15 Facts About Monte Clark

Monte Dale Clark was an American football player who served as head coach for the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions.

Monte Clark was named the MVP of the first Fresno City-County All-Star football game.

Monte Clark was a two-year starter and in 1958, he was named a co-captain of the squad, playing on both sides of the line with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Ron Mix.

Monte Clark was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 1958 NFL draft.

Monte Clark's timing proved excellent when Shula helped transform the moribund franchise into a dynasty.

In Miami, Monte Clark built what many consider one of the best offensive lines in NFL history, as Larry Little and Jim Langer are both in the Hall of Fame, while Bob Kuechenberg continues to be nominated every year.

Monte Clark was asked about Csonka's bruising running style, and responded with this great quote.

Monte Clark put together a tough defensive line that had 30 sacks in the first six games of the 1976 NFL season.

Monte Clark was familiar with Thomas from his days with the Dolphins and knew of the chaos and disruption he would bring to the 49ers.

Whenever asked about that unanswered prayer, Monte Clark would respond, "It was answered, but the answer was No".

On December 19,1984, the inevitable resulted when Monte Clark was dismissed, a move that kept him out of football for the next five years until his return as Director of Player Personnel for the Dolphins in February 1990.

Five years later, Monte Clark was again hired as offensive line coach of the Dolphins, but the tenure lasted only one year after Shula was replaced by Jimmy Johnson.

Out of football for two years, Monte Clark resurfaced as an assistant at the University of California, Berkeley in 1998, but resigned at the conclusion of that season.

Monte Clark returned to the Lions organization in 1999 as an advisor, remaining there until 2008.

On September 16,2009, Monte Clark died from bone cancer that spread into his liver and lungs.