When Bill Walsh passed away at 75 back in 2007 following a prolonged battle with leukemia, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell didn't hesitate to issue a statement in tribute of the legendary architect of the five-time Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers.
"His coaching accomplishments speak for themselves, but the essence of Bill Walsh was he was an extraordinary teacher," Goodell said. "If you gave him a blackboard and a piece of chalk, he would become a whirlwind of wisdom. He revolutionized the game with his offense and will always be remembered as one of the most influential people in NFL history."
For 21 years (1977-1997) Bob McKittrick coached the San Francisco 49ers offensive line. McKittrick was known for his preference of smaller, more athletic linemen. His success with these smaller offensive lines is an oft-overlooked component of the Niners' decade of dominance.
McKittrick lost his battle with cholangiocarcinoma, cancer of the bile ducts, in 2000 at the age of 64.
In 1987, the San Francisco Giants signed a pitcher named Dave Dravecky. A cancerous desmoid tumor was found in his pitching arm in 1988. Dravecky had surgery to re...
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The Relay for Life: From Bill Walsh to Bleacher Report, from Tragedy to Hope
On May - 23 - 2009