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 his college football at Clemson University before being drafted in the 10th round of the 1979 entry draft. Clark embarked on a fine career 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.

Clark was a member of two Super Bowl winning clubs.

Arrival at the 49ers

In 1979, the head coach of the 49ers, Bill Walsh, went to Clemson to check out their 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 with whom he was speaking, and invited Clark to run routes for Fuller so he could watch Fuller more closely.

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 National Football Conference 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 caught that "20 yard Hail Mary" from quarterback Joe Montana in the back of the end zone to give the 49ers a 28-27 victory. That play is one of the most famous in the history in the NFL and has been immortalized as "The Catch". Clark finished the game with 8 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

His number 87 has been retired by the 49ers. After retirement, he has served as a team executive for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Cleveland Browns.

Personal

Clark was born in Kinston, N.C. 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.

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