Kelly Clark, the wife of former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark, tweeted on Monday evening that her husband has died after battling ALS.
?I?m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband,? Kelly Clark wrote, posting to Dwight?s verified Twitter account. ?He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. I am thankful for all of Dwight?s friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. Kelly Clark.?
Dwight Clark was 61-years-old.
Former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark, center (in dark jacket), died on Monday after a three-year battle with ALS. He was 61-years-old. (AP)
According to Sports Illustrated, Dwight and Kelly Clark also began hosting old teammates and friends at weekly lunches in their California home around the same time, enjoying laughs and reliving memories.
But in March, the couple decided to move to Montana, near the home of former San Francisco owner Eddie DeBartolo, and in April, 27 men ? former players, coaches and team staff ? traveled to see Clark in Montana for one last hurrah.
As word spread of Clark?s death, many began to weigh in.
?Love you bro Dwight Clark!! RIP,? Jerry Rice tweeted.
?Really saddened by the loss of Dwight Clark,? tweeted current Niners tackle Joe Staley. ?He was so much more than a football player. He was so kind and happy. Such a pure human spirit. Our hearts are with his family.?
The 49ers also released a statement on the team website:
?The San Francisco 49ers family has suffered a tremendous loss today with the passing of Dwight Clark. We extend our condolences and prayers to Dwight?s wife, Kelly, his family, friends and fans, as we join together to mourn the death of one the most beloved figures in 49ers history. For almost four decades, he served as a charismatic ambassador for our team and the Bay Area. Dwight?s personality and his sense of humor endeared him to everyone he came into contact with, even during his most trying times. The strength, perseverance and grace with which he battled ALS will long serve as an inspiration to so many. Dwight will always carry a special place in our hearts and his legacy will live on as we continue to battle this terrible disease.?
Tenth-round pick to two-time Pro Bowler
A North Carolina native who attended Clemson, Clark was drafted by San Francisco in the 10th round of the 1979 draft.
He had his career-best season in 1981, with 85 catches for 1,105 yards and four touchdowns; in the NFC Championship against the Cowboys that year, he had eight catches for 120 yards and two scores, including the iconic game-winning touchdown.
That was also the first of his two Pro Bowl seasons. In the strike-shortened 1982, Clark led the NFL with 60 catches, for 913 yards and five touchdowns.
rip Dwight i remember the catch NOW GOD is your QB :0008
see video and everything else here https://www.yahoo.com/sports/dwight-clarks-wife-tweets-49ers-legend-husband-died-230749790.html
?I?m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband,? Kelly Clark wrote, posting to Dwight?s verified Twitter account. ?He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. I am thankful for all of Dwight?s friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS. Kelly Clark.?
Dwight Clark was 61-years-old.
Former San Francisco 49ers receiver Dwight Clark, center (in dark jacket), died on Monday after a three-year battle with ALS. He was 61-years-old. (AP)
According to Sports Illustrated, Dwight and Kelly Clark also began hosting old teammates and friends at weekly lunches in their California home around the same time, enjoying laughs and reliving memories.
But in March, the couple decided to move to Montana, near the home of former San Francisco owner Eddie DeBartolo, and in April, 27 men ? former players, coaches and team staff ? traveled to see Clark in Montana for one last hurrah.
As word spread of Clark?s death, many began to weigh in.
?Love you bro Dwight Clark!! RIP,? Jerry Rice tweeted.
?Really saddened by the loss of Dwight Clark,? tweeted current Niners tackle Joe Staley. ?He was so much more than a football player. He was so kind and happy. Such a pure human spirit. Our hearts are with his family.?
The 49ers also released a statement on the team website:
?The San Francisco 49ers family has suffered a tremendous loss today with the passing of Dwight Clark. We extend our condolences and prayers to Dwight?s wife, Kelly, his family, friends and fans, as we join together to mourn the death of one the most beloved figures in 49ers history. For almost four decades, he served as a charismatic ambassador for our team and the Bay Area. Dwight?s personality and his sense of humor endeared him to everyone he came into contact with, even during his most trying times. The strength, perseverance and grace with which he battled ALS will long serve as an inspiration to so many. Dwight will always carry a special place in our hearts and his legacy will live on as we continue to battle this terrible disease.?
Tenth-round pick to two-time Pro Bowler
A North Carolina native who attended Clemson, Clark was drafted by San Francisco in the 10th round of the 1979 draft.
He had his career-best season in 1981, with 85 catches for 1,105 yards and four touchdowns; in the NFC Championship against the Cowboys that year, he had eight catches for 120 yards and two scores, including the iconic game-winning touchdown.
That was also the first of his two Pro Bowl seasons. In the strike-shortened 1982, Clark led the NFL with 60 catches, for 913 yards and five touchdowns.
rip Dwight i remember the catch NOW GOD is your QB :0008
see video and everything else here https://www.yahoo.com/sports/dwight-clarks-wife-tweets-49ers-legend-husband-died-230749790.html
