Dwight Clark, the former Clemson football wide receiver turned NFL Legend for “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship Game, has died of ALS in Montana where he had moved while fighting the disease. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Clark, 61, was drafted out of Clemson by the 49ers in the 10th round of the NFL draft in 1979. He was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 1988. He went on to become a pro bowler.
Clark had made a public announcement about his disease, which he had been fighting for about two years.
Clemson's Dabo Swinney was one of many to react to Clark's passing.
“My heart breaks today,” said the head football coach. “When I was growing up, I remember watching Dwight Clark play. As a receiver he was someone I looked up to. I remember his catch against the Dallas Cowboys."
Clark's wife, Kelly, posted of the news on her husband's Twitter account:
“I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband,” she wrote. “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.”
Clark, who suspected his years playing football lead to the condition, announced his ALS diagnosis in March 2017. In an open letter, Clark said started experiencing the symptoms of ALS in his left hand back in 2015.