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Former 49ers tight end Greg Clark died on Friday at the age of 49, as was announced by his family. Clark, a four-year NFL veteran, spent all of those years with the 49ers after being selected in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He caught six career touchdown passes including two in the 1998 playoffs.
The following is the statement from Clark’s family, per Matt Maiocco.
“It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Greg Clark, 49, cherished husband, father, son. Greg was a dedicated family man who was successful at everything he did from his academic and athletic achievements as a Stanford scholar athlete to his role as tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, to the creation of a successful real estate platform throughout the Bay Area.
Most importantly, he was a cherished and dedicated father of three sons, and a loving husband to his wife of 23 years. His recent suffering from CTE symptoms cannot extinguish the breadth and depth of his impact on us and others, and we are forever grateful for the time we have had with him. It is our hope that through further research we can gain more knowledge surrounding CTE.”
The 49ers released the following statement of their own.
“Our organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Greg Clark. Selected in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft, Clark spent his entire career (1997-2001) with San Francisco, appearing in 55 games (39 starts) and recording 92 receptions for 909 yards with four touchdowns. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”