Dave Wilcox Obituary, Death – Dave Wilcox, a former National Football League linebacker and an all-time great with the San Francisco 49ers, passed away on Wednesday, according to an announcement made by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was in his eightieth year. San Francisco made Wilcox (6-3, 241) a third-round selection (No. 29 overall) out of Oregon in 1964. The AFL’s Houston Oilers also drafted Wilcox, but the defender opted to play for the 49ers.
Wilcox was a two-time first-team All-Pro, a five-time NEA first-team All-Pro, and a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. “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,” Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said upon learning the news. One of the numerous accomplishments that earned him a permanent place in Canton was the fact that he revolutionized the outside linebacker position.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Merle, Dave’s wife, and the rest of their family during this difficult time. We shall ensure that his legacy is passed down to future generations. Wilcox played 11 seasons for the 49ers. In addition to being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2000, he was part of the initial group of players inducted into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame.