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49ers Mourn the Loss of Robert Redford - Hollywood Icon and Lifelong Fan Since the Team’s Earliest Days

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San Francisco, CA – September 16, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers are joining the sports world and beyond in mourning the passing of Hollywood icon Robert Redford, who died at age 89 at his home in Sundance, Utah.
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Redford’s representative confirmed his death, saying he passed away surrounded by loved ones. “He will be missed greatly. The family requests privacy.”

Though best known as an Oscar-winning actor and director in films like The Sting and All the President’s Men, Redford’s influence stretched far beyond the big screen. For many 49ers fans, his story was one of resilience, creativity, and dedication to craft — values deeply tied to the Bay Area’s own identity.

What few may know is that Redford was also a passionate supporter of the 49ers, following the team’s journey since its golden era. Friends often recalled his admiration for San Francisco’s style of play and how the team’s grit and innovation reminded him of the stories he told on screen.

Players and staff reflected on his passing before practice, noting how his movies often carried themes of perseverance and fighting against the odds. “Legends like him remind us that impact isn’t just about what you do on the field or on screen — it’s about how you inspire people to keep going,” one team spokesperson said.

The 49ers will honor Redford with a moment of silence before their next home game at Levi’s Stadium, ensuring that both the city and the team pay tribute to one of their own.

Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”