Wednesday was "Dwight Clark Day" at the SAP Performance Facility. Fans in attendance to watch practice enjoyed a day filled with activities to continue honoring the life and legacy of the Bay Area icon who passed away on June 4, 2018, after a courageous battle with ALS.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo spoke with reporters after practice and was asked about Dwight Clark and his impact on the organization.
"He sounded like a very charismatic guy," Garoppolo responded. "I never got to meet him, unfortunately, but just the energy he brought, it sounded like it was contagious. Would have loved to have a chance to meet him, but it sounded like he made some real impact on this organization."
Clark, of course, is best remembered by fans for the most memorable play in franchise history, and some would argue in league history. "The Catch" against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game on January 10, 1982, catapulted the 49ers franchise into relevance. Two weeks later, San Francisco won its first of five Super Bowls.
"It's incredible," Garoppolo said of the famous play. "I mean, for Joe (Montana) to keep it alive first and then to give Dwight the chance in the back of the end zone and really put it in the only spot he could put it, it's a once in a lifetime play right there."
Speaking of Joe Montana, Garoppolo was asked if he has ever had a chance to sit down with the Hall of Fame quarterback or the Hall of Famer that followed him, Steve Young, and review film.
"No, unfortunately," Garoppolo answered. "I would love to. Maybe down the road. Put in a good word for me."
On Wednesday, 49ers alumni hosted several families touched by ALS in the team's Community Corner. Those families shared how much the game of football helps them cope with battling the deadly disease.
"Yeah, I mean it's incredible, anything we can do to help like that," Garoppolo said. "At the end of the day we're just playing a game, but it means so much to so many people. That's why we put so much into it though. That's why we come in here every day and go to work. That's what makes it great."
