LOCALS IN THE NFL

49ers Use Play By Former Utah DB Marcus Williams To Encourage People To ‘Grab A Face Mask’

Jul 2, 2020, 3:49 PM | Updated: 3:49 pm

Marcus Williams - New Orleans Saints - Deebo Samuel - San Francisco 49ers...

Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The San Francisco 49ers took advantage of a penalty committed in-game by former Utah defensive back and current New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams to encourage people to “grab a face mask.”

The Niners posted a video clip of Williams grabbing the face mask on the helmet of San Francisco tight end George Kittle during a game.

“Be a saint. Grab a face mask,” the 49ers posted via the team’s official Twitter account.

#MaskUpUtah Campaign

Recently multiple athletic programs at Utah joined the #MaskUpUtah social media campaign

The #MaskUpUtah initiative began on Tuesday, June 23, one day after a memo from state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn said Utah has entered the acceleration phase of the pandemic and state leaders should take action to avoid a “complete shutdown.”

Utah football shared a video on social media of players and coaches sporting face masks on campus along with the caption, “#MaskUpUtah.”

The Red Rocks also joined the campaign and shared a message from Utes gymnast Sydney Soloski.

“I wear a mask to protect our 15,000 fans,” Soloski said.

#MaskUpUtah

The Utah Hospital Association and the state’s largest health care systems are joining forces to encourage Utahns to wear face coverings and help slow the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic.

“As healthcare leaders, we earnestly request the public’s help in curbing the significant increase in COVID cases in Utah,” said Greg Bell, UHA president and CEO. “Masking up is an important way everyone can help. Think of someone you love or care for; wear a mask for them. If we all wear our mask regularly when out in public or at work, we can bend the curve, protect our vulnerable loved ones and keep Utah’s health care resources readily available for all.”

Representatives from Intermountain Healthcare, MountainStar Healthcare, Steward Healthcare and University of Utah Health said they were concerned about Utah’s rise in cases and wearing face masks “can make a significant difference in helping to reduce transmission of the virus.”

“A lot of misinformation has been spreading recently about facial masking. However, clinicians agree that face coverings, when worn appropriately, block most infectious droplets originating from the individual wearing the face covering. Thus, blocking transmission into the community,” they said.

About Marcus Williams

Williams played defensive back at the University of Utah from 2014-16.

As a true freshman in 2014, he saw action in 13 games and started in six contests. In 2015, he was awarded First-team All-Pac-12 honors. After his junior season, Williams declared for the NFL Draft.

Williams finished his Utah career having appeared in 37 games. He posted 189 total tackles, 125 solo tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 19 pass breakups, 11 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries as a Ute.

He was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the No. 42 overall pick during the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

In 46 regular season games, Williams has accounted for 183 total tackles, 144 solo tackles, 1 sack, 23 pass breakups, 10 interceptions, and a touchdown.

Pro Football Focus recently ranked Williams among the top 25 players in the NFL under the age of 25.

Coronavirus Resources

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.

  • Utah Utes Scoreboard

  • Utah Utes Team Leaders

  • Utah Utes Standings

Locals In the NFL

Kyle Van Noy at BYU vs. Utah Holy War...

Sean Walker

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy signs with Vikings, AP source says

The Vikings have agreed to terms to sign 13-year NFL pro Kyle Van Noy, the Associated Press confirmed Tuesday night. The deal was first reported by Netflix's Tom Pelissero.

7 days ago

Tyler Batty #92 of the Minnesota Vikings...

Brian Preece

Former Cougar Tyler Batty to miss 2026 season with torn ACL

Second-year Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Tyler Batty will miss the 2026 NFL season after tearing his ACL, the team announced. Batty has been placed on injured reserve.

8 days ago

Christopher Brooks - BYU Football...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Former BYU RB Chris Brooks back on Packers’ roster with new 2-year deal

Brooks was one of two former Utah college football players that made the initial 53-man roster for the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Sunday evening. He's one of 54 former Utah locals in the NFL who made the initial cuts to end the 2026 NFL preseason.

8 days ago

Britain Covey - Utah Pro Day...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Britain Covey connects with Tanner McKee for Eagles TD in preseason

Covey started at wide out in a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in the Week 2 of the NFL preseason, when he hauled in a 14-yard touchdown strike from Tanner McKee that gave the Eagles a 14-10 halftime lead.

16 days ago

New Orleans Saints quarterback Zach Wilson throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Caesar...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Is former BYU QB Zach Wilson eyeing QB2 with the Saints?

Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson completed 11-of-16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in New Orleans’ 24-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as well as leading a scoring drive to end the first half and put the Saints up 20-6.

19 days ago

Former Utah football player Lander Barton had positive debut in preseason NFL game....

Steve Bartle

Utes in the NFL: Spencer Fano, Lander Barton highlight preseason Week 1

Nearly 40 former Utes entered the week on NFL rosters, including Utah's 2026 rookie class, several of whom made their preseason debut.

22 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Stacia Peoples & Gavin Lowe

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Rachel McBride & Lincoln Smith

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Janiece Sikander & Brody Thompson

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Evy Roberts & Krew Eckman

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Fabiana Lopez, Madden Johnsen & Bracken Saunders

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Leah Bailey & Lucas Castagnetto

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

49ers Use Play By Former Utah DB Marcus Williams To Encourage People To ‘Grab A Face Mask’