SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 06: A view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet during warm ups prior to the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
Just days before the San Francisco 49ers are due for their toughest game of the year, the franchise has lost one of its all-time greats.
On Friday, the team announced the passing of former linebacker and special teams captain Ed Beard. He was 83 years old.
“The San Francisco 49ers are mourning the passing of Ed Beard, who played 8 seasons with the team from 1965-1972. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Bobbie, their family and friends.” the team said in a statement,
Beard was the 14th-round pick in the 1964 NFL Draft, but became the first special teams captain in NFL history. He appeared in 97 games for the 49ers between 1965 and 1972 and was part of the first 49ers teams to win a playoff game as members of the NFL.
Injuries forced Beard to retire after the 1972 season but he quickly found a position in coaching. He spent the next five years as the 49ers linebackers coach before being hired by the New Orleans Saints in 1979.
After one year coaching linebackers, Beard was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1980. He lost his job after one year, but was later hired by the Detroit Lions in 1983 as the defensive coordinator, coaching only the No. 2 scoring defense. 16-game era.
Our hearts go out to Beard’s family and loved ones.