NFL Icon Dead At 66

NFL legend Jim Fahnhorst, a former player for the San Francisco 49ers and a three-time Super Bowl winner, has passed away at the age of 66. The 49ers issued a press release on Wednesday announcing Fahnhorst’s death, stating they were “deeply saddened by the passing.”

Fahnhorst, a former linebacker, played with the 49ers for seven seasons. During that time, he made a total of 82 appearances, 232 tackles, seven interceptions, and one sack. He was well known for his partnership with his older brother, Keith, who played for the 49ers for a total of 14 seasons.

Keith passed away in 2018. He was also 66 at the time of his passing. Both Fahnhorsts attended the University of Minnesota, where they played for the Golden Gophers. Jim was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL draft. Two years later, as a free agent, he signed with the 49ers, where he remained for the rest of his career.

During an interview in 2018, Fahnhorst said signing with the 49ers was a “no-brainer.”

“It was more surreal than anything,” Fahnhorst recounted. “When Bill Walsh called the team together after one practice, I remember looking around at all the talent on the team.”

“I remember thinking, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’ It was just a great feeling at the time,” he said. Ultimately, Jim Fahnhorst would become a three-time Super Bowl champion with the team in 1984, 1988, and 1989.

Upon learning of the icon’s death, former 49ers stars took to social media to pay their respects and honor their teammate.

“Our entire team sends its condolences to the entire Fahnhorst family during this time,” the Minnesota Golden Gophers wrote.

A fan of Fahnhorst wrote, “RIP JF he was a good quality player during the glory days.”

This Sunday afternoon, the 49ers will hit the field against the Arizona Cardinals, where, most likely, a tribute to Fahnhorst will take place. The 49ers could end up receiving a much-needed boost if Brock Purdy returns after an absence due to shoulder and toe injuries.

Purdy was expected to be gone for an extended period of time, but Coach Kyle Shanahan has signaled the potential return of the signal caller sooner than expected.

However, at practice on Wednesday, Shanahan revealed that the 2022 draft pick was limited, though “he has a chance” to take the field against the Cardinals this weekend.