Dwight Clark was a former American football wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1987. He was born on January 8, 1957, in Kinston, North Carolina, and attended Clemson University, where he played college football.

Clark was drafted by the 49ers in the 10th round of the 1979 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player for the team, helping them win two Super Bowl championships in 1981 and 1984. He was known for his ability to catch difficult passes and was a favorite target of quarterback Joe Montana.

One of Clark's most memorable moments came in the 1981 NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys. With less than a minute left in the game, Montana threw a high pass to Clark in the back of the end zone, which he caught for a touchdown, giving the 49ers a 28-27 victory. The play, known as "The Catch," is considered one of the greatest moments in NFL history.

Clark retired from football in 1987 after suffering a series of injuries. He finished his career with 506 receptions for 6,750 yards and 48 touchdowns. He was inducted into the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988 and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

After retiring from football, Clark worked as a broadcaster and front office executive for the 49ers. He also founded the Dwight Clark Foundation, which raises money for ALS research. In 2017, Clark announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Clark passed away on June 4, 2018, at the age of 61. He was remembered by his former teammates and fans as a talented player and a beloved member of the 49ers organization. His legacy lives on through his contributions to football and his work to raise awareness and funds for ALS research.

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