Dwight Garner Passes Away

BERKELEY – Dwight Garner, a California football hero for his role in The Play, passed away from prostate cancer Friday at the age of 58. Garner etched his name in the memories of Cal football fans forever by making the third of five laterals in the kickoff return for a touchdown through the Stanford Band that lifted Cal to a win in the 1982 Big Game and is arguably the most iconic moment in college football history.

Garner would go on to become a four-year letterwinner for the Golden Bears from 1982-85. Garner led the Bears in punt and kick returns as a 1983 sophomore, as well as receiving and kick returns during his 1984 junior campaign. He caught 46 passes out of the backfield as a junior, which is the third-most ever by a Cal running back. Garner graduated from Cal with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1986 before adding an MBA from the University of Phoenix in risk management in 2004.

Garner also played one season in the NFL in 1986 for Washington after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent following his collegiate career.

Most recently Garner worked as a risk manager at Nextera Engergy, Inc., and at the time of his passing was living in Coral Springs, Fla.

Garner was born in San Francisco on Oct. 25, 1964, and prepped at Skyline High School in Oakland. His son, David, also played football at Cal from 2013-16.

Memorial services are pending.