Oregon and 49ers legend Dave Wilcox had an estimated net worth of $5 million at the time he died. Born on September 29, 1942, the revered linebacker passed away on April 19, 2023 at age 80.
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Much of his net worth was accrued from his distinguished career as a linebacker.
A graduate of Vale High School in eastern Oregon, Wilcox began his college football career at Boise Junior College (now Boise State University) and earned junior college All-America honors.
Wilcox entered the NFL in 1964 as a third-round selection (No. 29 overall) in the NFL Draft. He chose to sign with the 49ers after being a sixth-round pick (No. 46) of the Houston Oilers in the AFL draft.
Wilcox played his entire 11-year professional career with the 49ers, was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and missed only one game in his career due to injury.
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While becoming one of the NFL’s most decorated players, Wilcox helped turn the 49ers from one of the league’s worst teams to one of its best.
After winning just four games during his rookie season, Wilcox helped lead the 49ers to three consecutive division titles from 1970-72. The 49ers went to consecutive NFC Championship games in 1970-71 only to fall to Tom Landry’s Cowboys in both contests.
Wilcox was enlisted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2000.
During his induction speech, Wilcox put into perspective his feelings on being honored among the greats to ever play the game.
He said:
“There are now 204 people in the Hall of Fame.”
“The maximum seven people are elected each year for the next hundred years, there will be 904 people.
“Think of how many guys have been associated with this game in the past, and how many will be involved in the next hundred years. There are only so few that make it to this select group. Amazing, isn’t it?”
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