Kyle Williams to open as San Francisco 49ers' No. 2 receiver while honoring fallen teammate

Kyle Williams to open as San Francisco 49ers’ No. 2 receiver while honoring fallen teammate

Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kyle Williams (10) gains 7 yards on a pass as Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley (54) tackles him in the second quarter at the Metrodome. Vikings win 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 7, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers receiver Kyle Williams (10) celebrates with receiver Mario Manningham (82) after scoring on a a 43-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports /

Williams hopes that his increased role in the offense will give him more opportunities to not only impact this team, but also honor his former Arizona State teammate. Williams got a new No. 81 tattoo on his inner left forearm during the offseason as a tribute to a former ASU teammate, Tyrice Thompson, who died Feb. 2 from injuries suffered when he was stabbed Jan. 27 while working at a nightclub.

Williams will play in Thompson’s honor this season:

"“He was family to everybody,” Williams said. “He’s a guy I played with at ASU, and kind of like a big brother to me. When he was here [alive] he was always looking over me and there for me, always sharing wisdom.”"

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