Iron Sharpens Iron
6th Annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series returns on May 20, 2026
Tickets for the 6th annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series at the Hammer Theatre in San Jose are now on sale. It is an unforgettable evening of storytelling, camaraderie, and purpose for the 49ers family. “Iron Sharpens Iron” shines a spotlight on the men who made their mark where games are truly won, at the line of scrimmage.
Representing the offensive line are 49ers greats Randy Cross, Harris Barton, and Derrick Deese. Across from them, the defensive line is anchored by legends Bryant Young, Brentson Buckner, and Dwaine Board. Together, they’ll relive the physical and mental battles that shaped their careers, share untold stories from the trenches, and engage in a spirited debate over one of football’s oldest questions: what truly wins games, the offensive line or the defensive line? The answer may never be settled, but the stories and the laughs will be unforgettable.
The evening will also feature the opening state of the team conversation and the presentation of the Dwight Clark Award to Kyle Juszczyk, recognizing the current player who embodies the teamwork, toughness, and selflessness that defined Dwight Clark. And in true Dwight Clark Legacy Series fashion, a few special surprise guests will make the night even more memorable.
Proceeds benefit a REACH Youth Scholarship in Dwight Clark’s name and The Golden Heart Fund, which provides critical assistance to former 49ers players as they navigate life after football. For 49ers fans, this is more than a night out, it’s a celebration of legacy, brotherhood, and the enduring truth that the very best are made better by one another.
Iron Sharpens Iron. Don’t miss it.
2025 Event Video
The Dwight Clark Legacy Series represents what community is all about. It's the ultimate class reunion when we get together to celebrate Dwight, listen to inspiring conversations and appreciate our shared love for football and the 49ers.
Watch a recap of the 2025 event here!
2025 Dwight Clark Legacy Series
A Night of Legends, Laughter, and Legacy: 5th Annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series Raises more than $165,000 in Support of The Golden Heart Fund
The Hammer Theatre in San Jose was filled with 49ers fans on May 21, 2025 for the 5th Annual Dwight Clark Legacy Series, an unforgettable evening that blended heartfelt memories, raw insight, and infectious humor in honor of 49ers legend Dwight Clark.
The evening’s theme, “Photographs & Memories,” celebrated the remarkable career of legendary 49ers photographer Michael Zagaris, affectionately known as Z-Man, whose lens has captured more than five decades of unforgettable moments in franchise history.
Zagaris was joined on stage by a powerhouse lineup of 49ers greats: Charles Haley, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Adams, and current All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. Together, they revisited rarely seen photos from the archives and delivered a lively, often hilarious conversation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and good-natured jabs that had the audience roaring with laughter.
The night featured a surprise appearance by 49ers superstar tight end George Kittle, who electrified the crowd with his trademark energy and candid insights about the current team. Kittle also had the honor of presenting the Dwight Clark Award to cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, recognizing the player who best exemplifies Dwight’s spirit of teamwork, selflessness, and camaraderie.
The evening wasn't just about celebration—it was also about purpose. The event raised more than $165,000 benefiting The Golden Heart Fund, which provides critical support to former 49ers players facing life challenges after football.
From emotional tributes to roaring laughter, the 2025 Dwight Clark Legacy Series delivered an evening that reminded everyone in attendance why the 49ers are more than just a football team—they're a family.
Charles Haley, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Adams, Fred Warner, Michael Zagaris and Brian Murphy laugh on stage during the 2025 Dwight lark Legacy Series event. Photograph by Terrell Lloyd
“Football teams, they have superstars, they have role players, they have vocal leaders, they have smart guys, but the most successful teams, they have glue guys. That’s the most important thing. That’s truly what Mr. Clark was. Glue guys corral and pull the team closer together in the face of adversity. We’re here to honor him. Some of his teammates said he’s the best teammate they ever had, and he continues to support his teammates through the Golden Heart Fund to give back to his teammates and other 49ers. I’m inspired by his life and everything he’s done. I hope I can continue to positively impact my teammates and my communities in the future.”
2025 Event
See photos and read about the 2025 event held on May 21 at the Hammer Theatre in San Jose.
2024 Event
See photos and read about the 2024 event held on May 16 at the California Theatre in San Jose.
2023 Event
See photos and read about the 2023 event held on May 10 at the California Theatre in San Jose.
2022 Event
See photos and read about the 2022 event held on June 1 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.
2021 Event
See photos and read about the 2021 event held on August 31 at the Concord Pavilion.
News
Read news stories, watch videos, and listen to radio interviews about the Dwight Clark Legacy Series
Letters to 87
In 2018 Dwight Clark inspired a documentary, book, and movement that inspired the Dwight Clark Legacy Series.