Few, if any, NFL franchises can match the historical past, success and general expertise of the San Francisco 49ers.
Tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the third-most Super Bowl victories in NFL historical past (5), the 49ers have been arguably essentially the most profitable group of the Nineteen Eighties, amassing 4 of 5 titles in that span time. Looking on the franchise’s general historical past, there are additionally a whopping 29 gamers within the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with extra doubtlessly on the best way within the close to future.
Here are the ten biggest 49ers of all time.
10. WR Terrell Owens
1996-2010; 1996-2003 with SF
Owens spent the primary eight seasons of his storied profession in San Francisco, changing into a first-time Pro Bowler in his fifth season within the NFL. Ultimately, TO made the Pro Bowl in every of his ultimate 5 seasons with the Niners. During his time in San Francisco, he averaged over 1,000 yards per season with 10 touchdowns, making him one of the vital feared receiving threats within the league. He additionally made three consecutive First-Team All-Pros from 2000 to 2002. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
9. LB Patrick Willis
2007-2014, all with SF
Willis’ tenure in San Francisco and the NFL was relatively brief, with the fearsome linebacker enjoying simply eight seasons, all with the Niners. Even so he dominated from the beginning. Willis made the Pro Bowl in every of his first seven seasons within the league and earned All-Pro honors in every of his first six seasons. In his rookie season, the Ole Miss product was named First-Team All-Pro, Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler, whereas main the league in tackles. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.
8. RB Frank Gore
2005-2020; 2005-2014 with SF
The ageless surprise, Frank Gore, delivered for the Niners whereas setting a number of group information. His team-high 11,073 dashing yards, 212 particular person dashing yards, 9 100-yard video games in the course of the 2006 season, and 1,695 dashing yards in the course of the 2006 season are all group information that also stand at present. Ultimately, Gore performed in 5 Pro Bowls with San Francisco and amassed a formidable 75 whole touchdowns, cementing his place in historical past with the group that drafted him.
7. RB Roger Craig
1983-1993; 1983-1990 with SF
Craig was a jack of all trades earlier than it turned a preferred development amongst tailbacks. In 1985 he led the NFC with 92 receptions, incomes a Pro Bowl for his troubles. His finest 12 months, nevertheless, got here in 1988, when he led the NFC with 2,036 scrimmage yards, incomes a Pro Bowl, First-Team All-Pro and AP Offensive Player of the Year honors, whereas additionally ending third in MVP voting. Although his tenure with the Niners was temporary, Craig made it rely by ultimately profitable three Super Bowls and changing into a member of the Hall of Fame’s All Nineteen Eighties group.
6. DL Bryant Young
1994-2007, all with SF
One of San Francisco’s least talked about greats, Young did all of it on protection for the Niners. The 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee performed his total 14-year profession with San Francisco, ultimately making 4 Pro Bowls, making 4 All-Pro groups and, in 1999, profitable Comeback Player of the Year. During that season, the veteran defensive lineman collected 11 sacks, 5 passes defensed and 19 tackles for loss. In his profession, he collected a formidable 89.5 sacks and 93 tackles for loss and received the 1994 Super Bowl with the group.
5. DBJimmy Johnson
1961-1976, all with SF
Considered among the finest man-to-man defenders in NFL historical past, Johnson was chosen to 5 Pro Bowls throughout his lengthy 16-year profession with the 49ers. Additionally, he additionally earned an All-Pro choice in 5 completely different seasons. In 1994, Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after racking up 47 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns throughout his legendary NFL profession.
4. DB Ronnie Lott
1981-1994; 1981-1990 with SF
Perhaps the best defender in NFL historical past, Lott made offensive gamers preserve their heads turned when crossing the center of the sphere. Patrolling that space, Lott threw 51 profession interceptions with the Niners, twice main the league in picks, and returned 5 of these 51 interceptions for touchdowns. Surprisingly, Lott was named First-Team All-Pro as a rookie, main the league with three pick-sixes. He was a part of San Francisco’s 4 Super Bowl victories, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in addition to the 49ers Team Hall of Fame, and had his No. 42 jersey retired. Lott was a monster in his 10 years in San Francisco.
3. QB Steve Young
1985-1999; 1987-1999 with SF
One of the most effective quarterbacks in NFL historical past, Young can also be an iconic 49ers nice. The athletic lefty has collected three Super Bowl titles, profitable Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXIX, received two NFL MVPs, made six All-Pro groups, led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 4 completely different seasons and he made seven Pro Bowls. He additionally had his No. 8 jersey retired by the Niners and was ultimately inducted into each the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. Not as they stated: He had simply 4 seasons with double-digit interceptions, main a serious passing offense.
2. QB Joe Montana
1979-1994; 1979-1992 with SF
The participant some nonetheless name the GOAT, Montana, famously received 4 Super Bowls with the 49ers with out shedding as soon as when his group made the large sport, and received Super Bowl MVP in three of these video games. Additionally, his 122 Super Bowl cross makes an attempt with out an interception nonetheless stands as a report. Montana was as correct as any passer, main the league in completion proportion in 5 completely different seasons. This led to the QB amassing two NFL MVPs, in addition to being chosen to eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro groups.
1. WR Jerry Rice
1985-2004; 1985-2000 with SF
The undisputed finest receiver in NFL historical past, Rice dominated throughout his time in San Francisco. He led the league in receiving yards six separate instances with the Niners, and was additionally the chief in receiving touchdowns in six completely different seasons. His season averages have been 80 receptions, 1,203 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. His 1987 season nonetheless stands as a record-breaker, with Rice posting 22 receiving touchdowns, a report that stood till Randy Moss surpassed it in 2007 with 23 receiving touchdowns. Rice would finally win three Super Bowls, make 12 Pro Bowls, make 9 All-Pro groups and make two AP Offensive Player of the Years with the group. This would result in a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Honorable mentions:
- DT Leone Nomellini
- WR Dwight Clark
- OL Randy Cross
- DE/LB Charles Haley
- OT Bob St. Clair
- LB David Wilcox
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