Tommy Hart was an NFL defensive end in the 1960s through ‘80s, most notably for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Died: November 2024
- Details of death: Died at the age of 80.
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Tommy Hart’s legacy
Hart was a 1968 draft pick for the 49ers after playing football at Atlanta’s Morris Brown College. He joined the San Francisco squad as they were in a period of upswing from rough years in the early 1960s, and by 1972, he had distinguished himself with 17 sacks in the season. That year, he was given the team’s biggest honor, the Len Eshman Award, for “inspirational and courageous play.” He received the same award in 1976, which was also his only Pro Bowl season.
In 1978, Hart was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he played for two seasons. He finished out his career with the New Orleans Saints, playing a single season in 1980.
After his retirement as a defensive end, Hart joined the coaching staff of the 49ers. Under head coaches Bill Walsh and George Seifert, the team won three Super Bowls during Hart’s years there. He continued to assist in coaching the 49ers’ defensive line through 1992, when he became a scout, and he later worked as a scout and defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys. The native of Macon, Georgia was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
Tributes to Tommy Hart
Full obituary: 49ers
