The fact that former 49ers wide receiver Dwight Clark played nine seasons in the NFL and has been diagnosed with ALS could raise eyebrows in the medical community.
However, unlike many of the ex-football players who share his diagnosis, Clark’s age does not hint at the possibility his condition is connected to head trauma. Instead, Clark, 60, is among the majority of those with ALS who are diagnosed later in life.
“In terms of (Clark’s) age, around 60 to 70 is a textbook age where you would expect to make a diagnosis,” said Dr. Dr. Ilan Danan, a sports neurologist at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.