Former Clemson star Dwight Clark, famous for 'The Catch', dead at 61

Clemson football lost a legend today as former Clemson wide receiver Dwight Clark passed away after a battle with ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. 

Clark first noticed symptoms back in 2015 and made his condition public in March 2017. Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo recently orchestrated a gathering of former teammates and friends in Montana for Clark.

Clark's wife, Kelly posted to his Twitter account: 

"I'm heartbroken to tell you that today I lost my best friend and husband. He passed peacefully surrounded by many of the people he loved most. I am thankful for all of Dwight's friends, teammates and 49ers fans who have sent their love during his battle with ALS."

Clark's iconic moment simply known as "The Catch" still lives as one of the greatest plays in NFL history. Late in the 1982 NFC Championship Game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, trailing 27-21, Joe Montana rolled right and found a leaping Clark in the back of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

Clark played nine seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, after being drafted out of Clemson in the 10th round in 1979.

Back in October, the 49ers celebrated "Dwight Clark Day," and former teammates from the first Super Bowl championship team returned to celebrate their accomplishment and their longtime friend.

© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Clark raises his first as he receives a standing ovation after being introduced during the fourth inning between the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park.

Former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo also issued a statement:

"My heart is broken. Today, I lost my little brother and one of my best friends. I cannot put into words how special Dwight was to me and to everyone his life touched. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and a great friend and teammate. He showed tremendous courage and dignity in his battle with ALS and we hope there will soon be a cure for this horrendous disease. I will always remember Dwight the way he was – larger than life, handsome, charismatic and the only one who could pull off wearing a fur coat at our Super Bowl parade. He was responsible for one of the most iconic plays in NFL history that began our run of Super Bowl championships, but to me, he will always be an extension of my family.  I love him and will miss him terribly. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife Kelly, his children and the entire Clark family."

Clark's No. 87 is retired by the 49ers, and he was inducted into the Clemson Hall of Fame in 1988.