By Joshua Karim. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P] .
Retro uniforms, induction of two new players into the team's Hall of Fame, and open-door workouts to get closer to the fans are among the surprises that the 49ers of San Francisco have in store for us this 75th anniversary season.
During the franchise's annual status conference, San Francisco 49ers executive director Jed York announced that wide receiver John Taylor and linebacker Patrick Willis will be inducted into the team's Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. Hall of Fame.
"John and Patrick represent two generations of 49ers excellence, both are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade team, which speaks to how impactful they were on the field. Off the field, their conduct was exemplary and they set the standard for what it means to be a 49er," York said.
He added that John was an "electric" wide receiver with some of the most memorable plays in franchise history, including a 10-yard touchdown reception to win Super Bowl XXIII.
Patrick was one of the most dominant linebackers in the team's 75-year history because of his leadership and passion for the game, which undoubtedly helped make all of his teammates better.
"We are honored to induct John and Patrick into the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame, where they will forever be recognized as our all-time greatest players," said Jed York.
Closer to the fans
After spending the 2020 season without fans at Levi's Stadium because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 49ers plan to open at full capacity this year as the state of California moves forward with the vaccination program.
So, the team plans to celebrate different moments they missed without the Faithful, such as opening their doors to fans for practices and workouts during the month of August for the first time since 2019.
Plus Bryant Young's induction into the Hall of Fame, the ceremony for which will take place in Week 9 when the 49ers face the Arizona Cardinals.
Retro uniforms
The 49ers announced new retro uniforms - Red Throwbacks '94 and White Throwbacks '94 - as a tribute to the Super Bowl XXIX winning team, which will have a diamond-shaped patch to celebrate the organization's 75th anniversary.
The uniforms will be worn six times this season. The red jerseys will be worn four times at Levi's Stadium, including the team's home opener against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3, while the white uniform will be worn twice this season.
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