Fred Dean, 68, fearsome pass rusher of 49ers’ dynasty, dies
SAN FRANCISCO » Fred Dean, the fearsome pass rusher who was a key part of the launch of the San Francisco 49ers’ dynasty, has died. He was 68.
His death on Wednesday night was conf irmed Thursday by the
Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Dean was hospitalized last week with the coronavirus and was on a ventilator and in intensive care, according to former teammate Dwight Hicks.
“The 49ers family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of the game’s all- time greats, Fred Dean,” the team said in a statement. “Fred not only impacted countless opposing quarterbacks throughout his career, but also the future of the game of football as one of the NFL’S first true pass rushing specialists.”
Dean was an undersized pass rusher who began his career as a secondround pick with the San Diego Chargers in 1975 and ended it in the Hall of Fame after being named an All-pro twice and making four Pro Bowls.
Dean was an All- Pro for the Chargers in 1980 but had his biggest impact after being traded to San Francisco during the 1981 season.
“While it cannot be said that Fred Dean’s greatness as an NFL player began when he came to the 49ers in 1981, I can say as the owner of the team that the greatness of the 49ers began with Fred Dean’s arrival in San Francisco,” former 49ers owner Eddie Debartolo said when he introduced Dean at his Hall of Fame induction.
Dean’s career in San Diego ended in a contract dispute in 1981 and hewas traded to San Francisco in October.