THE San Francisco 49ers are in mourning as they announce the death of a franchise legend.
Tributes have been paid to the former 49ers linebacker across social media.
Fahnhorst won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers[/caption]
Jim Fahnhorst died on Wednesday, September 17.
He was 66 years old.
No cause of death has been given.
An official statement from the 49ers on social media read, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former linebacker Jim Fahnhorst.”
“Our thoughts are with his family.”
Fahnhorst played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers in college before turning to professional football.
The Minnestoa Vikings selected in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft.
He did not play a game for the Vikings, instead playing for two seasons in the now-defunct USFL.
Fahnhorst spent the 1983 season with the Chicago Blitz before joining the Arizona Wranglers a year later.
The linebacker returned to the NFL with in 1984 as a free agent, joining the 49ers.
He became a key member of the mid-’80s 49ers team, winning the Super Bowl in his first season.
Fahnhorst went on to win back-to-back titles with the franchise at Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV.
“RIP JF he was a good quality player during the glory days,” posted on fan on X.
“Rest in Peace Champion,” another shared.
His death follows that of former Dallas Cowboys star D. D. Lewis one day earlier.
Following his retirement, Fahnhorst became a financial advisor and football coach.
He coached at Division III Macalaster College, as well as Wayzata and Maple Grove High Schools, all in Minnesota.
“So sad to hear of the death of Jim,” a third fan posted. “A truly great man who made a huge impact for many as a coach, father and teammate.”
He played alongside his older brother, Keith, during his time with the 49ers.
Keith died in 2018, also aged 66.
