Former Oregon standout and Hall-of-Famer Dave Wilcox dies at 80 years old

On3 imageby:Wade Peery04/19/23
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Dave Wilcox, a former outside linebacker who was known as “The Intimidator” for his toughness, tackling ability, and his dominant ability to stop opposing passing attacks and running attacks in the NFL, died on Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced in a press release on Wednesday evening. He was 80 years old and had recently undergone heart surgery, according to the release.

“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. “He transformed the outside linebacker position–one of the many feats that earned him a forever home in Canton,” Porter said in the press release.

His college football career began at Boise State, where he spent two years. He was named a NJCAA All-American after he blocked eight kicks in one season. Wilcox spent his final two seasons with the Oregon Ducks, where he was a teammate of Mel Renfro. On Wednesday evening, the Oregon Twitter account posted a brief statement for their beloved star.

After playing for the Ducks, he played in several all-star games that caught the attention of NFL scouts: the Hula Bowl, the Coaches All-America Bowl and the College All-Star Game.

In 1964, he became the first defensive lineman in Hula Bowl history to earn outstanding lineman honors. The Houston Oilers drafted Wilcox in the sixth round (46th player overall) of the AFL Draft, while the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft (29th player overall). He chose to sign with San Francisco, where he would star for 11 seasons. Wilcox only missed one game his entire career due to injury.

Dave Wilcox was one of the best in league history

He was a seven-time Pro Bowler during his prolific NFL career. He also earned All-NFL honors five times during his career (1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973).

During 11 seasons, he racked up 14 total interceptions and 12 total fumble recoveries, firmly cementing himself as one of the best linebackers in league history. One of his best seasons came in 1973, when he racked up 104 tackles, four forced fumbles, and 13 tackles for loss. The 49ers rated their players based on performance. A typical score given for one of their linebackers was 750 and that season, Wilcox earned a 1,306.

Now, the legend has passed away but leaves a big legacy in his wake.