Dwight Clark is being remembered as one of the most beloved 49ers in history, a sentiment that stretches from "The Catch" he made to spark their 1980s dynasty and all the way through his valiant battle with ALS before his death Monday.
The who's who of the NFL and Bay Area sports world certainly knew who Clark was, what he did and how his zest for life impacted theirs.
Here are the tributes that poured in once Clark's wife, Kelly, announced his death via his Twitter account, @DwightC87:
_Joe Montana, who launched that iconic touchdown pass to Clark at Candlestick Park on Jan. 10, 1982, issued a joint statement with his wife, Jennifer, noting how they were grateful for their friendship with the "vibrant, charismatic" Clark:
"Dwight was a vibrant charismatic soul!! Jennifer and I are heartbroken over his passing. While we knew it was inevitably coming, it came way too soon! We are grateful for the decades of love and friendship we shared. We are praying for Dwight, his family and for all your prayers also. We will miss you dearly! Love Jennifer and Joe Montana."
_New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, a San Mateo, Calif., native, counted Clark among his idols, tracing back to when Brady sat in the Candlestick Park upper deck as Clark caught the winning touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys and propelled the 1981 49ers toward their first Super Bowl. Brady, in an Instagram post, shared how he once met Clark at a San Mateo orthodontist visit and how gracious the 49ers star was.
_Jerry Rice, who joined the 49ers in 1985 and played three seasons with Clark, tweeted his affection ("Love you bro") and shared more on 95.7 The Game. "He started the tradition with 'The Catch," Rice told 95.7 The Game host Damon Bruce. "I've never seen the guy turn anyone down for an autograph or a picture."
Those autographs typically accompanied a diagram of the "Sprint Right Option" play that produced "The Catch," Rice adding: "He would just take the time to do it and he was just that type of individual. And I think that's the reason why we loved him so much because he was just legit."
_Ken Margerum, a former 49ers and Bears receiver, became friends with Clark as they were neighbors in Capitola-by-the-Sea until Clark's recent move to Montana.
"It's just terrible the world lost another great human being," Margerum told this news organization. "He used to walk his dog by my house every day. I saw the awful things ALS inflicts on people. If Dwight could spit out last words it would be, 'Life treated me pretty well. I just had a big roadblock at the end.' "
_Joe Staley, the 49ers longest-tenured player entering his 12th season, summed up how so many in the organization feel toward the "so kind and happy" Clark, and Staley commended his "pure human spirit."
_Garrison Hearst, who was a contingent of former 49ers teammates to visit Clark in Montana last month, tweeted: "Rest In Peace!!! We lost a great one!!! Love you brother!!!"
_John Lynch, the 49ers general manager, posted "RIP DC" on Twitter while forwarding the 49ers official statement, which read in part: "For almost four decades, he served as a charismatic ambassador for our team and the Bay Area. Dwight's personality and his sense of humor endeared him to everyone he came into contact with, even during his most trying times."
_NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell comprehended the gravity of Clark's loss, issuing a statement that read in part: "He will forever live on in our memories for The Catch but also for his kind, gentle and courageous spirit."
_Kirk Reynolds, a former 49ers public relations chief who played an integral role in Clark's reunions with teammates the past year, noted in a touching Instagram post: "ALS is a wicked disease, but it never changed his spirit or his sense of humor. He still lit up the room all the way 'til the end."
_Clark's legacy and impact on the Bay Area transcended sports, with San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy noting: "If you ever were around Dwight, you had fun."
_Raiders coach Jon Gruden, in a text to this news organization, said of Clark: "Sad day. A great loss. Iconic 49er. Friend to everyone. God bless his family." The Raiders issued a statement of their own offering condolences to Clark his family, friends and 49ers Faithful.
_At Levi's Stadium, flags were lowered to half-staff and digital billboards honored Clark.
_Former 49ers and Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski offered condolences to Clark's family and tweeted a personalized note: "Dwight, I will always remember you as the life of the party. I will forever miss you greatly and you will always be a brother. See you in the next life."
_Ed McCaffrey, a former 49ers and Stanford wide receiver, paid homage by noting how "his style of play had a huge impact on my game."
_NBC analyst and former Bengals wide receiver Cris Collinsworth called Clark "the most humble star the NFL has ever produced."
