Dwight Clark The Hands That Made...

January 8, 1957, in Kinston, North Carolina, Dwight Clark carved a significant place in NFL history, primarily through his memorable contributions to the San Francisco 49ers.  

College Career:

Dwight Clark played college football at Clemson University from 1975 to 1978. Initially a quarterback recruit, he transitioned to wide receiver. While at Clemson, Clark's career statistics were not overwhelming; he recorded 33 receptions for 571 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was part of the 1978 team that went 11-1, won the Gator Bowl, and finished sixth in the final AP poll. Despite not being a highly touted player collegiately, he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 1988.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Clark was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the tenth round (249th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft. This selection by coach Bill Walsh proved to be a crucial moment for both Clark and the 49ers franchise. He played his entire nine-year NFL career (1979-1987) with the San Francisco 49ers.  

Football Legacy:

Dwight Clark's legacy is indelibly linked to "The Catch," his game-winning touchdown reception in the back of the end zone against the Dallas Cowboys in the 1981 NFC Championship Game. This iconic play propelled the 49ers to their first Super Bowl victory and is one of the most famous moments in NFL history. Beyond this singular play, Clark was a consistent and reliable receiver for the 49ers during their dynasty years, helping them win two Super Bowl titles (XVI and XIX). He led the NFL in receptions in the strike-shortened 1982 season. His number 87 was retired by the 49ers in 1988, and he is a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ 2x Super Bowl Champion (XVI, XIX)  

✦ First-team All-Pro (1982)  

✦ 2x Pro Bowl (1981, 1982)  

✦ NFL receptions leader (1982)

✦
• San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame

✦ San Francisco 49ers No. 87 retired

✦ Clemson University Athletics Hall of Fame

✦ Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame

✦ Career Stats: 134 games played, 506 receptions, 6,750 receiving yards, 48 receiving touchdowns.  

Sources and related content
Info courtesy of Newspapers.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com