The NFL world is in mourning today following the passing of former Super Bowl championship linebacker Craig Puki. He was 66 years old.
Puki played three NFL seasons, two with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a contributor to the 49ers’ Super Bowl XVI team that defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to deliver San Francisco their first time, starting two of three playoff games at inside linebacker that season.
“The 49ers mourn the passing of former LB Craig Puki. Our thoughts are with his friends and family,” the team said in a statement.
Fans of the 49ers have taken to Twitter to offer their condolences to Puki and his family:
Rip Craig Puki 🙏🏽 https://t.co/WxnX4qMybE
— Forever Faithful Podcast (@FFPod49) May 19, 2023
R.I.P. 🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚 https://t.co/TNfX0QUWGC
— Andrew 🇲🇽 (@goof_yo) May 19, 2023
R.I.P 🕊️💔 https://t.co/V4ytYOMj9b
— 49ermedia (@49ermedia) May 19, 2023
On top of being a heck of a nice guy, Craig was sort of a secret member of the #SeattleFaithful. He lived up here and attended our viewing parties. He just wanted to be one of the Faithful with other fans.
Rest in peace, Craig. A pleasure to have shared TD high fives with you. https://t.co/Pdz6lO5d5O pic.twitter.com/knHJPlJWoR
— Seattle Niners Faithful (@SeattleFaithful) May 19, 2023
Craig Puki was a third-round pick out of the University of Tennessee who was taken 77th overall in the 1980 NFL Draft.
As a rookie he had one interception and in his 1981 Super Bowl year he recorded two fumble recoveries. He played all 32 games for the 49ers over those first two seasons before joining the Cardinals in 1982.
After playing seven games for the Cardinals during the strike-shortened 1982 season, Puki called it a career following three seasons.
Our hearts go out to Craig Puki’s family and loved ones.