Few, if any, NFL franchises can match the history, success, and overall talent of the San Francisco 49ers. Tied with the Dallas Cowboys for the third-most Super Bowl wins in NFL history with five, the 49ers were undoubtedly the most successful team of the 1980s, collecting four of their five titles in that span. Looking at the overall history of the franchise, they also have a remarkable 29 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with more potentially coming in the very near future.
Here are the 10 greatest 49ers of all time:
10. WR Terrell Owens (1996-2010; 1996-2003 with SFO)
Owens spent the first eight seasons of his legendary career in San Francisco, becoming a Pro Bowler for the first time in his fifth season in the NFL. When all was said and done, T.O. made the Pro Bowl in each of his last five seasons with the Niners.
9. LB Patrick Willis (2007-2014, all with SF)
Willis’ San Francisco and NFL tenure were on the shorter side, with the fearsome linebacker playing just eight seasons, all with the Niners.
8. RB Frank Gore (2005-2020; 2005-2014 with SF)
The ageless wonder, Gore, delivered for the Niners, setting multiple team records. His 11,073 rushing yards with the team are a team record that still stands today.
7. RB Roger Craig (1983-1993; 1983-1990 with SF)
Craig was a do-it-all back before that became a popular trend among tailbacks. In 1985, he led the NFC with 92 receptions, earning a Pro Bowl for his troubles.
6. DL Bryant Young (1994-2007, all with SF)
One of the least-talked-about greats from San Francisco, Young did it all on defense for the Niners, playing his entire 14-year career with the team.
5. DB Jimmy Johnson (1961-1976, all with SF)
Regarded as one of the best man-to-man defenders in NFL history, Johnson was selected to five Pro Bowls over his long 16-year career with the 49ers.
4. DB Ronnie Lott (1981-1994; 1981-1990 with SF)
Lott would make offensive players keep their heads on a swivel when they crossed the middle of the field. He was a part of four San Francisco Super Bowl wins and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
3. QB Steve Young (1985-1999; 1987-1999 with SF)
One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Young is also an iconic 49ers great. He collected three Super Bowl titles, winning Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XXIX, and won two NFL MVPs.
2. QB Joe Montana (1979-1994; 1979-1992 with SF)
The player who some still call the G.O.A.T, Montana famously won four Super Bowls with the 49ers without losing a single time his team made the big game, and won Super Bowl MVP in three of those games.
1. WR Jerry Rice (1985-2004; 1985-2000 with SF)
The unquestioned best receiver in NFL history, Rice was dominant during his time in San Francisco. He led the league in receiving yards six separate times with the Niners, while also leading in receiving touchdowns in six different seasons.