Craig Puki Cause of Death: How the Former 49ers Linebacker Lived and Died

Posted by Carisa Kissane on Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Craig Puki was a former NFL player who played as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Cardinals in the early 1980s. He was part of the 49ers team that won the Super Bowl XVI in 1982, the first championship in the franchise’s history. He died on May 14, 2023, at the age of 66. The cause of his death remains unknown.

A Promising Career Cut Short by Drugs and Personal Problems

Puki was born on January 18, 1957, in Deadwood, South Dakota. He attended Glacier High School in Seattle, Washington, where he excelled in football and wrestling. He then played college football for the Tennessee Volunteers, where he was a three-year starter and a team captain.

He was drafted by the 49ers in the third round (77th overall) of the 1980 NFL Draft. He played two seasons for the 49ers, starting in eight of 39 games. He recorded one interception in his rookie year and two fumble recoveries in his second year. He also played in two playoff games, including the Super Bowl XVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he contributed to the 49ers’ 26-21 victory.

However, his career with the 49ers was marred by drug use and personal issues. According to Sportskeeda, Puki spent four weeks in a drug rehabilitation center due to cocaine usage in 1982. He voluntarily sought treatment at a drug and alcohol abuse clinic in Orange County. He admitted to his drug use but denied using it or consuming alcohol before games or on specific days.

Unfortunately, it was too late to save his career with the 49ers, as the team released him due to personal problems, as stated by then-coach Bill Walsh. However, the concerns were not solely related to drugs. Puki was out of shape during a mini-camp and failed to appear at a pre-training camp physical. Puki claimed he was not informed about the physical. Walsh requested urinalysis exams to prove he was drug-free, but it was not enough to save his tenure with the 49ers.

Puki was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) for the 1982 season, marking his last stint in the NFL. He played seven games for the Cardinals before his NFL career abruptly ended after three seasons.

A Life After Football Shrouded in Mystery

Little is known about Puki’s life after football. He did not make any public appearances or statements after his retirement from the NFL. He did not have any social media accounts or online profiles. He did not have any children or spouses that are known to the public.

According to Wikipedia, Puki died on May 14, 2023, at the age of 66. The cause of his death remains unknown. The 49ers announced his death and also posted a message on Twitter, expressing their condolences to his friends and family.

Puki’s story often gets overshadowed by the legends who wore the 49ers uniform, such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, and Steve Young. However, he was a part of the team that started the dynasty that would dominate the NFL in the 1980s and win four more Super Bowls.

Puki’s cause of death may never be revealed, but his legacy as a Super Bowl champion will always be remembered by those who knew him and followed his career.

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