headache. What happened next was awesome.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYOKLPqj3QP/

Goodwin immediately began to encourage Austin by sharing that his sister hadn’t been able to walk a day in her life, but she was still smiling, and Goodwin encouraged Austin to do the same.

“A lot of things we go through is not exactly what we want it to be,” Goodwin told Austin. “But we have to appreciate the time we do have and the people we care about, so just make the most it, smile as much as you can, have fun, and enjoy it.”

Goodwin concluded the conversation by encouraging Austin and telling him how much he is cared for and loved.

“Just know that you got a lot of people that love you and care about you, including the 49ers … for real. You might not believe it, but it’s for real. It ain’t for show.”

Kyle had a simple reply: “Thank you.”

A group of 49ers players were participating in a meet-and-greet at Levi’s Stadium as part of a Make-A-Wish Foundation event.

Goodwin shared on his twitter page this morning, a verse from the New Testament in 1 John 4:8: “God is love.” He encouraged others to “choose to spread Love.”

Marquise did just that last week with Austin DeMello.

https://twitter.com/flashg88dwin/status/901458281956130816