NFL
Dwight Clark To Be Honored
Dwight Clark will be honored by the San Francisco 49ers in a season-long tribute to the former wide receiver. It was a sad time for Niners fans and the greater NFL community when legend Dwight Clark, sadly lost his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in June of this year.
In September 2015, Clark started to feel weakness in his left hand. After much investigation and treatment, Dwight revealed that he had ALS. When Dwight’s wife Kelly released the news of his death, it came as a shock to fans. While it was publicly known that Dwight’s health was slowly deteriorating, many did not realize just how sick Clark was.
Dwight Clark was best known for “The Catch.” With seconds remaining in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Cowboys, Dwight made a leaping catch. This resulted in a TD and the 49ers winning the NFC Championship Game during the 1981/82 season. Propelling the Niners into the Super Bowl, Clark started the great 49ers dynasty as they would go on to win five Super Bowls.
2018 Season Honors
49ers President Al Guido announced that during the 2018 NFL season, all 49ers players will wear an “87” decal on their helmet. Levi’s Stadium field bunting will also pay tribute to Clark during all 49ers home games.
Starting in the regular season, every player will wear 87 helmet decals.
More DC tributes for 2018: https://t.co/q3AFvmZ4qr pic.twitter.com/LLH9klAam1
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 8, 2018
During the October 21st Alumni game against the Los Angeles Rams, there will be the unveiling of statues depicting “The Catch” outside of Levi’s Stadium. The 350-pound statues of Dwight Clark and Joe Montana will be exactly 23 yards apart. This is just as the two 49ers were during the famous play.
If our memories of Dwight Clark are not big enough, @49ers new memorial to #87 & The Catch features DC @ 120% of life size, weighing approx. 350 lbs. & standing 7' tall. Fitting for a man who was a true giant w/ a heart to match, dedicated to his teammates thru @goldenheartfund pic.twitter.com/M7KiSGXIgo
— Al Guido (@AlGuido) August 8, 2018
The playing field will also feature an “87” marking in the north end zone commemorating the location of “The Catch.”
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York added:
“Almost four decades ago, Dwight Clark’s miraculous catch launched the San Francisco 49ers into an era of excellence. Since that time, he has served as an inspirational figure to citizens of the Bay Area and beyond. Dwight has meant so much to so many, and it is only fitting that our organization continues to carry on his wonderful legacy. The 2018 season provides us with a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the life of a very special man. While also raising awareness for the Golden Heart Fund, which was so dear to his heart. Dwight lived his life with great compassion for others. We want to honor that legacy by raising funds to support his 49ers brothers.”
A fitting tribute to one of the greatest 49ers to play the game.
