Iconic Niners WR Clark dead at 61

Two-time Super Bowl champion and All-Pro wide receiver Dwight Clark, famous for “The Catch,” died Monday of complications related to ALS. He was 61. Clark’s wife, Kelly, announced the death on his Twitter page.

“I’m heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband,” Kelly Clark wrote. “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.”

Clark played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the 49ers, after being drafted out of Clemson in the 10th round of the 1979 draft. Clark finished his career with 6,750 yards, third-most in San Francisco history, on 506 catches, fourth-most in franchise history.

In the minds of most fans, however, Clark will be remembered for one catch — “The Catch” — one of the most famous plays in NFL history.

With under a minute to play in the 1982 NFC Championship, following the 1981 season, the 49ers trailed the Cowboys 27-21. From the 6-yard line, Joe Montana tossed a pass into the back of the end zone, for which Clark leapt and fully extended to reel it in for the game-winning touchdown.

The 49ers went on to Super Bowl XVI, the first of two with titles with Clark. His No. 87 is retired by the 49ers.

He is survived by his wife and three children, Casey, Riley and Mac.