Dwight Edward Clark (born January 8, 1957 in Kinston, North Carolina) is a retired American athlete who was a Pro Bowl wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers from 1979 to 1987. He played college football at Clemson University before being drafted by the 49ers in the 10th round of the 1979 entry draft.

Biography

Arrival at the 49ers

In 1979, the head coach of the 49ers, Bill Walsh, went to Clemson to evaluate that school's promising quarterback, Steve Fuller. While there, Walsh discovered Clark. According to a story Clark shared while being interviewed on WDNC radio on July 31, 2007, Walsh had called the number for the dormitory room where Fuller and Clark were living, hoping to reach Fuller. Instead, Clark, who was on his way out to play golf, answered the phone. Upon learning that Fuller was not in, Walsh asked Clark to identify himself, and invited Clark to run routes for Fuller so Walsh could watch Fuller more closely.

NFL career

Bill Walsh drafted Dwight Clark as the first pick of the 10th round of the 1979 NFL draft. Clark embarked on a stellar career for 49ers in which he had 506 catches for 6750 yards and 48 touchdowns, along with 50 rushing yards. He led the NFL in receptions (60) during the strike shortened 1982 season, and made the Pro Bowl twice in 1981 and 1982 in his 9 NFL seasons.

After Walsh drafted Clark, he made Clark and Montana practice a certain 20 yard roll-out "Hail Mary" into end zone pass at the end of every practice. Walsh wanted to make sure that they could complete that certain pass in the red zone.

"The Catch"

Clark's most memorable touchdown came in the 1982 NFC Playoffs. On January 10, 1982, against the Dallas Cowboys, the San Francisco 49ers were trailing 27–21 in the final minute of play to advance to the Super Bowl. Clark leaped and caught a six-yard pass from quarterback Joe Montana in the back of the end zone to give the 49ers a 28–27 victory. That play, one of the most famous in the history in the NFL, has been immortalized as "The Catch" practiced as the "Hail Mary." Clark finished the game with eight receptions for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns.

During the 1981 season, Coach Walsh had Montana and Clark routinely practice the 20-yard end-zone throw after regular practice.

Retirement and Legacy

After eight successful seasons with San Francisco 49ers, Dwight Clark retired after 1987 NFL season. Clark was a member of two Super Bowl winning teams. To honor Clark's contribution to 49ers, the club retired his number 87. After retirement, he has served as a team executive for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns.

Clark has also appeared in the video game, All-Pro Football 2K8.

Personal life

Clark was born in Kinston, North Carolina and graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He and Miss USA of 1980, Shawn Weatherly, were college sweethearts at Clemson University. He accompanied her to Seoul, South Korea, for the Miss Universe contest, where she proceeded to win the Miss Universe title.

Clark also starred in the low-budget comedy Kindergarten Ninja as football player Blade Steel in 1994.

He currently resides in Charlotte, NC. He has three children, two sons, Riley and Mac, and one daughter, Casey. Clark is currently involved in the “Custom Home” building business in Charlotte, NC. (Dwight Clark Development, LLC)

External links

• Clark's stats