Former San Francisco 49er wide receiver Freddie Solomon passed away earlier this afternoon after a long battle with cancer. The Tampa Tribune reports more about the life of Solomon.
Solomon gets overlooked for much of his accomplishments, but he did a lot of important things during his time in the Bay Area. Solomon hauled in an average of 50 catches and about 14 to 15 yards per catch from the 1979 to the 1981 seasons.
But perhaps his most important contributions in San Francisco history came in the plays leading up to The Catch, a drive which has long defined the 49ers organization.
THE CATCH (1981 NFC Championship Cowboys 49ers) (via Krazy4Boots)
Solomon finished with six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown, with two of them coming on the final drive for 18 yards, plus14 yards on an end-around to get the Niners in position to score. Solomon was Joe Montana's first read on that drive, but Solomon slipped on the play, leaving Montana to find Clark in the back of the end zone to get the victory.
Some further details on Solomon.
Just got off phone w/ Ronnie Lott, who said the late Freddie Solomon deserves a spot in #49ers HOF.
— Daniel Brown (@mercbrownie) February 14, 2012
Lott said Solomon 'took me under his wing' on field and off. 'He was special because he was always there for you.' #49ers
— Daniel Brown (@mercbrownie) February 14, 2012
Carmen Policy on Solomon's passing: 'People loved him. We loved him. Every element of his being was characterized by sincerity.' #49ers
— Daniel Brown (@mercbrownie) February 14, 2012
Ex-owner Eddie DeBartolo took care of Solomon in final months, taking him to chemo and sitting by his side. #49ers
— Daniel Brown (@mercbrownie) February 14, 2012
To talk about Solomon and the 49ers, head on over to Niners Nation.