Lenvil Elliott had played for Walsh on the Bengals and then came to the 49ers in 1979. In 1981 he was on the injured reserve list starting in mid-October but then, late in the 1981 season, he was put back on the Niners’ roster. He was maybe the true star of the drive that produced the Catch against the Cowboys, running many sweeps that chewed up yards and kept the Cowboys off balance, as the Niners mixed passes and runs on that long drive to get into Super Bowl XVI. He retired after 1981. Elliott had graduated from Truman State University, then known as Northeast Missouri State, the same college Ken Norton, the boxing father of 49er Ken Norton, went to. A long time later, Lenvil had this to say about Walsh’s ability to inspire everyone on a team: “Coach Walsh was able to make people feel like they were the transmission and the motor, not just the taillight.”
After seeing the comment below and his obituary, I thought I’d add some more information about Elliott from his obituary. He was living in Richmond, MO, and “died at 11:10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at the Ray County Memorial Hospital in Richmond. Lenvil was born on Sept. 2, 1951 in Lexington, the son of Lenvil Nelson and Helen Constance (Williams) Elliott; they both preceded him in death.” He’s reported to have died of a heart attack. Aside from his football career, Elliott lived in Richmond most of his life, and he had one son and one daughter. This is the end of his obituary: “The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Lenvil’s grandsons’ education fund. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, at Thurman Funeral home in Richmond. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.”
Here’s a quote from Elliott about being brought back to the 49ers late in the 1981 season: “Bill [Walsh] told me there was a possibility I’d be called back. I had to also think I was at the point in my career that there was a chance it was over.” In Walsh’s book, Building A Champion, the coach said this about activating Elliott for the playoffs: “Age and injuries had robbed him of his once-outstanding speed. But I knew he was a reliable ball carrier, who knew when to make his cuts on our running plays. . . . He was outstanding at reading blocks and breaking off them. He knew when to go down, when to protect the ball, to avoid fumbling, and he knew when and how to go out of bounds.” After the Cowboys game, Randy Cross said: “We told him he was going to sit back on a lake fishing for six or seven weeks. We said we’ll call you when the money games come.” Here’s a picture of Elliott from the San Francisco Chronicle after the Cowboys game:
Lenvil passed away last night around 11:00…in richmond missouri i just thought i would let you know
Lenvil Elliott was am incredible man, football player, and friend. I met him when he was a 49er. I will never forget what a kind person he was. I still have a letter he wrote to me in 1981 that will always be treasured. R.I.P. LENVIL.
Wanda.
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Lenvil Elliott and Bill Walsh were always very close. They were football player and coach for both the Bengals and the 49ers, as you know. To my knowledge, Lenvil and Bill are the only winners of the 49ers 1981 Super Bowl Team that have passed from this life to be with God. Lenvil I am glad that you and Bill are in heaven together. R.I.P. Lenvil and Bill. I miss you both, but especially miss you Lenvil because you were my friend. I have fond memories of watching you play football in San Francisco, and visiting you at training camp in Rocklin.
Forever in my heart, Wanda
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Dear Lenvil, I know that yesterday was your earthly birthday. God must have needed another Angel because you were still young when He called you home. You had such a gentle quality about you that has never been forgotten.You will always hold a special place in my heart. I will look forward to our reunion when God calls me home. R.I.P. LENVIL
DEAR LENVIL AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, TODAY WOULD HAVE BEEN LENVIL’S BIRTHDAY, AND I CAN ONLY IMAGINE JUST HOW DIFFICULT THIS DAY IS FOR YOU. EVEN WITH THE LOVING, ENDEARING, WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HIM THAT YOU CARRY IN YOUR HEART, OF COURSE YOU CONTINUE TO NLOVE HIM AND MISS HIM, AND ALWAYS WILL. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW HIM NEARLY AS LONG, LENVIL TOUCHED MY HEART WHEN I MET HIM AS A 49ER, BECAUSE I COULD TELL THAT HE WAS A GOOD AND KIND PERSON. ONE OF MY DEAREST MEMORIES OF HIM WAS WHEN HE TOOK THE TIME TO SIGN TWO (2) FOOTBALL CARDS OF HIMSELF, AND MAILED THEM TO A TEN-YEAR OLD FRIEND, WHO WAS A BIG FAN OF HIS. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DELIGHT IN NEAL’S VOICE WHEN HE CALLED ME UPON RECEIVING THEM IN THE MAIL. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU, LENVIL ELLIOTT. PLEASE CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE.