Ronnie Lott (AP)
In putting together my list of the top 10 greatest San Francisco 49ers, it was obvious that the 49ers have had a great number of offensive players in their ranks. More than most teams, the Niners have had outstanding players at the skill positions. There probably won’t be a lot of surprises on this list, but in a couple of years, you may find some new additions. Names like Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel could join the ranks of all-time 49ers greats.
10. Charles Haley
Haley was a prolific pass rusher for the 49ers. Charles spent eight seasons with the 49ers but basically, his production was limited to his first six seasons in San Francisco. During those six seasons, he racked up 63.5 of his 66.5 sacks with the 49ers. Haley made the 1986 NFL All-Rookie team and was named to three Pro Bowls. He was named to the All-Pro team in 1990. While not the 49ers’ career leader in sacks, he was, at his peak, the 49ers’ most dynamic pass rusher.
9. Dave Wilcox
Wilcoxplayed left linebackerfor the 49ers from 1964–74. During that time, he was an unpleasant fellow to play against. He was named to seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during that time. Dave accounted for 14 interceptions and 12 recovered fumbles during his 11-year stint in San Francisco. Dave was both tough and durable, missing only one game in his career.
8. Terrell Owens
While Terrell might throw his QB under the bus off the field, he was a big help to him on the field. Owens spent eight years with the 49ers and ran up a stat line of 592 receptions for 8572 yards and 81 TDs. Owens was named to four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams while in San Francisco. In 2001 Owens led the NFL in TD catches with 16. The following season he also led the league in TD catches, this time with 13. Owens had four seasons with 10 or more TD catches while with the 49ers.
7. Jimmy Johnson
Jimmy had a long run in the 49ers’ defensive backfield, mostly at defensive left cornerback. Johnson started his 49ers career in 1961, and it ran through the 1976 season. Johnson picked off 47 passes during his career and was named to five Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Jimmy ranks as the best corner on the 49ers from 1965 on.
6. Frank Gore
Frank was an amazingly durable and productive running back. He spent 10 seasons with the 49ers and gained over 1000 yards in eight of those seasons. In all Gore gained 11,073 yards with the 49ers. Frank was named to the Pro Bowl five times. Gore rushed for 80 TDs and caught passes for another nine TDs for the Niners. After leaving the 49ers, Gore went on to be productive with the Colts and Dolphins.
5. Roger Craig
Roger had a distinct running style characterized by high knee action. Craig was excellent as a runner or pass receiver. Roger spent eight seasons with the 49ers and went over 1000 yards rushing four times. In 1985 Craig led the NFL with 92 receptions. In 1988 Roger had a combined 2036 yards rushing and receiving which led the NFL. Craig was a four-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. He was also named the 1988 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Craig gets bonus points for being on three Super Bowl winners.
4. Steve Young
Steve did a great job in following a legend as the 49ers QB, establishing his own identity. Young spent 13 seasons with the 49ers and wound up with a record of 91–33. Steve led the NFL in completion percentage five times and TD passes four times. Six times Steve had the NFL’s highest passer rating. Steve was named to seven Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. Young was the NFL’s MVP in 1992 and 1994. Steve was also the Super Bowl MVP of the 1994 season. He was also on Pro Football Reference’s All 90s first team.
3. Ronnie Lott
Ronnie was one of the greatest safeties in the history of the NFL. Lott spent 10 seasons with the 49ers and was named to nine Pro Bowls. He was also named to the All-Pro team five times while in San Francisco. Lott was both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Reference all 80s first-team choice. As for statistics, Lott led the NFL in interceptions with 10 in 1986. He had a total of 51 with the 49ers. Lott returned five of them for TDs. He also forced eight fumbles and recovered 12. Ronnie was an integral part of four Super Bowl winners.
2. Joe Montana
Sometimes it’s not what you do, it’s when you do it. Montana did his best work at the most important time. That is the characteristic that helped Montana QB the 49ers to four Super Bowl wins. He was the Super Bowl MVP in two of those wins. In all, Joe played 13 seasons in San Francisco. In five of those seasons, he led the NFL in completion percentage. Until Tom Brady won his last Super Bowl, Montana was in the argument for the best QB in NFL history. He would still be in just about every Top 5 list now. “Joe Cool” seems to be the appropriate nickname for Montana.
1. Jerry Rice
Jerry was simply the best receiver in NFL history. In 16 seasons in San Francisco, Jerry caught 1281 passes for 19,247 yards and 176 TDs. Jerry was named to 12 Pro Bowls and 10 All-Pro teams. Jerry led the NFL in TD receptions six times and in receiving yardage six times. Twice Rice led the NFL in receptions. In 1987 Jerry was the NFL’s MVP. He was the 1988 Super Bowl MVP. In 1993 Jerry was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. He was also on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s first team All 80s. In addition, he was also on their All 90s team, as well as Pro Football Reference’s All 90s First team. Jerry is pretty much everybody’s choice as the NFL’s greatest receiver.
