49ers Star Honors 13-Year-Old Organ Donor Who Saved His Father’s Life

San Francisco, CA – October 6, 2025

The NFL often celebrates greatness through touchdowns, clutch plays, and unforgettable moments. But for Jauan Jennings, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, the most meaningful story of his career has nothing to do with football — it is about family, gratitude, and an extraordinary act of love.

This week, Jennings revealed an emotional truth: his father was one of the five lives saved by the organ donation of Sanjay Samuel, a 13-year-old boy tragically killed in Queens.

Samuel’s donation included his heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, and kidneys. For the Jennings family, that gift carried life-changing meaning — his father received a kidney, ending years of painful struggle with chronic illness.

“I’ll never stop being thankful to Sanjay’s family,” Jennings said, his voice breaking with emotion. “They turned tragedy into life. My dad is still here because of their courage, and I’ll carry that gratitude forever.”

The 49ers receiver, praised for his toughness and resilience, said the experience has reshaped his perspective on life. He pledged to use his NFL platform to honor Sanjay’s memory and raise awareness for organ donation.

The 49ers organization has rallied behind Jennings, with teammates and coaches praising his strength and heart. Levi’s Stadium is expected to honor Sanjay’s legacy with a tribute before San Francisco’s next home game.

In Queens, Sanjay’s family expressed gratitude that his spirit lives on through others. “He had a heart full of kindness,” his father said. “Now, that kindness continues in the lives he saved.”

For Jauan Jennings, touchdowns will always thrill the Faithful. But the true victory is far greater: knowing his father lives on because of a boy’s final act of generosity.