The 49ers' players and management have quietly arranged for the construction of a home for the mother of Thomas Herrion, the offensive lineman and former University of Utah standout who collapsed and died last August after an exhibition game against the Denver Broncos.
The house, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is expected to be finished before the end of this month. Janice Herrion was living in an apartment in Fort Worth at this time last year, and Herrion had told teammates he hoped to make the roster so he could buy a house for his mother.
"We knew what Thomas was trying to do, and having Dr. York and coach Nolan get involved, having all the guys come together, that was just something we all wanted to do, and it was the right thing to do," tackle Jonas Jennings said Friday.
Team owner John York and coach Mike Nolan spearheaded an effort that brought contributions from players, staff, the 49ers Foundation, the NFL and the NFL Players Association. Team officials declined to say how much was raised but indicated there is enough money to cover utilities, taxes and other home expenses for years to come.
Janice Herrion could not be reached for comment, but 49ers officials have remained in touch with her and other members of the family.
Nolan said: "I'm pleased with what has happened and what the guys have done. It says a lot about what they thought about Thomas. . . . They're trying to help make his dream come true."
Center Eric Heitmann said members of the offensive line and other players are planning another fund-raiser to help Janice Herrion furnish her new home. "It's just finding a weekend that works for everyone — for the fans and for the team — so we can do it right," Heitmann said.
Herrion, a first-year player, was 23 when he died of a heart attack Aug. 20, 2005, at Denver's Invesco Field. A backup guard who was fighting for a roster spot, Herrion had taken part in a 14-play touchdown drive near the end of the 49ers' 26-21 loss. He walked off the field and into the visitors' locker room, where he was stricken as the team finished a postgame prayer.
Team doctors, joined by York, who is a pathologist, worked desperately to try to revive Herrion, but he never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead a short time later at a nearby hospital.
His death came less than two years after his father, J.C. Herrion, died at 51 of a stroke.
Herrion was survived by his mother, two brothers and three sisters. Members of his family have been invited by the 49ers to attend the team's Aug. 26 exhibition game at Dallas. It will be the first time back in Dallas for the 49ers since many of them traveled to Herrion's hometown for his funeral.