Former Gophers and San Francisco 49ers standout Keith Fahnhorst died Tuesday at the age of 66.
From University of Minnesota, Keith Fahnhorst became a 49er for life
June 16, 2018 at 4:12AM
The St. Cloud native played for St. Cloud Tech and then joined the Gophers, where he was an All-Big Ten tight end in 1973.
He finished his collegiate career with 28 receptions for 416 yards and earned his degree in psychology in 1974.
Fahnhorst was drafted by the 49ers in the second round in 1974 and was moved to tackle. He played all 14 of his NFL seasons with San Francisco (1974-87).
A two-time All-Pro (1983-84) and 1985 Pro Bowl selection, Fahnhorst was part of two Super Bowl Championship teams (XVI and XIX).
He appeared in 193 games, the second most among 49ers offensive linemen behind only Len Rohde and had the eighth-most regular season appearances in franchise history.
No cause of death was announced.
The Sacramento Bee reported that "Fahnhorst battled polycystic kidney disease after he left the 49ers as well as neurological issues later in his life."
Fahnhorst retired because of a neck injury that caused him to miss nine games during his last season, 1987.
Former teammate Randy Cross noted on Twitter that he and Fahnhorst were teammates for 12 years. Cross played right guard next to him for 9½ years.
"We won SBs together, went to Pro Bowls together, lockered next to each other," Cross wrote. "WorldClass Dad + Husband who was gentle + kind to all."
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