Former 49er Dwight Clark dead at 61
Dwight Clark, the former 49ers wide receiver whose reception known as “The Catch” sent San Francisco to its first Super Bowl, has died one year after revealing he had ALS. He was 61.
Clark said in March 2017 that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), which attacks cells that control muscles. He suspected playing football might have caused the illness.
The team said Clark died Monday surrounded by friends and family.
Clark won two Super Bowls with the 49ers during a nine-year career that ended in 1987. He memorably pulled down the winning touchdown pass from Joe Montana in the 1981 NFC championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, a play remembered simply as “The Catch.” It’s considered one of the most significant plays in NFL history.
His No. 87 has been retired by the 49ers.
Clark also served as general manager of the 49ers and the Cleveland Browns.
