:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59963967/usa_today_10036503.0.jpg)
Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and later, Cleveland Browns general manager, Dwight Clark passed away on Monday. His wife, Kelly, offered the following announcement:
I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. 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. Kelly Clark.
— Dwight Clark (@DwightC87) June 4, 2018
Clark, whose game-winning touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in 1981—also known as “The Catch”—helped springboard the 49ers into the premiere NFL dynasty of the 1980s. Following his on-field career, he moved to front-office roles. He served as the Browns’ general manager and director of football operations from 1999 until 2002. The Browns were among the many who paid tribute to Clark via social media:
We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our former VP of Football Operations and NFL great Dwight Clark. pic.twitter.com/eNdjzGecNs
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 5, 2018
Clark made his ALS diagnosis public in 2017. He was 61 years old.