The San Francisco 49ers have received a purple heart. No, they have not fought in any real wars, but Alfredo Gutierrez has. He was injured in April 2009 in the War on Terrorism.

Gutierrez joined the Texas National Guard in 2004. An honorable wounded warrior, he was no longer physically able to maintain his place in the National Guard and had to resign his commission. He left the military as a deputy.

Having to start all over with his life, Gutierrez found encouragement in family, friends, and the San Francisco 49ers. Their fight, grit, and determination — and coming back from difficult losses — helped Gutierrez find the strength within himself to remake his life and become successful in civilian life as well.

I am proud and honored to say that I am a wounded warrior but also a San Francisco 49er fan. I’m sending you my Purple Heart, because your team has played with heart, and with that, nobody can stop you. -Alfredo Gutierrez

For a military history buff such as Jim Harbaugh — who recently said he envisioned linebacker Dan Skuta in a confederate uniform (meant as a compliment regarding honor, strength of character, and determination to those who might find this odd) — this must have been especially heart-warming.

This should move sports fans across the globe, not just 49er fans. I myself was nearly moved to tears just in the preview, watching and listening to Jim Harbaugh reading off the deep and powerful words from one of our nation’s heroes. This is why sports matter: not because of wins or losses; not because of money or fame; certainly not because of fancy new stadiums; but rather because of the depth and power they have to inspire and influence lives for the better.

The 49ers received perhaps the most meaningful piece of hardware they will ever receive. Lombardi Trophies are nice, but nothing compares to this simple gesture that tells us just how much the 49ers mean to the world and those in it. This truly touches and warms the heart.

You can find a video of the story here, from 49ers.com.