Former San Francisco 49ers tight end Greg Clark died this week after battling a brain condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, his family announced.
Clark was 49. No further details of his death were immediately available, including how and where it occurred, although his family confirmed his passing in a statement.
“It is with great sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Greg Clark, 49, cherished husband, father, son, brother and friend to so many. 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 a 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 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.”
Clark, who played two seasons at Stanford University, was a third-round pick of the 49ers in the 1997 draft. In 55 games — 39 starts — over four seasons with San Francisco, Clark had 92 receptions for 909 yards and four touchdowns before officially retiring after the 2000 campaign.
“Our organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Greg Clark,” the 49ers said in a statement. “… Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Clark leaves behind his wife Carrie and son Jayden.
–Field Level Media