Lenvil Elliott: 1951-2008
Running back who had key role with 49ers

Chronicle Staff Report

Saturday, October 18, 2008

(10-17) 21:15 PDT -- Lenvil Elliott, a key player during the 49ers' drive that culminated in Dwight Clark's famous catch and put them in their first Super Bowl, is dead at 57.

The former running back died Sunday in Richmond, Mo., of a heart attack, the Kansas City Star reported.

Mr. Elliott starred in the final game of his nine-year NFL career. He carried four times for 31 yards on the 49ers' 89-yard drive that culminated in Joe Montana's winning 6-yard touchdown pass to Clark against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game on Jan 10, 1982, at Candlestick.

The 49ers had activated Mr. Elliott just a week earlier after he was sidelined with a knee injury.

He played for the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him out of Northeast Missouri State College, from 1973 until he was traded to the 49ers in 1979 and played his final three seasons with them.

• SF Gate