Clyde Raymond Conner (May 18, 1933 – December 12, 2011) was a professional American football player who played split end for eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers during the 1950s-60s.^[1][2] Clyde played football at Pacific for three seasons.^[3] He played varsity basketball for the Tigers during the 1954 and 1955 seasons, as well, and was a leading scorer at the guard position.^[4] In 1986 he was inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Early life & education

Conner was born in Tuttle, Oklahoma; his family moved to South San Francisco, California in 1940. He graduated from South San Francisco High School, then attended the College of San Mateo before transferring to University of the Pacific.

Clyde played football at Pacific for three seasons.^[5] He played varsity basketball for the Tigers during the 1954 and 1955 seasons, as well, and was a leading scorer at the guard position.^[6] In 1986 he was inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Professional football

Conner attended a 49ers' open tryout the year following his graduation and was signed by the team after making a notable catch during a scrimmage.^[7] He tied for fifth-place in voting for UPI Rookie of the year, and went on to play in 83 game over an eight-season career, making 204 catches for 2,653 yards.^[8] He missed all but five games of the 1961 season after suffering a concussion.^[9] He was put on waivers in September 1964.^[10][11]

Personal life

Conner married Mary MacRitchie in 1957; they lived in Los Altos with their son and daughter from 1967 until Clyde's death in 2011.^[12]