San Francisco 49ers: Legendary Wide Receiver Dwight Clark Reveals He Has ALS

Legendary San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark revealed he has ALS, and the entire Niners community has rallied around him in his battle with this terrible disease.

Any San Francisco 49ers fan knows Dwight Clark.

Clark, the storied wide receiver who made “The Catch” in the 1982 NFC Championship game is just as much a part of Niners lore as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott and the plethora of names from San Francisco’s dynasty years.

But Clark has taken a hit, revealing on Sunday he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

ALS — or Lou Gehrig’s disease, to which it’s often referred — attacks the nervous system. Both the cause and cure remain unknown.

For me, I can remember another ALS-related football story. A graduate of Los Gatos High School outside of San Jose, I recall former Los Gatos High football head coach Charlie Wedemeyer and his battle with ALS. He stayed coaching in spite of the disease, eventually being relegated to a wheelchair and his wife reading his lips as the coach called off plays.

The 1988 movie, Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story, is a moving testament to his battle.

And now another football legend, Clark, will undergo his own.

But not without the support of his teammates and 49ers family.

The 49ers Family Rallying to Dwight Clark

Niners CEO Jed York was among the first to issue a statement, made visible via the team’s website:

Additionally, Eric Branch of SFGate.com compiled reactions from other 49ers greats. You’ll want to read some of them. They’re pretty heartfelt.

Running Back Roger Craig:

"There is nothing tougher than watching a great friend go through a serious health challenge. Dwight is handling this adversity with uncommon strength and the heart of a courageous champion, and our family’s thoughts and prayers are constantly with Dwight and Kelly. I know that they are fully aware that we will continue to walk alongside them, and do anything and everything possible to help them through this tough time."

Tight End Brent Jones

"To live with another of my best friends struggling with a disease like ALS is devastating. I’m asking all of us to not only send their prayers but I’m asking you to do whatever you can to fight this disease. Dwight will be a champion, which he has been able to show since I met him, since the first time he’s hugged me and to this day moving forward."

Quarterback Joe Montana

"DC has done so much for me as a player and friend. My rookie year he showed me how to run that out route! We know him for The Catch, but he’s a great individual who cares about people. Please pray for him Faithful through this adversity! I love the guy!"

Wide Receiver Jerry Rice

"We are here for Dwight. We are teammates for life and we will not allow him to go through this challenge alone. I am proud of the courageous way he is approaching this challenge. I will be here for him and with him."

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In addition, all of us here at Niner Noise send our unwavering love and support to Clark, his family and all those affected by ALS.

Clark is a follower of the ALS Association on Twitter, and we can all get involved by making a contribution to the association via their website, www.alsa.org.

Next: Remembering 'The Catch' 35 Years Ago Today

And even if you can’t make a contribution, please continue to keep Clark and his family in your prayers.