Cleveland Elam, a key member of the 49ers "Gold Rush" defensive line in the mid-1970s, has died, the team announced in a news release. Elam died on July 12 at the age of 60. The defensive end out of Tennessee State was a fourth-round pick by the 49ers in 1975, and voted to the Pro Bowl in 1976-77. He was a first-team All-Pro player in 1977 as well. Playing alongside Cedrick Hardman, Jimmy Webb and Tommy Hart, Elam helped the 49ers lead the NFL in sacks in 1976. His career, shortened by injuries, ended with a stint with the Detroit Lions in 1979. Elam is survived by his wife, Blanche, and four children. A memorial service will take place Saturday at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Salisbury, N.C Read more; http://www.insidebayarea.com/49ers/...-francisco-49ers-defensive-lineman?source=rss
