Profession: NFL Wide Receiver/Executive
Biography: Dwight Clark was an American professional football player, best known for his time as a wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers and for "The Catch," an iconic moment in NFL history. His career included two Super Bowl victories (XVI and XIX), Pro Bowl selections in 1981 and 1982, and recognition for his accomplishments at Clemson University.
Clark played quarterback at Garinger High School and moved to wide receiver at Clemson University. His contribution to the team's success was recognized by his induction into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 1988 and the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Out of college, Bill Walsh drafted Clark for the San Francisco 49ers in 1979, where he was instrumental in transforming the team into Super Bowl champions. On January 10, 1982, during the NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, Clark made "The Catch," a remarkable fingertip catch leading to a touchdown that catapulted the 49ers to their first Super Bowl win and sealed his place in football history.
He retired from professional football in 1987, and the 49ers retired his jersey number (#87) the following year. Outside of football, Clark entered into various business ventures and made a number of media appearances, including a collaboration with Huey Lewis and the News and an acting role in "Kindergarten Ninja" (1993).
Clark's personal life featured a high-profile romance with Miss Universe Shawn Weatherly and his role as a father. He was open about his challenges, including his diagnosis with ALS in 2017, and he used his platform to address player safety concerns.
Born: January 8, 1957
Birthplace: Kingston, North Carolina, USA
Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Capricorn
Died: June 4, 2018 (aged 61)
Cause of Death: ALS
Playing Career
- 1980-09-14 Dwight Clark begins NFL streak of 105 consecutive game receptions
- 1982-01-10 NFC Championship, Candlestick Park, SF: San Francisco 49ers beat Dallas Cowboys, 28-27; "The Catch" - iconic moment in NFL history - Dwight Clark makes fingertip catch for a TD from Joe Montana with 58" remaining; SF goes on to win Super Bowl
- 1987-09-20 San Francisco wide receiver Dwight Clark's NFL record streak of 105 consecutive games with a reception ends in 49ers 27-26 victory in Cincinnati
References
Famous NFL Players
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