Dave Wilcox, a Hall of Fame linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, passed away on Wednesday. He was 80 years old.
A 2000 Hall of Fame inductee, Wilcox spent his entire 11-year career with the 49ers, who inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2009. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, was a two-time All-Pro and the owner of one of the greatest nicknames in sports history.
“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. “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.”
An Oregon native, Wilcox was a two-way player on a Ducks team that also featured future Cowboys Hall of Fame cornerback Mel Renfro and future Pro Bowl quarterback Bob Berry. The trio helped the Ducks capture the 1963 Sun Bowl while allowing an average of just 13.9 points per game.
In 1964, Wilcox followed in his older brother’s footsteps by being an NFL Draft pick (John Wilcox was selected by the eventual world…
