Photo: Michael Zagaris / Getty Images Photo: Josie Lepe / Associated Press Photo: Ed Rieker / Associated Press

Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced game balls would be given to each member of the York family in the locker room Sunday after the 49ers’ 48-46 win over the Saints at the Superdome.

The game was played one day after the one-year anniversary of the death of Tony York, the brother of CEO Jed York, who died by suicide at 35. Tony York is also survived by his parents, 49ers owners Denise and Dr. John York, and his sisters, Jenna and Mara.

“We talked about it yesterday -- this was a special day for a number of reasons,” Shanahan said in the locker room, via a video on the 49ers’ Twitter account. “We knew how important this game was. And we knew how important this was to our team and to the Yorks.

“They had heavy, heavy hearts today. We know what they’ve been through for the last year. And I promise you, Doc, Jed, I promise he’s watching today, man. And I guarantee he helped us win today.”

After Shanahan spoke, John and Jed York accepted their game balls and John York addressed the team.

“Guys, I’ve to say, obviously we know why we’re getting these game balls. I wish I never had one,” he said, with his voice cracking as Shanahan placed his arm around his shoulder. “And we could not have done this without all of you.”

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After John York finished speaking, he hugged Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.

“We talk about everyone being family,” Shanahan said. “And you say it on a lot of teams. But as we’ve known all year, it’s different there. And it starts with the (Yorks).”

Eric Branch covers the San Francisco 49ers for The San Francisco Chronicle. E-mail: ebranch@sfchronicle.com