The San Francisco 49ers took a moment during the grind of Training Camp on Thursday to honor a player many on the current roster never had the chance to meet, but whose presence is felt every day in the locker room.
49ers alumni and former teammates of Dwight Clark united at Training Camp to celebrate the eighth-annual "87 Day presented by Devcon Construction," a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of former 49ers tight end Dwight Clark and to raise awareness of ALS, the disease Clark so bravely battled until his passing in 2018.
Joining 49ers legends at Thursday's practice were representatives from the ALS Network and Augie’s Quest, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to searching for a cure to ALS and supporting families affected by the disease. Some of those families and people living with ALS were also in attendance, decked out in their best 49ers gear. Before practice began, former 49ers tight end Brent Jones addressed the group directly.
"I know every single person here is a warrior. The families, you guys are special," Jones said. "If Dwight was here, he'd be hugging and grabbing and crying with you, and celebrating that you guys are with your families and with your friends. We've got a super special organization, and I know that Dwight's legacy is going to live on, and you guys are all part of it."
Clark is regarded as one of the best to ever wear a 49ers jersey. But it was the man he was off the field that won over the hearts of the Faithful.
"I miss my friend," said Keena Turner, former 49ers linebacker, Clark's teammate, and his close friend. "He was this incredible personality that loved life and enjoyed life and had a great time and wanted everybody around him to have a great time."
In the eight years after his death, Clark's influence has never faded. Jan. 10, 2027 will mark the 45th anniversary of "The Catch," the iconic play from Clark's career that led the 49ers to their first Super Bowl, which they went on to win. But Jones says Clark did more for the organization than help bring home its first Lombardi Trophy.
"'The Catch' probably changed the trajectory of this organization and made it what it is today," Jones said. "But I was thinking about it, and he started that legacy of having a special locker room. The old guys took care of the young guys. Those all-pros and future Hall of Famers took care of the rookies and taught them the 49ers way, and it started with Dwight. That legacy continues today."
A few of those players continuing on that legacy—including TE George Kittle, QB Brock Purdy, RB Christian McCaffrey, and others—lined up after practice to take part in the "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge," the viral social media trend that helps bring national attention to the devastating effects of ALS.
Every "87 Day" reminds a new generation of players why his name still carries so much weight inside the 49ers organization. And with it, the 49ers celebrate something even bigger than one franchise-altering play. They celebrate the character and legacy of the man who wore No. 87, whose presence is still felt every day.
