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49ers great Keith Fahnhorst passes away at 66

Tom Gamble, 49ers helmet, Donavin Newsome

For a large part of his 14-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, offensive tackle Keith Fahnhorst was tasked with protecting future Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana.

Fahnhorst might not have been among the most well-known members of the 49ers’ dynasty of the 1980s, but he was among the most important.

Tragically, one of the best offensive lineman in franchise history passed away on Tuesday at the young age of 66.

Fahnhorst recently talked about his battle with Polycystic kidney disease — an affliction that ultimately cost him his life.

A near full-time starter for the 49ers from 1974-1987, Fahnhorst was among the players that helped oversee a turnaround of epic proportions for the long downtrodden organization under the great Bill Walsh. He started a grand total of 160 games during his career with the team.

Sadly, news of Fahnhorst’s passing comes shortly after another 49ers great, Dwight Clark, left this life too early. The two were teammates from 1979 up until both players retired following the 1987 season.

Our thoughts to out to the entire Fahnhorst family, including his brother, Jim, who played with him in San Francisco from 1984-1987.

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