Former NFL linebacker Jim Fahnhorst, who played a significant role in the San Francisco 49ers’ three Super Bowl victories, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 66. The 49ers released a statement expressing their sorrow over his death.
During his time with the team, which spanned seven seasons, Fahnhorst recorded 232 tackles and seven interceptions across 82 games, including 39 starts.
Fahnhorst’s brother, Keith, also played for the 49ers as an offensive lineman. Keith was a 14-season player from 1974 to 1987 and passed away in 2018, also at the age of 66. Both brothers had starred at the University of Minnesota, where Jim earned All-Big 10 honors in 1981.
Jim was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft but never played for them. Instead, he spent two years in the USFL before joining the 49ers to reunite with his brother.
Fahnhorst spoke in 2018 about his transition to the 49ers, noting that the situation felt quite straightforward during the training camp. His contributions to the team and his family legacy in football will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
