The San Francisco 49ers are running successfully as they push for the postseason against the Cowboys. But they lost one of the most famed linebackers in league history. Ed Beard passed away on Monday when he was at the age of 83. Beard played as a linebacker and also worked as a coaching staff in the NFL. His demise has sent shockwaves all over and received condolences from the fans and many others.
Ed Beard was one of the San Francisco 49ers’ great and a famed linebacker. Beard was chosen by the Niners in the 14th round in the 1964 NFL draft, and by the Raiders in the 20th round of the 1964 AFL draft. He spent his entire career in San Francisco, from 1965 to 1972.
The San Francisco 49ers lost a legendary figure
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As per Wavy TV 10, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame announced the passing of one of their enshrinees, ex-NFL linebacker Ed Beard. He passed away at 83. However, there are no definite reasons for the demise of the former athlete. In the late 1950s, Beard was a standout football athlete at Oscar Smith High School in South Norfolk.
The San Francisco 49ers are mourning the passing of Ed Beard who played 8 seasons with the team from 1965-1972. Our deepest condolences to his wife Bobbie, his family, and friends.https://t.co/26qgnTiQzd pic.twitter.com/PKC4smc3qi
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 20, 2023
Moreover, despite his school’s scarcity of a wrestling program, he was a state champion heavyweight wrestler. He played at the University of Tennessee before enlisting in the United States Army. He received the title of the Army football squad’s ‘most outstanding player.’
After arriving in the NFL, Ed Beard competed in 97 games as a linebacker. They also named him the first-ever special teams’ captain in NFL history. After his playing career, he took up a coaching job and served as a linebackers coach for the Niners and the Saints. Beard later became the Detroit Lions’ DC.
Football fans come forward for Ed Beard after his passing
After learning about the news, the fans came up to hail the 1971 Len Eshmont Award recipient.
A user hailed Ed Beard and how he knew about his position.
He started almost every game for the 49ers from 1966-1968 and played the Middle Linebacker position very well.
— Michael Freda (@MichaelFreda17) January 20, 2023
Another user shared two emojis to express their condolences.
🙏🏼🙏🏼
— CALACAS 💫 (@CALACAS_MEX) January 21, 2023
Another user paid his condolences to the fallen athlete.
RIP Big Ed
— darren (@Brookwood408) January 20, 2023
Moreover, this user also had nice words for the former NFL linebacker.
Rest in Peace, Niner Legend.
— Amusedwolverine #BeASpartan (@Amused_wolve24) January 20, 2023
Another user pointed out how Ed Beard was the reason he became a San Francisco 49ers fan.
The reason I'm a Niners fan, he worked with my dad during the off season in Va. Got to meet him and get autograph. RIP Ed…
— David J. Murphy (@Bsehitz) January 20, 2023
The Virginia Sports HOF on Twitter paid their condolences to the former linebacker.
The Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the passing of 2002 VSHF inductee, Ed Beard. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/uuQgLwCsNv
— Virginia Sports HOF (@VaSportsHoF) January 16, 2023
This user expressed his sorrow after the passing of Ed Beard.
Sadness.. Ed Beard 💔 pic.twitter.com/c62kHpCdlg
— jErEM!@H (@pistons15) January 20, 2023
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Moreover, this user urged everyone to keep his family in their prayers.
Chesapeake. Oscar Smith hero/legend passed away yesterday Mr. Ed Beard. Played for the San Francisco 49ers starting in 1965. Please keep his family in your prayers. 💙💛
— Kenneth C Martin Jr. (@h4abworld) January 16, 2023
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The demise of such a legendary athlete has struck the NFL Fandom hard.
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