Marquise Goodwin feeling ‘wonderful' a day after being knocked unconscious

SANTA CLARA – One day after 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin was knocked unconscious and sustained a concussion, he said he was symptom-free and feeling “wonderful.”

The 49ers announced their team awards on Monday, and Goodwin was selected as the winner of the organization’s most prestigious award. He won the Len Eshmont Award as the player who exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Eshmont, one of the original members of the 49ers.

Goodwin recorded career-highs with 56 receptions for 962 yards in his first year with the 49ers after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills.

“It’s been a long season, but it’s been a wonderful journey for me, coming from Buffalo, where I didn’t quite get to showcase all my talent,” Goodwin said.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to work with the guys I did this year, to work with Kyle (Shanahan) and play with this team. It meant a lot to me. It showed a lot, not only to other people, but to myself. And it proved to me that I was capable of achieving some of the things I did this year. I’m ecstatic about what’s to come in the future.”

With the success on the field, Goodwin also experienced unimaginable losses. He and his wife, Morgan, lost their child from to complications during pregnancy on Nov. 12. Just hours later, he caught an 83-yard touchdown against the New York Giants in the 49ers’ first victory of the season.

Two weeks ago, following the 49ers’ win over Tennessee, Goodwin revealed his biological father had died just days earlier.

“I just take it all in as it comes,” Goodwin said. “It’s all part of the experience. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t go through those types of things. I’ve always had to be resilient my whole life.

“I look forward to -- good, bad or indifferent -- whatever 2018 brings. I’m ready for it.”

Goodwin was diagnosed with a concussion Sunday after Los Angeles Rams safety Blake Countess delivered an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit. Goodwin was carted off the field and taken by ambulance to an area hospital. Goodwin said he was administered tests and a CT scan. Everything checked out fine, and he was allowed to rejoin his teammates for the flight back to the Bay Area.

“My main concern was to get one of the nurses to pull up the game on her phone so could watch it and see how the team was doing,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin credited prayer and his faith for feeling fine just a short time after the violent collision. He said he would be able to play this week if the 49ers’ season had not concluded on Sunday.

Goodwin, who signed a two-year, $6 million contract in the offseason, is looking ahead to a full season with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after the 49ers finished the year on a five-game win streak.

“Jimmy, he came in and did an outstanding job,” Goodwin said. “Seven wins in his first seven career starts, five with the San Franicsco 49ers. That’s huge for him. And that’s huge for the organization, and it brings so much hope to everybody. I’m definitely appreciative of the opportunity to work with him.”

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49ERS TEAM AWARDS

Len Eshmont Award: Marquise Goodwin
Voted on by the players and awarded to the player who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Eshmont.

Bill Walsh Award: Kyle Juszczyk
Voted on by the coaches to the player who best represents the standard of excellence established by Walsh.

Bobb McKittrick Award: Daniel Kilgore
Voted on by offensive line to the offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice displayed by the long-time assistant coach.

Hazeltine Iron Man Award: DeForest Buckner
Voted on by defensive coaches to the most courageous and inspirational defensive player

Thomas Herrion Memorial Award: Adrian Colbert
Voted on by the coaches to the rookie or first-year player who has taken advantage of every opportunity and turned it into a positive situation to make a dream a reality.

Ed Block Courage Award: Marquise Goodwin
Presented to a player on every team that exemplifies a commitment to sportsmanship and courage.

Perry/Yonamine Unity Award: Robbie Gould
Presented to the player who exhibits and exceptional commitment to promoting unity within the team and community.

Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee: Bradley Pinion
Given to the player who best exemplifies a commitment to philanthropy and community involvement.

Garry Niver Award: Marquise Goodwin
Presented by the San Francisco Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America to a 49ers player for his cooperation and professional style in dealing with the media.

Community Relations Service Awards: Garrett Celek, Chanceller James, Raheem Mostert (and wife, Devon), Dekoda Watson (and wife, Cristina), Kyle Juszczyk (youth football award), John Lynch (Salute to Service) and Dennis Brown (alumnus award)