“Rest in Peace”: Sad as 49ers Fans Mourn Over 24-Year-Old Star Player Who Just….

“Rest in Peace”: Sad as 49ers Fans Mourn Over 24-Year-Old Star Player Who Just….

 

 

Hall of Fame linebacker Dave Wilcox, a seven-time Pro Bowler during his 11 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, died Wednesday. He was 80 years old.

The death was announced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, but did not give a date or cause of death, although he reportedly had recent heart surgery.

Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement that Wilcox “transformed the outside linebacker position, one of many accomplishments that earned him a forever home in Canton.

“Wilcox was drafted in 1964 by both the 49ers of the National Football League and the Houston Oilers of the American Football League. He signed with San Francisco and became one of the best and most durable quarterbacks in the game.He was known for his physical style that neutralized tight ends at the line of scrimmage.

But he also made a splash with 14 career interceptions. In recognition of his aggressive game, he was widely known as “The Intimidator”.Longtime San Francisco quarterback John Brodie, who played with Wilcox for 10 seasons, was quoted in the Hall of Fame as saying that Wilcox was “the best outfielder to ever play the game — by a long shot.

“Wilcox, who missed only one game in his 11-year career, was first-team All-Pro in 1971 and 1972 and second-team in 1967.He was a key part of the defense that helped the 49ers reach the National Football Conference title game in 1970 and 1971. San Francisco lost to Dallas both times.

David Wilcox was born on September 29, 1942 in Ontario, Ore. and began his college career at Boise Junior College (now Boise State University) in Idaho before transferring to the University of Oregon.He was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2000.He is survived by his wife, Merle, and sons, Justin, head football coach at the University of California, Berkeley, and Joshua..