2025 Dwight Clark Legacy Series

A Night of Legends, Laughter, and Legacy: 5th Annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series Raises $200,000 in Support of The Golden Heart Fund

The Hammer Theatre in San Jose was filled with 49ers fans on May 21, 2025 for the 5th Annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series, an unforgettable evening that blended heartfelt memories, raw insight, and infectious humor in honor of 49ers legend Dwight Clark.

The evening’s theme, “Photographs & Memories,” celebrated the remarkable career of legendary 49ers photographer Michael Zagaris, affectionately known as Z-Man, whose lens has captured more than five decades of unforgettable moments in franchise history.

Zagaris was joined on stage by a powerhouse lineup of 49ers greats: Charles Haley, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Adams, and current All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. Together, they revisited rarely seen photos from the archives and delivered a lively, often hilarious conversation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and good-natured jabs that had the audience roaring with laughter.

The night featured a surprise appearance by 49ers superstar tight end George Kittle, who electrified the crowd with his trademark energy and candid insights about the current team. Kittle also had the honor of presenting the Dwight Clark Award to cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, recognizing the player who best exemplifies Dwight’s spirit of teamwork, selflessness, and camaraderie.

The evening wasn't just about celebration—it was also about purpose. The event raised $200,000 benefiting The Golden Heart Fund, which provides critical support to former 49ers players facing life challenges after football.

From emotional tributes to roaring laughter, the 2025 Dwight Clark Legacy Series delivered an evening that reminded everyone in attendance why the 49ers are more than just a football team—they're a family.

Charles Haley, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Adams, Fred Warner, Michael Zagaris and Brian Murphy laugh on stage during the 2025 Dwight lark Legacy Series event. *Photograph by Terrell Lloyd*

“Football teams, they have superstars, they have role players, they have vocal leaders, they have smart guys, but the most successful teams, they have glue guys. That’s the most important thing. That’s truly what Mr. Clark was. Glue guys corral and pull the team closer together in the face of adversity. We’re here to honor him. Some of his teammates said he’s the best teammate they ever had, and he continues to support his teammates through the Golden Heart Fund to give back to his teammates and other 49ers. I’m inspired by his life and everything he’s done. I hope I can continue to positively impact my teammates and my communities in the future.”

— Arik Armstead, 2022 Dwight Clark Award winner