SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 03: A detailed view of helmets belonging to San Francisco 49ers players is seen sitting on the field prior to the start of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium on October 03, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

A former star player for the San Francisco 49ers has passed away at the age of 70.

Fulton Kuykendall, who began his career with the Atlanta Falcons, has died this week following a battle with dementia. The Falcons confirmed as much in a statement via social media on Thursday night.

 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Grits Blitz member and Falcons Legend, Fulton Kuykendall,” it reads. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution initially reported Kuykendall’s passing.

“After a long battle with dementia, Kuykendall died early Thursday morning at a memory-care facility in Canton. He was 70.

“According to his wife of 44 years, Kuykendall’s brain will be donated to Boston University as part of its ongoing study into traumatic brain injury among NFL players. The rest of his body will go to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for use in medical school studies.”

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The former linebacker was drafted in the sixth round in 1975 and was an important part of Atlanta’s defense until 1984. He was dubbed “Kaptain Krazy” for his hard-hitting style of play and featured in five games for the 1977 “Gritz Blitz” defense which allowed just 129 total points that year.

He would end his career with the Niners, spending one season in San Francisco before retiring.