The Bay Area sports fan base was in a state of reflection on Wednesday as they not only celebrated Willie McCovey’s 80th birthday, but also the 36th anniversary of Dwight Clark’s iconic catch during the 1981 Super Bowl. With many recollecting on memories and stories of Clark, Duane Kuiper told Murph & Mac on Wednesday morning that he hopes to bring the beloved wide receiver, who was recently diagnosed with ALS, to AT&T Park sometime next season.
“It’s something I’m sure Mike [Krukow] and I are going to try to do is somehow see him or if we can get him to the ballpark, get him in the booth, then we’re going to try to do that this year,” Kuiper said.
Clark spent nine years with the 49ers from 1979-1987, during which time he was a First-Team All-Pro in 1982 and two-time Pro Bowler, while also winning two Super Bowl rings.
“But, my goodness, when you think about the tandem of him and Montana, and what they did to win that first Super Bowl, and the articles in the Chronicle this morning, and the picture of him making The Catch, it kind of overwhelms you,” Kuiper said. “Especially if you have some kind of relationship with the guy.”
Just a year after finishing 6-10 in 1980, the 49ers made a miraculous turnaround that led them to a victorious Super Bowl in 1981. However, to get there, the 49ers faced the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game, which set the scene for Clark’s heroics.
Trailing 27-21 with less than a minute left in regulation, Montana threw the football into the end zone to Clark, who stretched out to make the catch with his fingertips and sent Candlestick Park into an deafening uproar.
This highlight never gets old.
Happy anniversary to The Catch! pic.twitter.com/eaZcyM4SCY
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 10, 2018
“It’s really just a sad, sad story because how much life he had in him and how much fun, well he’s still fun to be around, but given his condition he obviously has to be very careful and has slowed down,” Kuiper said.
Three years later, Clark helped the 49ers win their second Super Bowl and as the memories of his NFL career began to fade, his life took an unexpected turn. In 2015, Clark was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spine. His ailment was no secret to those in the Bay Area, and fans turned out at Levi’s Stadium to celebrate and show their support on Dwight Clark Day last October.
“I don’t think for one second that he wants anyone to feel sorry for him,” Kuiper said. “I also think that he doesn’t want anyone to treat him differently.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and start from the beginning for Kuiper on Clark.