Today is August 7th (8/7), also known as "Dwight Clark Day" to fans of the San Francisco 49ers. Since his passing, many NFL fans, particularly 49ers fans, have shared stories of when they met Dwight Clark, or where they were when "The Catch" happened. I never had the pleasure of meeting Clark in person, but I have a story nonetheless.
I was living in Tampa, Florida at the time, and walked into the manager's office of my apartment building. I was wearing a 49ers hat and jacket. The manager saw me and asked if I was a fan of the 49ers. Considering what I was wearing, it seemed obvious that I was, but I figured she was just trying to begin a conversation. I told her I was a huge 49ers fan, and had been for more than a decade.
She said, "My nephew used to play for the 49ers. Have you ever heard of Dwight Clark?" My eyes got big and my jaw dropped. "You're Dwight Clark's aunt? Of course I've heard of Dwight," I replied. "He only made the most important catch in team history. And probably the most iconic catch in NFL history."
She started telling me stories about her nephew, including some experiences she remembered from when he was growing up. She talked to me about how close Clark was with former teammate, Freddie Solomon, who lived in Tampa, and how Dwight would come see her and also go spend time with Solomon. It was fun to hear stories about Clark. His aunt seemed to be very close to him.
And then she told me about his story of "The Catch." It was a story I had never heard before, and probably few, if any, 49ers fans have either. He told her that when Joe Montana threw the pass, and Clark jumped, he felt a Supernatural power lift him higher, almost as if he had been given a boost. Clark's aunt was a Christian lady, and he told her that he believed God had given him the extra strength to go higher to get the pass that some believed Montana was throwing away. It was an interesting story for sure.
A few days later I was back in the office. The manager saw me again, and said, "Marc, guess what? I spoke with Dwight yesterday. I told him this kid came walking into the office wearing a lot of 49ers stuff, and that you're the biggest 49ers fan I've met in a long time." I said, "Whoa, you told Dwight about me?" She replied, "Yep. And he told me to tell you that if you'll write him, and tell him who you are, he'll send you an autographed copy of "The Catch."
I was excited that Clark's aunt had talked to him about me. She gave me his address (this was before email). I wrote him, and within a few weeks, my autographed copy of "The Catch" arrived. I have it displayed in my office to this day.
Rest in peace, 87.