NFL fans woke up to the sad news of a San Francisco 49ers linebacker, Craig Puki, breathing his last on Friday. His successful two-year stint with the 49ers earned the team the 1982 Super Bowl. What followed shortly after was a tumultuous time for the player that ultimately led to him signing off with the 49ers.

The University of Tennessee star was drafted by the 49ers in 1980. For his first two seasons, he saw action in each of the 16 games, recording one interception and encountering injuries in two different instances during that time. While the reason for his death is yet unknown, Puki came from a time when players constantly downplayed injuries. In a 2007 SFGate interview, Puki admitted, “If someone left me standing at Costco, on concrete, I’d probably start crying.”

1982: The good, bad, and ugly for Craig Puki

This news comes at a time when former NFL running back Jim Brown of the Cleveland Browns took his last breath at the age of 87. 3x MVP pursued steered his career to acting in several while retiring from the NFL. While losing Brown is news that was just starting to sink in, Puki is a life lost too soon. He was only 66.

According to a 1982 article, months after the 1982 Super Bowl, Puki voluntarily spent four weeks in drug rehabilitation due to his cocaine usage in Orange County. He released a statement saying that he consumed “three beers” and used cocaine on days exempt from match days. The motive was “to get cleaned up, get straight, get completely clean.”

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Citing personal reasons, then-coach Bill Walsh announced that they had let Puki go. The coach claimed his departure from the team was not drug-related, but rather the form he was in. Moreover, when asked for a urine analysis test, Coach Walsh claimed that he did not show up. On the other hand, Puki was never told about the pre-training camp physical.

Read More: Moments After Saddening Loss of NFL Legend Jim Brown, Wife Pens Emotional Note for Concerned Friends and Fans Following Massive Support

In his final year in the NFL, he joined the Arizona Cardinals and played a total of 7 games for the team. He played a total of 32 games in his whole career. And, fans shared their feelings about both legends.

Family and fans share the memories of Craig Puki and Jim Brown

The NFL world mourned the loss of both legends. Monique Brown, the wife of Jim Brown, posted in her story that they are receiving posts and honors in the name of her husband. She also posted that her husband had passed away peacefully at their LA home.

On the other hand, the 49ers announced the passing of Puki on their Twitter page. Fans sent their prayers and love to the families. One of the fans wrote, “Rest in peace 49ers legend, from a Browns fan dealing with our own loss as well.”

This fan claimed to be a personal acquaintance of Puki and have one-on-one play on the streets.

Fans all over the platform expressed their gratitude for the mourning family. Some other fans wrote on Twitter, “Super Bowl 16 remember like it was yesterday first Puki was tough great defender.” Another fan wrote, “The 49ers mourn the passing of former LB Craig Puki. Our thoughts are with his friends and family“

Jim Brown and Craig Puki were legends. People will remember Brown for his courage and creativity. And others will remember Puki as the player who leads his team to a Super Bowl victory.

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