This afternoon we got the sad news that former San Francisco 49ers star wide receiver Dwight Clark passed away.  Clark is most remembered for “The Catch”, a play made in the 1981 NFC Championship game that sent the 49ers to their first Super Bowl.  Surprisingly this happened the day after I read a Sports Illustrated article about Clark’s fight with this disease.

Thankfully Eddie DeBartolo Jr. was able to hold a small gathering at his ranch in Montana with several old teammates from those 80’s 49ers teams such as Joe Montana, Roger Craig, and even a guest appearance by music guest Huey Lewis.  It was a great way for old friends and colleagues to reconnect after years or maybe even decades away from each other.

I know this is a sports blog, but we’re human and some stuff is bigger than all of us.  This is one of those things.  As a Washington State Cougar one of our own former star players, Steve Gleason, is in a brave battle of his own against ALS.  ALS is a ruthless disease and no one is immune to it, not even people who we think are the strongest and most willful amongst us.  So far it has no cure, but one is being researched.

Clark was drafted out of Clemson in the 10th round in 1979.  He played until 1987 and won two Super Bowls against the Cincinnati Bengals (1981) and the Miami Dolphins (1984).  He made the pro bowl twice, and #87 is retired in San Francisco.

I’m also going to link to the Sports Illustrated article about this because it’s a great read. In Montana, a 49ers Reunion for Dwight Clark .  Make sure to be grateful for what you have and live your life to the fullest.