Gordy Soltau Named to 49ers Hall of Fame

Gordy Soltau has been named to the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., Hall of Fame. Gordy was a founding member of the NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter. He will be the 23rd inductee into the 49ers Hall of Fame joining Eddie DeBartolo, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Roger Craig and the late R.C. Owens as members of this very special Hall of Fame.

Gordy was a pioneer in advancing player benefits. He was the first player representative for the San Francisco 49er and was instrumental in creating a dialogue with owners that led to the formation of the Players Association.

In 1962, the owners put money in a pension plan for the first time. A close friend of Steelers owner Dan Rooney, Vic Maitland came up with a plan and the philosophy “Caring for Kids.” With this, the Players Association became the NFL Alumni Association.

Gordy played a major role with Alyn Beals, Eddie Forrest, and Bruce Bosley in forming the Northern California Chapter. He was the Chapter’s first president and was instrumental in creating the chapter’s golf tournament, which he chaired from 1981-2010. In 2011 The NFL Alumni Northern California Chapter created the Gordy Soltau Iron Man Award, honoring Gordy’s great work ethic and perseverance.