National Football League

Gordon Soltau, former 49ers All-Pro player, dies at 89

Published Oct. 29, 2014 1:33 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Gordon Soltau, a wide receiver and kicker who played nine NFL seasons with San Francisco, has died. He was 89.

The three-time All-Pro passed away on Sunday, according to the 49ers.

Soltau had 249 receptions for 3,487 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also kicked 70 field goals and 284 PATs. He remains one of only three players in NFL history to score 25 touchdowns and make 70 field goals in their career.

He was named the 23rd member of the team's Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame in 2012.

A third-round draft pick by Green Bay in 1950, Soltau was traded to the Browns before coach Paul Brown offered to send him to San Francisco for an opportunity to start.

Soltau spent his entire career with San Francisco from 1950-58, leading the team in points each season while sharing the lead once. He led the NFL in points in 1952 (94) and `53 (114), earning All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections in three consecutive seasons from 1951-53.

Soltau missed only two games during his career, becoming the first player in franchise history to surpass 100 games played. The 49ers called him ''one of the league's original ironmen'' in their release on Tuesday announcing his death.

Soltau was born on Jan. 25, 1925, in Duluth, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Jill; his two sons, John and Mark; daughter-in-laws, Sarah and Valerie; and granddaughters Susie and Shelby.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the San Francisco 49ers Foundation or the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League