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Posted at 1:14 a.m., Monday, December 24, 2007

NFL: 49ers Bryant Young gets carried away after win

Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — Bryant Young never wanted to be the center of attention during his 14-year career with the San Francisco 49ers.

So he felt a little uncomfortable when teammates Jeff Ulbrich and Ronald Fields put him on their shoulders and carried him off the field at the end of San Francisco's 21-19 victory over Tampa Bay in the final home game of Young's career.

"I was afraid I might fall," he said. "I kind of wanted to walk off. It was a special moment so I embraced it."

Young hasn't officially announced his retirement, saying earlier in the week that this "most likely" would be his final home game.

But it was obvious by his actions that this really was goodbye.

He gave a pregame pep talk to his teammates that brought tears to safety Michael Lewis' eyes.

After being carried to the center of the field following the game, Young exchanged farewells with some of the Buccaneers, including a hug with former San Francisco teammate Jeff Garcia.

He then did a half victory lap around the field, waving and blowing kisses to the fans, many of who were chanting "B.Y! B.Y!"

"It was an emotional moment for me," Young said. "The fans have been great for most of my career. I just wanted to give them thanks and show them how much I appreciate them."