Free Republic

“Almost everybody wants to be a hero. … Do the thing so improbable, so mind-blowing, that you’ll never be forgotten.” – From Hero in the Zone: Dwight ClarkDuring my 10th-grade year, 1974-75, Dwight Clark was one of the most noticeable 12th graders to walk the halls of Garinger High School in Charlotte, N.C. He was 6 foot 4, oblivious to his good looks, bustling with good energy, and everywhere. Especially in sports. He starred on our baseball team, our basketball team but shined brightest as quarterback of our football team, the Garinger Wildcats. With all the attention, you never got...

Dwight Clark, the dashing and charismatic wide receiver who played the starring role in The Catch, the most indelible and important play in 49ers’ history, died Monday at 61, 15 months after announcing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clark’s wife, Kelly, announced the news, via his Twitter account. “I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband,” Kelly Clark said. “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.”