Legendary 49ers Defensive Lineman, Coach Has Died At 80
11/21/2024 07:58 PM
The football world is mourning after the death of a multi-time Super Bowl champion on Thursday, as former San Francisco 49ers player and coach Tommy Hart has died at the age of 80.
Hart played 13 NFL seasons, spending 10 of them with the 49ers. He was selected to one Pro Bowl, made an All-Pro team and played in more than 170 NFL games.
Hart had 83 career sacks, and won the Len Eshmont Award twice. The award is given to 49ers players each year from their teammates, exemplifying the values of inspirational and courageous play.
Other players who have won the award in 49ers history include Hall of Famers like Y.A. Tittle, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young and Charles Haley.
He didn't win a title as a player, but Hart was an instrumental piece in the Bill Walsh-led Niners teams that dominated the NFL in the 1980s. As a coach, he helped the 49ers win three titles in the 80s, including back-to-back victories in Super Bowls 29 and 30.
Hart helped coach the staunch 1985 49ers defensive line that recorded 60 sacks, the second-most in a season in 49ers franchise history.
After his time as a defensive line coach, Hart became a scout, working for San Francisco for two more seasons and eventually joining the Dallas Cowboys in the same role in the late 1990s.
Hart was drafted out of historically Black Morris Brown College in the 10th round of the 1968 NFL Draft. In college, he earned All-American honors at the NAIA level, and was also a three-time All-Conference player for the Wolverines.
In addition to his time with the 49ers, Hart also played for the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
"The 49ers are saddened by the sudden passing of Tommy Hart. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family," the team said on Thursday night.
We also send our condolences to the 49ers, Hart's friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
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