RC Owens, Legendary 49ers Reciever, Dies at 78

is reporting that Hall of Fame San Francisco 49ers wide receiver RC Owens died Sunday at the age of 78.

“The 49ers family has suffered a great loss with the passing of R.C. Owens,” 49ers owner and chairman John York said in a statement. “Long after his days as a player were over, his devotion to the organization remained strong.”

Owens who played a total of 8 seasons in the NFL as a receiver, spent his first five years with the 49ers and accumulated 177 receptions for 2,939 yards and 20 touchdowns during his time there.

A former college basketball star at the Collage of Idaho, the 6-foot-3 Owens was well known for his tremendous leaping ability which he utilized on the football field to grab passes over the outstretched arms of his defenders.

After finishing his NFL career with 206 catches for 3,285 yards, Owens spent more than two decades, from 1979-2001, working for the 49ers front office serving in roles such as community ambassador, training camp director and alumni coordinator. He was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and a year later into the 49ers Hall of Fame.

“As a player and a member of the 49ers front office, R.C. was a tremendous ambassador for our team,” York added. “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his friends, family, teammates and fans.”

After hearing of Owens passing, former 49er great Joe Montana said:

“He did everything that everyone wanted that dealt with that team, and the guys, whether it was staff or what, he treated everyone the same and equal. It’s a sad day not only because he was a great player, but he was a great guy.”

RC Owens is survived by his wife, Susan.

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