Three-time Super Bowl champion Jim Fahnhorst dead at 66 as his team pays emotional tribute

Former San Francisco 49ers star Jim Fahnhorst has died aged 66.

The 49ers confirmed that the three-time Super Bowl winner had passed away on Wednesday night as they revealed they were 'deeply saddened by the passing.'

The former linebacker spent seven seasons in San Francisco and, during that time, made 82 appearances, 232 tackles, seven interceptions and one sack.

Fahnhorst was also known for his formidable partnership with older brother Keith, who an offensive linebacker with the 49ers for 14 seasons. 

Keith died in 2018 and was also 66 at the time. The brothers attended the University of Minnesota and both represented the Minnesota Golden Gophers. 

Younger brother Jim was drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1982 NFL Draft before signing with the 49ers as a free agent two years later.

Back in 2018, Farnhorst told the 49ers website that it was a 'no-brainer' to join the team. 

'It was more surreal than anything,' Fahnhorst said. 'When Bill Walsh called the team together after one practice I remember looking around at all the talent on the team. 

'I remember thinking, 'What the hell am I doing here?' It was just a great feeling at the time.' 

Tributes for the former 49ers star have since flooded onto social media.