Hall-of-Famers, legends, and current players discuss criminal justice

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s relationship with the San Francisco Forty-niners proved that it can improve even as the 30th anniversary nears for what started as an annual Christmas gift-giving event.

“Yes, this is a special day for the entire organization, and this year we had more sign-ups to come than ever before,” said the York sisters, Mara and Jenna. “This relationship started in 1997 by our brother Tony and we intend to carry on our brothers’ legacy for a very long-time.” The York family is the principal owners of the SF 49ers.

Mara and Jenna York credited their brother Tony with starting the annual visit to SQRC as he and then San Quentin Pastor Earl Smith came to SQRC started in 1997. Tony York passed away and Smith and the Yorks now return every year to carry on the tradition that their brother started.

Smith has traded allegiances as he left the position of San Quentin Chaplain to become Chaplain of the San Francisco 49ers.

As the event moved forward, most fans in attendance agreed this years’ improved roster and energy surpassed all the events of the passed.

“By far, this was their best visit,” said Correctional officer Hogan. “It was amazing to see the heroes who I grew up watching, coming in with the younger generation of players. I became a 49er fan because my father was a fan, so I carried the torch.”

Resident Jambri Johnson Sr. also pointed out the importance of the intergenerational relationships around sports, when he spoke during the open dialogue portion of the event.

“You don’t know the impact the 49ers creates for me and my son,” said Johnson Sr. “After every game I call my son and we have a commonality, a connection that transpires everyday life. During our conversation, for that time, I am home with him.”

Hogan and Johnson Sr. passionately shared in front of the fully occupied Chapel B, and their experiences resonated with an enthusiasm that permeated through the entire audience.

The team brought close to 50 staff and players that included current players Nick Bosa, and Spencer Buford, Ben Bartley, Curtis Robinson, Nick Zakels, Austen Pleasants, and Clelen Ferrell. Chaplain Earl Smith hosted the event as Corey Rush, and Vice President of Communications, coordinated efforts for the San Francisco 49er media team.

The emotions of the day reached it peak as Hall-of-Famers Frank Gore, Patrick Willis, Bryant Young, and champions Tom Rathman, Eric Wright, and Donald Strickland were introduced.

The players, past and present, reciprocated the adoration that illuminated from the audience when they took the stage, and almost immediately, the stars spoke of the cohesion between the residents and themselves.

“This is my first visit, I’m elated to be here,” said former player and Hall-of-Famer Patrick Willis. “I majored in criminal justice and it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, just how many times you get up.”

Willis reiterated that he could have easily made the wrong turn and been inside of prison. “Some relatives, guys I grew up with, even ex-teammates have been incarcerated. I just hope you realize there is more for you to do out there.”

Nick Bosa made his second appearance after coming last year for Jenna and Mara. He said that visit changed his perspective of San Quentin and its residents.

Eric Wright came to remind himself that if he had made one more mistake he could have been here like the guys that he grew up with and played ball with.

“I care that society gets the wrong picture put in front of them about you guys, because its amazing to see the opportunities and hard work that you put in to your healing,” said Hall-of-Famer Bryant Young. “It’s important that the incarcerated know that the Forty-Niners care about them.”

“I came back to keep the dialogue open,” said player Spencer Buford, “society has a misconception of the people in this room.”

As the dialogue changed to a question and answer format, incarcerated resident Larry Ryzak asked Nick Bosa how his rehabilitation was going.

“It’s going great,” said Bosa, “I’ve done this before, I’ll be ready to rock.”

Warden Chance Andes then asked the players what the team learned from their visits.

“Freedom is not confined by buildings and borders,” said former player Bryant Young in response to Andes. “Living free is taking advantage of opportunities.”

The players then mingled with the residents in the audience as chaplain Smith brought up the speaker who stole the show.

Larry Miller was introduced to the crowd and the seventy-five year old shared his experience, strength and hope that took him from being a murderer to a leader of on 8-9 billion dollars business known as “Air Jordan.”

Millers story covered the fact that he had grown from being imprisoned as a sixteen-year-old for second-degree murder and was in and out of prison from eighteen to thirty. During his final incarceration he decided to educate himself and then reform his life.

Miller said after his criminality stopped he earned an Associates degree in prison before acquiring a Bachelors’ of Science degree at Temple University. Re-focused, Miller joined the business world and accomplished many successes, including running Campbell’s Soup, Jansen Swimwear, and becoming president of the Portland Trailblazers NBA team.

Miller then built wealth into the Michael Jordan empire.

“When Jordan retired, the brand was worth approximately one-hundred-forty million dollars… When I took over as chairman of the Air Jordan brand, the value of the company has exponentially grown to a net worth between eight and nine billion dollars,” said Miller.

Miller’s daughter told him het he should tell his story and Jordan offered to help any way he could.

“Given an opportunity you never know what potential is in you,” said Miller, “I could never have dreamed of traveling the world with Michael Jordan.”

Miller sights Harvard business school statistics that state recidivism rates decline from seventy percent to zero percent with opportunities for higher education.

Smith then stated that some incarcerated put on a ‘mask’ every morning before even getting dressed.

“What makes one man better than another?” asked Smith. “Confidence,” Smith answered.”

Smith asked the crowd if they felt held back by their past and most in the crowd raised their hands.

He then asked the question, “When will your story be a yesterday story?”

The question was answered with applause.

The entourage left amid autograph hounds to receive a facility tour led by Warden Andes.

While on the “Lower Yard,” Andes spoke of the changes at the facility since 2024 in the shadow of the new buildings being built and that he believes that the new culture, spawned by the investment in San Quentin, allows for real healing.

The tour moved to the ‘Donner Earned Living Unit’ in South Block so the visitors could see the Canine Companions program that allows selected incarcerated residents the chance to raise and train service dogs.

While in Donner the five players were asked what one thing they would tell the residents of SQRC?
The following players answered:

Spencer Burford said, “Keep the faith, learn to forgive, move forward and continue to dream.”

Ben Bartley said, “You’re not too far gone. You’re never too far-gone and no one can take free will and conscious choices from you. Remember, there is always salvation.”

Curtis Robinson said, “Rehabilitation is great and understand community is important.”
Nick Zakels said, “Try to be better everyday.”

Austen Pleasants said, “There is hope, it’s never too late to change, take one day at a time and trust the process.”

Clelen Ferrell said, “You still have a lot to give.”

This was on a day the teammates and the entire 49er organization gave the residents, staff and administration of SQRC hope.