Dwight Clark’s diagnosis hits hard

If you’re of a certain age, the news hit like a punch in the stomach Sunday night.

Dwight Clark is suffering from ALS.

Based on statistical evidence, this shouldn’t be shocking. There are about 6,000 cases of the brutal disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosed each year, and the average age at diagnosis is 55. Clark is 60 and has said he began suffering symptoms about 18 months ago.

But there is logical understanding of percentages and probability and then there is what you feel in your heart.

And for much of the Bay Area and the wider NFL audience, Clark will be forever young and healthy, the dashingly handsome football player who became wildly famous and beloved because of one singular…