Gail Clark, an icon of Michigan State football, passed away peacefully at his home on July 3. He was 75.
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He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and their three sons — Brent Clark, Trea Clark, and Matthew Haley.
Clark, a Bellefontaine, Ohio, native, played multiple sports while in high school. He excelled on the football field, which helped him earn a scholarship to Michigan State University.
He graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1969, and then he spent four years starting at linebacker for the Michigan State Spartans. He became a two-time member of the All-Big Ten Conference Football Team and a one-time All-American.
Clark then headed to the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 1973 Draft. He landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he ultimately spent the 1973 season with the Chicago Bears. He appeared in 11 games and started two while posting a forced fumble. The NFL did not track tackles at the time.
The Ohio native then spent the 1974 season with the New England Patriots. He appeared in eight games as the team went 7-7 under head coach Chuck Fairbanks.
Photo credit: Bellefontaine City Schools
Clark returned to his hometown after the two-year stint in the NFL. He returned to Bellefontaine High School and became an assistant football coach. He held this role for 40 years while mentoring countless players that worked through the program.
Along with working as an assistant football coach, he also served as the executive director of the Logan County Metropolitan Housing Authority. He sought to provide low-income people with access to safe, comfortable, and affordable housing.
"There really aren't words meaningful enough to describe the man, and there certainly aren't words strong enough to describe his impact," said Bellefontaine head football coach Jason Brown in a statement.
"We are all blessed and grateful for every step we took with him on his journey. Our love forever, Coach Clark."
