49ers great Gordy Soltau dies at age 89

Gordy Soltau, a 49ers scoring machine in the 1950s and one of the franchise's kindest ambassadors, passed away from natural causes Sunday night with his family by his side. He was 89.

Inducted two years ago into the 49ers Hall of Fame, Soltau joined the team in 1950 upon its arrival in the NFL. The pass-catching end and kicker led the 49ers in scoring in eight of his nine years, topping the NFL in both 1952 and 1953.

From Wikipedia:

During the middle of World War II when Gordy graduated from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and was part of the Navy’s first class of frogmen (The Navy Seals today) specializing in underwater demolition. He saw action in Europe and behind the lines in the Pacific. Coming out of the Navy in 1945 Gordy enrolled in University of Minnesota...
Off the field Gordy was a pioneer in advancing benefits for NFL football players. He was the first player representative for the 49ers. There were only 12 teams in the league in 1954. Many players had some issues with the owners and wanted to start a “Players Association”. The owners objected, particularly the ones from the oldest teams in the league, even threatening to cut players who participated. However, in 1954 a representative from each of the six younger teams in the league had their first meeting in Philadelphia. The teams were the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and the 49ers, represented by Gordy. Bert Bell, commissioner of the league, was invited but didn’t come. There were three major issues on the table.

The league should establish a pension plan.
Players should be paid for exhibition games during training.
Team owners should provide playing shoes. In 1954 players had to furnish their own shoes...

49ers Legend Gordy Soltau Passes Away

I first thought they were saying Berry Gordy, founder of Motown had passed. I’m unfamiliar with Gordy Soltau, but he had a very long life. No brain degenerative disorder here.Even though the players had much less head protection back then. I think the rules or the customs for tackling were different also, with less direct head-on strikes being made.

Well yesterday the news was out that Gordie Howe had a stroke, same age!

At least I know of him, even though not a hockey fan. He is a legend. Do not know this gentleman.

But anyway, God bless.

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