Freddie Solomon: Former 49ers WR Dies After Battle with Colon Cancer

Tampa legend and former San Francisco 49ers receiver Freddie Solomon died on Monday afternoon after a nine-month battle with colon and liver cancer, according to family friend George Levy via the Tampa Tribune.

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times confirmed Solmon's death on Monday evening.

Solomon, 59, was not only a standout receiver for the 49ers during their glory years, he became known as a humanitarian in Florida, where he played college ball at the University of Tampa.

Solomon worked for two decades in community relations with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, mentoring youths on the football field and in life. For a dozen years, he organized a Christmas celebration for foster children with former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo.

As recently as December, Tampa produced "Freddie and Friends," where more than 500 people heard testimonials from Solomon's friends and former teammates. Approximately $200,000 in proceeds went to the endowment of a UT scholarship in Solomon's name.

UT president Ronald Vaughn said that night, via the Tribune, "I can't think of another person who is so revered in this community."

DeBartolo added:

"

I've met thousands of players who came through my locker room with the 49ers, but I've never seen anyone with a heart like Freddie. We wouldn't have reached the top without Freddie.

"

Players such as former 49ers teammates Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark have credited Solomon with helping them grow as individuals early in their careers.

Clark said, "He helped me when he didn't really have to. But as I came to understand, that's how he has always been with everybody. He has led an amazing life.''

Solomon earned an All-Pro selection and two championships during his NFL career, but he will perhaps be best known for who he was as a person.

Solomon understood that it was about more than the game of football. It was about improving the lives of everyone around him.