In a heartwarming and unexpected move that’s sending shockwaves through both the entertainment and sports worlds, actor Earl Tywone Stevens has partnered with the San Francisco 49ers to do something truly extraordinary for veterans across the Bay Area. While the actor is no stranger to charity, this time he’s gone above and beyond, donating a staggering $1 MILLION to ensure veterans and their families have access to discounted tickets at 49ers games for the rest of the 2025 season.
In an exclusive statement, Stevens said, “The sacrifices our veterans have made can never truly be repaid, but I hope this can give them a moment of joy, a chance to experience the magic of 49ers football with the respect and honor they deserve.”
This groundbreaking donation is part of a larger initiative between Stevens and the 49ers, aimed at giving veterans the opportunity to attend home games at Levi’s Stadium, free from financial barriers. Stevens personally worked with the 49ers’ ownership and community outreach department to create a program that would offer discounted tickets specifically for veterans, ensuring they can experience the excitement of live football at no cost to them.
Sources close to the actor reveal that Stevens was deeply moved by the struggles that many veterans face, particularly those living in the San Francisco area. “I’ve always admired the veterans here, and I wanted to find a way to give back to them,” Stevens explained.
This generous gesture is already being hailed as one of the most impactful community-driven actions in NFL history. By focusing on veterans—many of whom often feel overlooked—Stevens and the 49ers are ensuring that those who served this country can feel the pride and excitement of being part of the 49ers faithful.
Local veterans’ organizations and nonprofits are already working tirelessly to distribute the discounted tickets, making sure that every eligible veteran has a chance to attend a game. The program has already been called “a game-changer” by many veterans who have been able to attend games they never thought they would experience.
“This is a gift that means more than words can express,” said one local veteran. “Earl Tywone Stevens has shown that he truly understands the importance of honoring our service. This is a moment we’ll cherish forever.”
With the holiday season approaching and the 49ers pushing for a playoff spot, this initiative is sure to bring more than just discounted tickets—it’s offering a symbol of gratitude and recognition for those who have given so much.
Earl Tywone Stevens’ initiative proves that, while sports are about winning on the field, the true victories happen off it—when communities come together and show their unwavering support for the people who have served and sacrificed for their country.
The Cleveland Browns could soon have to make an interesting quarterback decision.
Dillon Gabriel is still the starting quarterback, but fans have called for Shedeur Sanders to start games. Yet, Deshaun Watson is inching closer to a return, as he could have his practice window activated in the coming weeks.
However, even if Watson is healthy, Browns insider Ken Carman doesn’t think the veteran will start or play in any games this season.
“I’m ready for someone new. I’m ready for name whoever it is,” Carman said on 92.3 The Fan. “As this season goes, I’m ready for Shedeur. I don’t have very much belief that Deshaun Watson will get his career restarted anywhere else, and even if he does, fine. The fans don’t like him here; this has been a nasty chapter in our history here. I’m getting Facebook invites for when the guy gets cut, for crying out loud.
“They don’t want him out there. If I’m looking at it from a football sense and I’m just a football coach, yeah, of course, what Albert Breer says is true. But, I’m not; I talk to fans every single day of my life. And, they don’t want him out there. The ones who do have just given up. You are curious to see Shedeur.”
Carman believes Watson’s time with the Browns was a failure, and he shouldn’t play another game for the team, even if he is healthy.
Instead, the Browns insider thinks Cleveland should stick with Gabriel and start Sanders later on in the season before finding a franchise quarterback in the offseason.
Although Carman doesn’t want to see Watson play for the Browns, the veteran quarterback is closing in on a return.
Watson has been showing videos of himself training, and Cleveland could activate his 21-day practice window very soon, according to insider Mary Kay Cabot.
“Deshaun Watson continues to make excellent progress in his comeback from a re-ruptured Achilles, but the Browns aren’t opening his 21-day practice window this week,” Cabot said, citing a league source. “The Browns will wait at least until least Week 12 against the Raiders to designate Watson for return from reserve/Physically Unable to Perform. They expect to have more clarity on his timeframe over the next couple of weeks.”
However, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that he wasn’t sure what the plan for Watson is.
“I’m not sure if that’s what we’re doing,” Stefanski said.
Watson has been out for more than a year due to an Achilles injury. He had a setback in January, which resulted in a second surgery.
As Cleveland was searching for their franchise quarterback, the team made a bold move to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans.
The Browns acquired Watson in a package that included three first-round picks. Cleveland then signed Watson to a $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed.
Due to his poor play and injuries, the trade hasn’t worked out, and before the season, Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam called the trade a big swing-and-miss.
“We took a big swing-and-miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback; we didn’t. And we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him, so we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole. … (The trade) was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee (Haslam) and I, so hold us accountable.”
Watson went 9-10 as the starting quarterback for the Browns.