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NFL Legend and San Francisco Native Super Bowl Champion, Dies at 84 — Remembered by 49ers Faithful

 

San Francisco, CA – September 4, 2025

The Bay Area is remembering one of its own, a football figure whose journey from San Francisco to NFL champion left a lasting legacy. At age 84, a man with deep local roots has passed away, leaving behind memories that still resonate with 49ers fans.

He is celebrated as a player whose determination carried him to an NFL title, and as a mentor who shaped lives through his decades of coaching. His story embodies the spirit of San Francisco: resilient, proud, and forward-looking.

That man was Lawrence “Larry” Glueck, an NFL Legend and proud San Francisco native. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1963, he became part of their NFL championship team that year, defeating the New York Giants in December for the title.

Glueck played three NFL seasons, appearing in 37 games and intercepting one pass. Though brief, his career was highlighted by that championship — a moment that tied him forever to league history.

When his playing days ended, he turned to coaching, serving at Harvard for over a decade before becoming head coach at Fordham University in 1986. His impact as a leader stretched far beyond the game itself.

In 2013, he stood alongside Mike Ditka, Dick Butkus, and other Bears legends at the 50th anniversary of their championship. For San Francisco, it was a point of pride to see one of their own recognized among the NFL’s best.

Fans and colleagues remembered him as a man of dignity and strength, reflecting the values of the Bay Area community that shaped him.

For the 49ers Faithful, his story is not just about a championship, but about a San Francisco native whose character and resilience carried him through a remarkable football life.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.