.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
U Mourns Loss Of Keith Fahnhorst
6/15/2018 12:00:00 AM | Football
The University of Minnesota football program mourns the loss of Keith Fahnhorst. The St. Cloud native, who lettered for the Gophers from 1971-73, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 66.
Fahnhorst was a tight end in Minnesota's veer-t offense and ended his career with 28 receptions for 392 yards and one touchdown. He made his mark as a Gopher paving the road for Minnesota's running game. The 1973 media guide described Keith thusly, "This giant is a savage blocker, as can be testified to by Gopher running backs who broke numerous school rushing records in 1972." Fahnhorst was named First Team All-Big Ten as an end in 1973 and was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2000.
He was drafted by San Francisco in 1974 with the 35th overall pick in the second round. Fahnhorst would play his entire 14-year career in the Bay Area and helped the team win two Super Bowls (XVI and XIX). While with the 49ers, he protected Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and anchored one of the best offensive lines in NFL history.
Fahnhorst started 160 of the 193 games he played. His 193 games played were the second most among 49ers offensive linemen and were the eighth-most regular season appearances in team history. Fahnhorst played in one Pro Bowl and retired from the NFL in 1987.