Pro Football Hall of Famer and former 49ers linebacker Dave Wilcox died Wednesday at age 80, the Hall of Fame announced.
The 11-year NFL veteran spent his entire playing career in San Francisco, featuring for the organization from 1964-74 and appearing in a total of 153 games. He made seven Pro Bowls as a key member of the Niners defense and was a two-time first-team All-Pro honoree.
Wilcox is the father of the University of California football program’s head coach, Justin Wilcox, as well as former Saints tight end Josh Wilcox.
An Ontario, Ore., native, Wilcox attended Boise Junior College (now Boise State University) before transferring to the University of Oregon. The former Duck was a third-round draft pick by the 49ers in 1964.
We are saddened to share the news that Pro Football Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox has passed away at age 80. #HOFForever
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) April 19, 2023
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“While Dave Wilcox was nicknamed ‘The Intimidator’ for his aggressive style of play, he was a kind, humble and gracious man in all other aspects of life,” Pro Football Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said in a statement Wednesday. “He transformed the outside linebacker position—one of the many feats that earned him a forever home in Canton.”
Despite retiring from the NFL after the 1974 season, it took Wilcox more than 25 years to earn his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2000 as part of the “senior” category of the ballot and was enshrined in the same class as Howie Long, Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana.
