The San Francisco 49ers Mount Rushmore
Photo Credit: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most winningest franchises in the NFL, with a rich history full of super bowls, hall of fame players, and fantastic coaching; and as they get ready for their 8th Super Bowl appearance in a few weeks, we thought it would be fun to go over some of the greatest players to ever don the gold and red. Who would make each team’s Mount Rushmore of all-time players is a popular debate amongst fans all over the world, and with a team with as many legendary former players as the 49ers, some great players are bound to get left out. So today we’re going to break down who makes the all-time San Francisco 49ers Mount Rushmore and why, and then list some honorable mentions below.
Jerry Rice: Wide Receiver (1985-2000)
Photo Credit: Stack.com
One of the greatest football players of all time and the leader in nearly every receiving category, Jerry Rice was truly one of a kind. Rice had 12 1,000+ yard seasons for the 49ers, as well as making 12 pro bowls, 9 first team all-pro selections, winning 3 super bowls winning the MVP in of them, and was a first-ballot Hall of Famer. When it comes to resumes for receivers careers, there is no one close to Rice, not to mention his unmatched longevity at the position, playing 16 years in San Francisco.
Joe Montana: Quarterback (1979-1992)
Photo Credit: Millions.co
“Joe Cool” as he was affectionately known by 49ers fans, was the definition of a winner, and is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Montana went 4-0 in super bowls for the 49ers, and won Super Bowl MVP in 3 of them. Besides his unbelievable playoff success, Montana was extremely productive in the regular season, winning two MVPs, making 7 pro bowls, and 5 all-pro teams. Montana’s resume in terms of both winning and production makes him not only one of the greatest 49ers of all time, but one of the greatest quarterbacks and players of all time as well.
Steve Young: Quarterback (1987-1999)
Photo Credit: CBS Sports
The 49ers had the rare luck of having one hall of fame quarterback immediately follow the other, with Steve Young taking over the starting job in San Francisco in 1991. Despite having a relatively shorter career as a starter, Young made the most of it, winning a Super Bowl, a Super Bowl MVP, 2 MVPs, making six pro bowls, and six all-pro teams. Young was renowned for being extremely efficient with the ball in his hands, leading the league multiple times in passer rating, completion percentage, and interception percentage. Given how much Young was able to accomplish with only 9 years as a starter in San Francisco, he rightfully earned his spot on the 49ers Mount Rushmore.
Ronnie Lott: Safety/Cornerback (1981-1990)
Photo Credit: Micky Pfleger, Getty Images
One of the best defensive players of all time, who was known for both his ability and his ferocity, Ronnie Lott anchored some stellar defensive units for the 1980s 49ers. Lott was incredibly consistent and driven to succeed, with his determination becoming something of a legend when he decided to have part of his finger amputated during a game so he could go back in to finish the game. During Lott’s time as a 49er, he won 4 super bowls, made 9 pro bowls, and 6 all-pro teams, but what may be most impressive is that he was an all-pro player at 3 different positions, playing cornerback, free safety, and strong safety. With his versatility, talent, and tenacity, Lott is considered by many to be a top 5-10 defensive player of all time.
Honorable Mentions
Terrell Owens: Wide Receiver (1996-2003)
Patrick Willis: Linebacker (2007-2014)
Bryant Young: Defensive Tackle (1994-2007)
Charles Haley: Outside Linebacker (1986-1991, 1998-1999)
Frank Gore: Running Back (2005-2014)
