On Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced that legendary linebacker Dave Wilcox had passed away.
He was 80 years old.
“While Dave Wilcox was nicknamed ‘The Intimidator’ for his aggressive style of play, he was a kind, humble and gracious man in all other aspects of life,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. “He transformed the outside linebacker position — one of the many feats that earned him a forever home in Canton.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave’s wife, Merle, and their entire family. We will preserve his legacy for generations to come.”
Wilcox spent his entire 11-year career with the 49ers.
Wilcox played college football at Boise State University, where he was a standout linebacker. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1964 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the top linebackers in the league.
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During his career, Wilcox was known for his exceptional speed and athleticism, as well as his hard-hitting style of play. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1971 and 1972.
Wilcox was a key member of the 49ers’ defense during the team’s successful run in the 1970s. He played in three NFC Championship games and helped lead the team to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance in 1982, where they were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals.
After his playing career, Wilcox was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history and remains a beloved figure in the San Francisco 49ers community.
Many thoughts and prayers to his family.
