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49ers Mourn Super Bowl Champion Whose NFL Career Was Cut Short After He Was Paralyzed

It’s been almost four decades since Todd Shell last played for the San Francisco 49ers, and the team has now confirmed his death. A two-time Super Bowl champion with the franchise, he never returned to the field after an on-field…

By Ishani Jayara · Essentially Sports

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 3:43 AM

Key Things to Know

Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Todd Shell has died at the age of 64.
Shell won Super Bowl XIX with the 49ers after being drafted 24th overall in 1984.
His NFL career was cut short in 1988 after suffering a paralyzing spinal cord injury in training camp.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker and Super Bowl XIX champion Todd Shell has passed away at the age of 64. The franchise and his former high school coach, Andy Litten, confirmed his death on Sunday, November 1. Shell was selected by San Francisco with the 24th overall pick in the 1984 NFL draft and spent four seasons playing for the team.

Shell's playing career ended abruptly in July 1988 after suffering a paralyzing spinal cord injury during a training camp collision with Ron Heller. Despite the injury, Shell later stayed connected to the sport, serving as defensive coordinator and head coach for the Arena Football League's Arizona Rattlers.

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49ers Mourn Super Bowl Champion Whose NFL Career Was Cut Short After He Was Paralyzed

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