Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
After the announcement, 49ers CEO Jed York congratulated his uncle DeBartolo for the honor.
“On behalf of my family, the San Francisco 49ers organization and our Faithful fans around the world, I would like to congratulate my uncle, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., on his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” York.
During his time in charge, DeBartolo’s teams won five Super Bowls, 13 NFC West championships, advanced to the NFC Championship game 10 times and made 16 playoff appearances. The 49ers posted the highest win percentage in the 1980s and 1990s.
[MAIOCCO: Ex-49ers owner DeBartolo elected to Hall of Fame]
“There could be no more appropriate setting for this honor to be bestowed on him than during the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl in the region to which he delivered five Lombardi Trophies. Uncle Eddie’s impact on the game of football runs much, much deeper than simply the championships won by this franchise," York added.
In York's eyes, DeBartolo is the best owner in the history of the NFL. He concluded his statement by saying:
"He is the best owner in the history of the NFL because of the culture he created and how it still impacts the game to this day. Just walking through the city with him this week, you could see the love that remains for him from his former players, those his teams competed against, and fans from around the league. I think I speak for them all when I say, congratulations Mr. D. We love you.”
49ers media contributed to this article.
