Craig Puki cause of death: How did former 49ers linebacker die?

Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Craig Puki passed away at age 66. The team announced his death and also posted a message on Twitter.

The cause of his death remains unknown. Puki played two seasons for the 49ers after being drafted in the third round (77th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft. He was a member of the team that won Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to a 1982 article from the United Press International, Puki spent four weeks in a drug rehabilitation center due to cocaine usage. He voluntarily sought treatment at a drug and alcohol abuse clinic in Orange County. Puki admitted to his drug use but denied using it or consuming alcohol before games or on specific days.

Unfortunately, it was too late to save his career with the 49ers, as the team released him due to personal problems, as stated by then-coach Bill Walsh. However, the concerns were not solely related to drugs. Puki was out of shape during a mini-camp and failed to appear at a pre-training camp physical. Puki claimed he was not informed about the physical. Walsh requested urinalysis exams to prove he was drug-free, but it was not enough to save his tenure with the 49ers.

Puki was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) for the 1982 season, marking his last stint in the NFL.

Craig Puki’s NFL career stats in review

In reviewing Puki's NFL career stats, he started in eight of 39 games played. While his tackle count is unknown, he recorded one interception in his rookie year, coincidentally against the Cardinals in Week 2.

The play contributed to the 49ers' 24-21 victory. That season saw the emergence of Joe Montana as the team's starting quarterback, beginning the 49ers' successful run in the 1980s.

The following year, Puki started in six regular-season games and two playoff games, including the franchise's first Super Bowl win. He had two fumble recoveries during that season. However, the 49ers went on to win three more Super Bowls without him in the following decade, including a memorable come-from-behind victory against the Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.

Puki played seven games for the Cardinals in 1982 before his NFL career abruptly ended after three seasons. Little is known about his life after football, and his story often gets overshadowed by the legends who wore the 49ers uniform.