Ranking the 18 greatest 49ers players ever, from George Kittle to Jerry Rice

The San Francisco 49ers have won five Super Bowls as part of their rich tradition of success as an NFL franchise. So, there is no shortage of superstar players who have contributed to those big wins over their many years.

Quarterback, wide receiver and other offensive positions have been the team’s signature for more than half a century, ever since the late Bill Walsh took over as coach and flipped the 49ers into their first dynasty.

The Sporting News ranks the 18 best players in 49ers history, from an early star running back to the NFL’s GOAT wide receiver.

Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player’s strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.

MORE: Who is on the Mount Rushmore of Bay Area sports?

18. Joe Perry (1948-1960)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 2-time NFL rushing yards leader, 1-time NFL rushing TDs leader

Why he made SN’s list: The Hall of Fame running back was the league’s best player during his MVP campaign of 1954. Joe Perry was an undrafted steal in 1948 out of tiny Compton College, helping the franchise make a successful transition from the AAFC (All-American Football Conference) to the NL.

Place in 49ers history: Perry is the second-leading franchise rusher behind only Frank Gore with 8,689 yards and is first in rushing TDs (68), ahead of Gore. Before Aerosmith was rocking, this Joe Perry rolled through the NFL at a time when the running game was king.

MORE: Ranking the 18 greatest Cowboys players of all time

17. Trent Williams (2020-active)

Accolades: 5 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN’s list: Trent Williams was a strong left tackle with Washington before injury and contract issues hit for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2010 draft. He transcended into a future Hall of Famer in the blocking scheme of Kyle Shanahan, seeming to become more elite in his mid 30s. He has been an essential part of making one of the league’s best offenses explode.

Place in 49ers history: Williams came to the 49ers late in his career and has exceeded all expectations with his massive impact in a short time, enough to land him on this list.

MORE: How Trent Williams overcame cancer scare to make Super Bowl run

16. Randy Cross (1976-1988)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN’s list: Randy Cross was a consistent interior blocking force at guard and center for Bill Walsh’s offense, helping to protect Joe Montana and open running lanes for Roger Craig and others. 

Place in 49ers history: Cross has some top credentials as part of the 49ers’ Super Bowl dynasty, even though it’s kept him short of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s a good representation of the kind of cerebral and smooth executing team San Francisco was with Walsh.

MORE: Ranking the 19 greatest Steelers players of all time

15. NaVorro Bowman (2010-2017)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL solo and combined tackles leader

Why he made SN’s list: NaVorro Bowman was a third-round gem from Linebacker U., Penn State, in 2010 and thrived playing inside linebacker for Vic Fangio during the 49ers’ winning ways under Jim Harbaugh. Bowman was the ideal tough Harbaugh defensive lieutenant, delivering with his rangy, prolific tackling and immense quickness as a pass rusher and cover man.

Place in 49ers history: Bowman tag-teamed with Patrick Willis for great defensive success on the second level and sometimes was overshadowed by his fellow speedy playmaker, but he emerged as one of the best on-field leaders and clutch players to ever wear Scarlet and Gold.

MORE: Four-time All-Pro NaVorro Bowman retires as a 49er

14. Dwight Clark (1979-1987)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, one-time NFL receptions leader, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN’s list: Dwight Clark, who sadly died from complications from ALS at only 61 in 2018, has been immortalized for “The Catch”, one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. That clutch winning touchdown reception from Joe Montana to beat the Cowboys in the 1981 NFC championship game was a prime example of Clark’s route-running reliability and hands in the biggest moments. 

Place in 49ers history: Clark put up some prime numbers in his time ahead of Jerry Rice coming into the league and taking off to whole other level with Montana. Clark will be forever be loved for being Montana’s first key go-to guy.

MORE: TSN archives — ‘The Catch’ dooms Dallas, listf 49ers in 1981 NFC Championship

13. Joe Staley (2007-2019)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls

Why he made SN’s list: Joe Staley was a sturdy, classic decade-long pass-protecting left tackle, the paradigm of toughness and athleticism ideal for both the Jim Harbaugh and Kyle Shanahan blocking eras. He helped a variety of quarterbacks and running backs shine as a consistent rock.

Place in 49ers history: Staley fell just short of earning a Super Bowl ring with two very different San Francisco offenses. He was an emotional leader on top of his critical blocking contributions, living up to expectations as a 2007 first-rounder from Central Michigan.

MORE: Ranking the 17 greatest Packers players of all time

12. George Kittle (2017-active)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN’s list: George Kittle has battled hard since he was a fifth-round pick in 2017, becoming a key receiver in the Kyle Shanahan offensive era as one of the league’s best field-stretching tight ends. At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, he has dominated with his size, strength, speed and athleticism. He also has a larger than life personality that makes him a face of the franchise with his work on and off the field.

Place in 49ers history: Kittle keeps climbing with his place in San Francisco lore, with only a Super Bowl ring missing from his legacy and impact. He still has some time left to boost his future Hall of Fame credentials as the go-to guy for Brock Purdy.

MORE: George Kittle plans to leave NFL for WWE when ‘it hurts to put pants on in the morning’

11. Frank Gore (2005-2014)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls

Why he made SN’s list: Frank Gore fell to the third round of the 2005 draft because of a key knee injury, despite his illustrious college career at Miami. The 49ers, once healthy, saw a durable compact, explosive and versatile runner (5-foot-9, 212 pounds). He ended up being the franchise’s leading rusher with 11,073 yards 

Place in 49ers history: Gore did play for four other teams and ended up playing more games (241) than any other running back in NFL history, paving his path to the Hall of Fame. But he definitely had his heart and soul in San Francisco, and the fans have mutual love and respect for his tough production.

MORE: Examining Frank Gore’s place in NFL history

10. Fred Warner (2018-active)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN’s list: Fred Warner emerged as the best playmaking middle linebacker in the NFL not too long into his career as a third-round pick out of BYU. He is known for getting everywhere on the field vs. both the run and pass and for his exceptional coverage ability.

Place in 49ers history: Warner has built momentum in recent seasons to be recognized this high among the franchise’s most transcendent and impactful defenders. With a few more big years of stuffing the stat sheet, he can stamp a path to the Hall of Fame.

MORE: Ranking the 18 greatest Patriots players of all time

9. Jimmy Johnson (1961-1976)

Accolades: 16 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN’s list: The long-tenured Hall of Fame cornerback is second on the team with 47 interceptions, behind only Ronnie Lott, and has played more games than other 49ers defensive player, second overall to only Jerry Rice. Jimmy Johnson was a terrific cover corner who had a knack for making a lot of big plays on the ball.

Place in 49ers history: Johnson’s longevity and production in a time where the 49ers weren’t racking up Super Bowls might be overlooked by many, but his level of play in his prime puts him in the top 10, just a few spots behind Lott.

MORE: Ranking the 16 greatest Chiefs players of all time

8. Terrell Owens (1996-2003)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL receiving TDs leader

Why he made SN’s list: Terrell Owens, with 8,572 receiving yards and 81 TDs during his relatively short time in San Francisco, is second in franchise history only to Jerry Rice. T.O. was the next great one to take the torch from Rice before he became a mercurial marquee-team target for NFC rivals in Philadelphia and Dallas.

Place in 49ers history: There’s no doubt Owens built his reputation as an elite, hard-to-cover downfield and route-running receiver with the 49ers, as the 6-foot-3, 224-pound third-round pick from Chattanooga chugged past defenders with his rare combination of size and speed. He was just too good as a 49er to not crack the top 10.

MORE: Did Terrell Owens play basketball? Revisiting NFL legend’s career at Chattanooga

7. Bryant Young (1994-2007)

Accolades: 14 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, one-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, one-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN’s list: Bryant Young, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle drafted No. 7 overall out of Notre Dame, was a disruptive interior linchpin for many top defenses. He is the all-time 49ers leader with 89.5 sacks.

Place in 49ers history: Young was a dominant player for several seasons and was one of the league’s most feared inside disruptors. He was consistent and durable with his production vs. run and pass, proving to be one of the steadiest 49ers ever.

MORE: Bryant Young gives emotional tribute to late son Colby in Hall of Fame speech

6. Roger Craig (1983-1990)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL receptions leader, 1-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 3-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN’s list: Roger Craig was the ultimate versatile scrimmage weapon for late coach Bill Walsh’s innovative rhythm-passing West Coast offense. He was an adept, elusive runner but even more dangerous as an open-field receiver when getting short accurate passes from Joe Montana. He was a trend-setter as many backs have followed his receiving-first lead in future seasons, including Christian McCaffrey.

Place in 49ers history: Craig was a key cog for Montana playing off Jerry Rice, Dwight Clark and others. He was complemented well by the power of fullback Tom Rathman, allowing Craig to maximize his quickness and athleticism behind the 49ers’ blocking. He ranks No. 4 among 49ers in career receptions and third in both rushing yards and TDs.

MORE: Ranking the 17 greatest Eagles players of all time

5. Patrick Willis (2007-2014)

Accolades: 8 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 2-time NFL tackles leader

Why he made SN’s list: Patrick Willis was a wire-to-wire, sideline-to-sideline, playmaking superstar inside linebacker for the 49ers, sharing much of his time wreaking havoc with NaVorro Bowman. Willis was known for his great speed and sure, prolific tackling coming out of Ole Miss as the No. 11 overall draft pick.

Place in 49ers history: Willis retired before he was 30 and hadn’t had any dropoff in his game. With his fast and furious playing style, he gave the 49ers all that he had defensively, always playing on a higher level in defensive schemes catered to his quick and active skill set.

MORE: Why 49ers linebacker unexpectedly retired in his prim after 8-year career

4. Steve Young (1987-1999)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL MVP, 6-time NFL passer rating leader, 5-time NFL completion percentage leader, 4-time NFL passing TDs leader, 1-time NFL offensive player of the year, 3-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time Super Bowl MVP

Why he made SN’s list: Steve Young came to the 49ers as a 26-year-old backup quarterback to Joe Montana after his stints in the USFL and with the Buccaneers. He turned out to be a super-sub when Montana was hurt and took the reins as an MVP and Super Bowl star in his own right with his left arm, adding the element of elite athleticism to his accurate, even more prolific rhythm passing. He ensured the 49ers would have the rare back-to-back Hall of Famers at QB.

Place in 49ers history: Young gave the 49ers a smooth transition from Montana and helped them add their fifth Super Bowl ring on delay, helping to add a hiccup to the Cowboys’ 1990s Super Bowl dynasty. He built on what Montana did for ushering in a pass-happier era.

MORE: Revisiting San Francisco’s 1995 Super Bowl victory

3. Ronnie Lott (1981-1990)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 7-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL interceptions leader, 1-time NFL combined tackles leader, 4-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN’s list: The 49ers took Ronnie Lott, a Hall of Famer cornerback and later safety, with the No. 8 overall pick out of USC knowing he was a hard-nosed big winner and team leader for the Trojans. He turned out to be their ultimate defensive weapon, the all-time franchise leader in interceptions (51) and was also a respected hard-hitter who could intimidate and smack around receivers before and after the catch. His toughness became legend when he once chose to have part of his left pinkie amputated rather than missing time for his team.

Place in 49ers history: Lott is the unquestioned best and most impactful defensive player for the 49ers, the secondary centerpiece of their Super Bowl dynasty. He deserved to share the marquee most with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice.

MORE: Ranking the 15 greatest Bills players of all time

2. Joe Montana (1979-1992)

Accolades: 14 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Co-Comeback Player of the Year, 2-time NFL MVP, 1-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 5-time NFL completion percentage leader, 2-time NFL passer rating leader, 2-time NFL passing TD leader, 4-time Super Bowl champion, 3-time Super Bowl MVP

Why he made SN’s list: Joe Montana still has a case for GOAT QB despite the fact his numbers and Super Bowl glory is starting to pale a little in comparison to Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. He played in a different era, however, as the league was less pass-happy with defense and running games being more of a focal point.  San Francisco was looking for a complementary clutch quarterback who could stay cool throughout the playoffs in the most critical moments of close games, and Montana was that QB to a tee. He was the ultimate system QB in the most innovative system of his day under West Coast architect Bill Walsh.

Place in 49ers history: Montana went 4-0 in Super Bowls without throwing an interception in those games. He came up with many game-winning drives and fourth-quarter comebacks. He did it with style and bravado, never seeming rattled. In an era of loaded teams, he made sure the 49ers had the most success.

MORE: How good was Joe Montana? Super Bowl rings, stats and more to know about 49ers legend

1. Jerry Rice (1985-2000)

Accolades: 16 seasons, 12 Pro Bowls, 10-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 6-time NFL receiving TDs leader, 6-time NFL receiving yards leader, 2-time NFL receptions leader, 1-time NFL scoring leader, 3-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time Super Bowl MVP

Why he made SN’s list: Jerry Rice’s 49ers career put him on the path to have the most receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and receiving TDs (197) in the league, records that will be very difficult for future Hall of Fame prolific pass-catchers to break. He was a smooth, quick route-running steal as the No. 16 overall pick out of Mississippi Valley State. He took over games getting open for Joe Montana and Steve Young and was known for his work ethic to stay fit well past his prime.

Place in 49ers history: Rice has the records, but he also conjures up plenty of fond memories for his downright dominance as a wide receiver, taking full advantage of the passing boom to become a 49ers legend, with a personality that lit up both on and off the field to boot.

MORE: Deion Sanders vs. Jerry Rice: Revisiting the epic NFL rivalry between 1990s legends