Oregon Ducks’ legend Dave Wilcox passed away at the age of 80, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon.
An 11-year career with the San Francisco 49ers put Wilcox in NFL lore, cementing his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as one of the best linebackers in 49ers history.
For the Ducks, Wilcox was a two-way player in the 1960s, working as a blocker for fellow Oregon greats like Bob Berry and Mel Renfro, while also drawing the attention of NFL scouts on the defensive side of the ball. Though he only played for two seasons with the Ducks, Wilcox made his mark, and was eventually enshrined in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Once the news of his passing went public on Wednesday, fans from Eugene and across the nation in the football world mourned the loss, sharing memories of Wilcox on Twitter and lifting up his name.
Here are some of the best stories and words from football fans across the nation.