Former 49ers defensive end Cedrick Hardman dies at 70

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Cedrick Hardman has died. He was 70.

The team said he died Friday night.

An-time All-Pro selection in 1971 and 1975 and Pro Bowl player in 1972 and 1976, Hardman anchored a defensive front nicknamed the "Gold Rush" that included Cleveland Elam, Tommy Hart and Jimmy Webb. Hardman is a member of San Francisco's "10-Year Wall", which honors all players who played at least 10 seasons with the team.

"We are truly saddened by the loss of one of the all-time great 49ers, Cedrick Hardman," the team said in a statement.

"During his 10-year career in red and gold, he anchored the vaunted "Gold Rush" defensive line with a nonstop motor that put fear in the minds of opposing quarterbacks."

After leaving the 49ers, Hardman signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he appeared in 32 games over two seasons (1980-81) and was a member of the Super Bowl-winning team in the 1980 season.

The former University of North Texas star was selected in the first round (ninth overall) by San Francisco in the 1970 NFL draft. He spent 10 seasons with the 49ers (1970-79) and appeared in 139 games (121 starts), the fifth-most among 49ers defensive linemen.

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