The NFL world is mourning the loss of Craig Puki, a former linebacker who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Cardinals. Puki died at the age of 66, according to an announcement by the 49ers on Friday. The cause of his death remains unknown.
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A Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers
Puki was drafted by the 49ers in the third round (77th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. He played two seasons for the team and started six of the 32 games he played. He was a member of the team that won Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, the first championship in franchise history.
Puki had his lone interception in his rookie year, in a 24-21 Week 2 win over the Cardinals. He also had two fumble recoveries in his second season, when he started six regular-season games and two playoff games, including the Super Bowl.
A Short and Troubled NFL Career
Puki’s NFL career was cut short after three seasons due to personal problems, including drug abuse. According to a 1982 article from United Press International, Puki spent four weeks in a drug rehabilitation center due to cocaine usage. He voluntarily sought treatment at a drug and alcohol abuse clinic in Orange County.
However, it was too late to save his career with the 49ers, as the team released him due to personal problems, as stated by then-coach Bill Walsh. However, the concerns were not solely related to drugs. Puki was out of shape during a mini-camp and failed to appear at a pre-training camp physical. Puki claimed he was not informed about the physical. Walsh requested urinalysis exams to prove he was drug-free, but it was not enough to save his tenure with the 49ers.
Puki was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals for the 1982 season, marking his last stint in the NFL. He played seven games for them before his NFL career abruptly ended.
A Forgotten Story in 49ers History
Little is known about Puki’s life after football, and his story often gets overshadowed by the legends who wore the 49ers uniform. The team went on to win three more Super Bowls without him in the following decade, including a memorable come-from-behind victory against the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.
Puki’s death is a reminder of the challenges and struggles that some NFL players face during and after their careers. His legacy as a Super Bowl champion with the 49ers will always be remembered by those who knew him and followed his journey.
