Ex-49er Forrest Blue Dies at Carmichael Facility

Forrest Blue, a former San Francisco 49ers Pro-Bowl center, died Saturday at a Carmichael assisted living facility, the team announced.

Blue, a four-time Pro Bowl center who helped the 49ers win three straight division titles in the early 1970s, had been living at , his daughter Brittney Blue told Carmichael Patch. He was 65. No cause of death was given.

"It's been very nice for everybody that has reached out to us," said Brittney Blue, who lives in West Sacramento.

Forrest Blue had been at the Sunrise facility since August 2009 and had been living with dementia believed to be connected to his playing career. He moved there when the disease got bad enough that he couldn't live on his own, Brittney Blue said, and his condition began to deteriorate this past April.

Blue said her father's brain will be sent to Boston University where researchers are studying a disease linked to those who have sustained repeated head trauma.

The NFL's care for its retired players has been one of the issues discussed during the league's lockout, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. Blue was covered under the 88 Plan, which provides up to $88,000 a year for ex-players dealing with dementia connected to their career, The Chronicle reported.

Brittney Blue said her father will be missed.

"My dad was a gentle giant," she said. "He was a loving father... he had a wicked sense of humor... he was kind and giving."

Blue was selected in the first round of the 1967 draft by the 49ers, 15th overall. He played on both the football and baseball teams at Auburn after going to high school in Marfa, Texas.

He didn't miss a game for the 49ers from 1969-74 and finished his career with four seasons with the Baltimore Colts.

Following his NFL career, Blue moved back to California, founding Forrest Blue Properties Inc., a development company in Penryn. He split his time between Penryn and Rocklin, Brittney Blue said.

Forrest Blue is survived by his daughters Brittney and Brandi and a grandchild, Micah.

A private memorial service will be held July 30 in Sacramento. Messages of condolence may be emailed to forrestblue49er@yahoo.com.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.