Famer Fred Dean’s Pro Football Hall of Fame passed away late Wednesday night. He was 68 years old.
David Baker, President and CEO of Home Family Fame, said in a statement that the entire Pro Football Football Hall of Fame family mourns. “He exemplifies this great sport – commitment, integrity, courage – many of the values he learned during his lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred’s wife Pam and his entire family. We will forever cherish his legacy to serve as an inspiration for future generations.” . “
After a standout collegiate career as a linebacker for Louisiana Tech, Dean entered the NFL in 1975 as a second-round pick for the then-San Diego Chargers. He was immediately moved to a defensive end and quickly became one of the league’s best edge racers, landing his first Pro Bowl berth in 1979 and the All-Pro and Pro Bowl spot in 1980.
Dean played for the Chargers until 1981, when he joined the San Francisco 49ers by trade for a second-round draft pick. Known for his combination of urgency and power, Dean made an immediate impact on the Ninores, knocking off 12 sacks (unofficially, the sacks did not become an official state) in 11 games and winning the Super Bowl XVI as the Ninors allowed All-Pro.
Two years later, Dean had his best NFL season, finishing with 17.5 sacks, in most NFCs. He included the then-NFL record six in the game against the New Orleans Saints as he won the fourth and final Pro Bowl honor.
In 1985, Dean and Niners won their second championship, beating the Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl XIX.
“I thought he was born by the Chargers but could live a renewed life with the 49ers,” Dean said in his Hall of Fame speech. “And being with ers ers people I felt it was the other side of the bridge, my rainbow, the true end of the rainbow. Not financially, but with all the people there.”
Dean retired after the 1985 season, playing 141 games in 11 seasons. 2 On August 2008, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Former Niners owner Eddie DiBartolo Jr. introduced Dean for induction and is often referred to as one of the missing pieces that puts the 49ers on top.
“While it cannot be said that Fred Dean’s greatness as an NFL player began at the age of 49 in 1981, as a team owner I can say that the greatness of 49 people began with the arrival of Fred Dean in San Francisco.” Then said.
Dean was born on February 24, 1952 in Arcadia, Louisiana and attended Ruston High before arriving in Louisiana Tech. A total of four-time South-Southland Conference selection was for the Bulldogs, who won four consecutive Southland Conference titles with the 1973 Division II National Championship and 392 career crafts with the Dean. He was inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Louisiana Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990.
The Associated Press contributes to this report.
.
