Dave Wilcox, Hall of Fame Linebacker for the 49ers, Dies at 80

He was known for his physical style, which neutralized tight ends at the line of scrimmage. But he was also accomplished in coverage, and had 14 career interceptions. In recognition of his aggressive play, he was widely known as “the Intimidator.”

The longtime San Francisco quarterback John Brodie, who played with Wilcox for 10 seasons, was quoted by the Hall of Fame as saying that Wilcox was “the best outside linebacker that has ever played the game — by a long way.”

Wilcox, who missed only one game in his 11-year career, was a first-team All-Pro selection in 1971 and 1972 and a second-team selection in 1967.

He was a key part of the defense that helped the 49ers reach the National Football Conference title game in 1970 and 1971. San Francisco lost to Dallas both times.

David Wilcox was born on Sept. 29, 1942, in Ontario, Ore., and began his college career at Boise Junior College (now Boise State University) in Idaho before transferring to the University of Oregon.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/sports/football/dave-wilcox-dead.html