The NFL world is in mourning after it was announced that former San Francisco 49ers tight end Greg Clark passed away this week at the age of 49.

Clark’s family confirmed his death to Entertainment Tonight, saying that it was unexpected. While they did not reveal a cause of death, they released a statement suggesting that he may have been suffering from the effects of head trauma sustained during his football career.

“His recent suffering from CTE symptoms cannot extinguish the breadth and depth of his impact on us and others, and we are forever grateful for the time we have had with him,” the statement read. “It is our hope that through further research we can gain more knowledge surrounding CTE.”

Statement from Greg Clark’s family reads, in part:

“His recent suffering from CTE symptoms cannot extinguish the breadth and depth of his impact on us and others, and we are forever grateful for the time we have had with him.” pic.twitter.com/90WYQrFvil

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) July 10, 2021

Clark launched his career in the NFL back in 1997 as a third-round draft choice of the Niners after an impressive collegiate career at Stanford. He played four seasons in the NFL, all with the 49ers, before his career was cut short due to injuries.

During that time, Clark became known for being a tough tight end who excelled as a blocker and also held his own as a receiver. He caught 92 passes over his 55 games played for 909 yards and four touchdowns. On top of that, Clark had five more receptions for 38 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs as well.

“Our organization is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Greg Clark,” the 49ers said in a statement addressing his death. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Clark is survived by his wife Carie, who he was married to for 23 years, and by their three sons. After ending his career in the NFL, his family said that he had “a successful real-estate platform throughout the Bay Area.”

Former 49ers quarterback Steve Young told Mercury News that his former teammate was “a phenomenal human being.”

“He was a phenomenal human being, with a burgeoning family, and I just feel terrible about the suffering he must have felt,” Young said.

“Greg was a great player. He was tough. A great teammate and a great 49er,” he added. “And he’s gone way too early. It’s just devastating.”