MEAWW.COM / NEWS / SPORTS

Dave Wilcox dead at 80: Tributes pour in for NFL Hall of Famer nicknamed 'The Intimidator'

Dave Wilcox was credited with transforming the outside linebacker position and was known for his aggressive playing style

OREGON, ONTARIO: NFL Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox, a standout on the 49ers in the late '60s and early '70s, died on Wednesday, April 19, aged 80, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced in a statement. In the wake of his death, Hall of Fame President Jim Porter reportedly said, “While Dave Wilcox was nicknamed ‘The Intimidator’ for his aggressive style of play, he was a kind, humble and gracious man in all other aspects of life. He transformed the outside linebacker position — one of the many feats that earned him a forever home in Canton.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave’s wife, Merle, and their entire family. We will preserve his legacy for generations to come,” Porter added. Wilcox won seven Pro Bowls and was part of three straight 49er playoff teams from 1971 to 1972, the New York Post reported. The linebacker was also drafted by both the NFL’s 49ers and AFL’s Oilers. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1966 and from 1968 to 1973 and also named the first-team All-Pro in 1971 and 1972. Wilcox was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. Wilcox’s sons, Justin and Josh, also played college football in Oregon, with Justin serving as the current head coach for the California Golden Bears.

READ MORE

‘Ultimate give-back guy’: Tributes pour in for ex NFL star Chris Smith after death at 31

How did Jessie Lemonier die? Football community in shock as ex-Lions and Chargers linebacker dies at 25

'A legacy that endures'

Mourning Wilcox's death, the San Francisco 49ers tweeted, “The 49ers mourn the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox. Our entire organization sends its deepest condolences to the Wilcox family.” The University of Oregon Athletics tweeted, “A legacy that endures - the University of Oregon mourns the loss of UO Athletics and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox. #GoDucks.” 49ers CEO Jed York said, “Dave Wilcox was a great man. He will be missed.”

Oregon Football tweeted, “Oregon Football mourns the passing of two UO Athletics Hall of Famers, Dave Wilcox and Bob Berry. Their legacies are forever linked as teammates on the 1963 team.” Pro Football Hall of Fame remembered, “A native of Ontario, Oregon, the late Dave Wilcox first starred for @oregonfootball before embarking on a 11-season career with the @49ers that earned him a spot in the Hall's Class of 2000. #HOFForever.”

‘A dominant and reliable force’

Tributes continued to pour in following the news of Wilcox’s death. “#49ers LBDave Wilcox (1964–74) was a dominant and reliable force for SF, only missing one game due to injury. He was selected to 7 #ProBowl games and is in the Hall of Fame. A gold standard in dependability and consistency. Rest in peace,” a user tweeted. “I am saddened to learn that Dave Wilcox has passed. He signed a card and an index card for me in January 2019. I will forever be thankful for his kindness. #RIP #YouWillBeMissed #DaveWilcox,” added another.

“As a JCHS teammate/friend of Justin & Josh, U didn’t have to be around Dave Wilcox long to realize just how great of a man he was. He may have looked intimidating, but Dave was the kindest man & very easy to talk to & get along w/. My family’s deepest condolences to J, J & Merle!” a third user remembered. One said, “RIP Dave Wilcox. Duck great. Pro Football Hall of Famer. #GoBeavs #ScoDucks” while another mentioned, “Rest Easy to one of the best LB in #49ers history, Dave Wilcox Sr.. His son is the HC of Cal. He played for the 49ers in (1964–1974) 2× First-team All-Pro (1971, 1972) 2× Second-team All-Pro (1967, 1973) 5× NEA First-team All-Pro (1967, 1970–1973).”

How did Dave Wilcox die?

Wilcox’s cause of death has not been reveaked so far. However, the athlete recently underwent a heart surgery, as per the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His sons are yet to provide an official statement regarding their father’s death.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.