The San Francisco 49ers have released the first-ever “It Gets Better” video by a NFL team over the weekend. A handful of the team's players are featured, including defensive tackles Ricky Jean Francois and Isaac Sopoaga and safety Donte Whitner.

The video was the response to a petition started by San Francisco-native Sean Chapin.

Chapin also started a successful petition calling on Major League Baseball's Giants to release their own “It Gets Better” video in 2011.

“It Gets Better” aims to offer hope to LGBT youth who often feel isolated and alone in coming to terms with their sexuality. Formed by radio personality and author Dan Savage, the project has compiled thousands of videos featuring celebrities, politicians and every day people who understand the personal struggle in the wake of a series of high-profile LGBT youth suicides.

Catch the 49ers' video below:

The 49ers kick off the 2012/13 season against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 9 after a successful 2011/12 season which saw the team reach their division championship game.

Top photo: San Francisco 49er safety Donte Whitner (via YouTube)