The San Francisco 49ers unveiled their plans to honor the late Dwight Clark. The team will wear No. 87 decals on their helmets all season.
The 49ers will also unveil two 350-pound statues, one of Clark and the other of Joe Montana, outside of Levi's Stadium. They will be placed 23 yards apart and depict "The Catch."
"The representation of Clark, with his hands outstretched, will extend 11 feet in the air," reports the 49ers.
If our memories of Dwight Clark are not big enough, @49ers new memorial to #87 & The Catch features DC @ 120% of life size, weighing approx. 350 lbs. & standing 7' tall. Fitting for a man who was a true giant w/ a heart to match, dedicated to his teammates thru @goldenheartfund pic.twitter.com/M7KiSGXIgo
— Al Guido (@AlGuido) August 8, 2018
The statues will be at 120 percent scale and feature Clark's famous signature with the play for "The Catch" etched into the ground midway between the two. They will be located in the Intel Plaza inside Gate A, which is the same area where the team store is located.
The two statues will be unveiled the night before the 49ers' October 21 game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to team president Al Guido. Fans will be able to see the statues on the day of the game and, for that game only, the north end zone will feature an "87" commemorating "The Catch."
Photo from 49ers Communications
"Almost three decades ago, Dwight Clark's miraculous catch launched the San Francisco 49ers into an era of excellence," said 49ers CEO Jed York via a statement. "Since that time, he has served as an inspirational figure to citizens of the Bay Area and beyond. Dwight has meant so much to so many and it is only fitting that our organization continues to carry on his wonderful legacy. The 2018 season provides us a tremendous opportunity to celebrate the life of a very special man, while also raising awareness for the Golden Heart Fund, which was so dear to his heart. Dwight lived his life with great compassion for others, and we want to honor that legacy by raising funds to support his 49ers brothers."
Clark, who is best known to NFL fans for "The Catch" during the NFC Championship Game on January 10, 1982, passed away in June after his battle with ALS. The 49ers, with which he spent nine seasons, made Clark a 10th-round selection in the 1979 draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice (1981, 1982) and was a two-time All-Pro (1981, 1982). Clark led the NFL in receptions during the 1982 season and won two Super Bowls with the 49ers (XVI, XIX).
