49ers to retire Steve Young's number

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The San Francisco 49ers announced Thursday the No. 8 jersey of former quarterback Steve Young would be retired next month.

Young's number will be the 11th to be retired by the 49ers. A ceremony will be held at halftime of the scheduled game against New England Oct. 5.

"It's a tremendous honor. No question about it," Young said. "This is your team. It's not the league. It's the guys that you fought with, it's the heart and soul of who you really were."

Young played in the NFL for 15 years, 13 of them with San Francisco. He compiled a 91-33-0 record while with the 49ers and was named MVP of the league in 1992 and 1994.

He was the MVP of Super Bowl XXIX, in which he threw a record six touchdown passes in the 49ers' 49-26 win over San Diego.

Young was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three years ago.

"Steve Young is an important part of the 49ers history and tradition," team owner John York said. "He combined talent, character and a tremendous work ethic to become an incomparable performer and champion on the field."