Dwight Clark Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Heart of “The Catch”: How Dwight Clark Became a Legend

San Francisco 49ers’ rise to dominance in the 1980s is inseparable from one electrifying — and unforgettable — moment: “The Catch.” On January 10, 1982, during the NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys, Clark leapt and snared a fingertip pass from quarterback Joe Montana in the back of the end zone, giving the 49ers a 28–27 win and propelling them to their first Super Bowl championship. That single play forever cemented Clark’s place in NFL lore.

But Clark was more than one legendary catch. Over nine seasons with the 49ers (1979–1987), he amassed 506 receptions for 6,750 yards and 48 touchdowns — numbers that rank among the best in franchise history.  After his playing career, he stayed on as an executive, helping guide the franchise to additional championships and leaving a lasting influence far beyond the playing field.

Grounded Beginnings: A North Carolina Kid with Big Dreams

Born on January 8, 1957, in Kinston, North Carolina, Clark grew up far from the bright lights of NFL stadiums.  He went on to attend Clemson University, where despite initially leaning toward basketball, he found his calling on the football field. Though his collegiate stats — 33 catches, 571 yards, 3 touchdowns — didn’t immediately mark him as a future star, his perseverance and athleticism caught the attention of scouts.

In 1979, the 49ers selected him in the 10th round (249th overall) of the NFL Draft — a modest beginning for someone who would go on to change the franchise’s history. 

Legacy and Wealth: What Dwight Clark Left Behind

At the time of his death in 2018, estimates place Clark’s net worth at around US$10 million, a testament to not only his successful playing career but also his tenure as a front-office executive and his enduring legacy in the sports world. 

Though some sources suggest higher totals — citing possible business ventures and investment returns — the most widely accepted figure remains approximately $10 million.

Regardless of the exact number, his financial legacy is dwarfed by his symbolic one: a legacy of inspiration, determination, and iconic sportsmanship.

Life Off the Gridiron: Relationships, Family, and Humanity

Clark’s personal life was marked by love, change, and quiet resilience. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he dated Shawn Weatherly, who would go on to become Miss Universe. Their relationship lasted several years, ending around 1982.

In 1983, Clark married Ashley Stone. They had three children together: a daughter, Casey, and two sons, Riley and Mac. That marriage ended in divorce in 2009. Later, in 2011, Clark married Kelly Radzikowski; the two settled in Santa Cruz and spent Clark’s later years together.

In his final years, Clark battled a severe condition, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosed in 2015, he spent his remaining years in Whitefish, Montana, supported by family, friends, teammates, and wide public admiration for his courage and dignity. 

The Final Chapter — And Lasting Impact

On June 4, 2018, Clark passed away at his home in Whitefish, Montana. His death was met with tributes from across the football world: teammates, rivals, fans, and organizations mourned the loss of a man whose influence extended far beyond the statistics. 

More than 40 years since “The Catch,” Clark remains a symbol of determination, humility, and greatness achieved against the odds. His jersey number 87 was retired by the 49ers in recognition of his contributions — both on the field and off.

Today, his story serves as a blueprint not only for aspiring athletes but for anyone seeking to turn modest beginnings into a legacy that endures.