If you were to name the best four backs in the history of the San Francisco 49ers to represent the organization, which backs would you choose? Universally, Frank Gore is the best guy. The team’s all-time leader is still productive in the NFL, although he is closer to 40 than he is 30. In ten seasons with San Francisco, Gore has rushed for more than 1,000 meters in eight of these seasons. Ultra productive, reliable and without doubt the best vision of all running backs of this generation, Gore is an easy selection.
After Gore is when the real debates begin, Hugh McElhenny is a Hall of Famer after spending nine seasons with the 49ers in the 1950s. Joe “The Jet” Perry was a member of the “Million Dollar Backfield” which included McElhenny. Perry is the second biggest rusher of all time for the Niners and averages 5.2 meters per hit. Perry was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
The next rusher leader in franchise history is a guy named Roger Craig, who played for San Francisco from 1983 to 1990. Craig scored 50 touchdowns, more than 7,000 yards and more than 4,400 receiving yards. Craig also made four Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team and was the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.
Garrison Hearst has to make the list, right? Nostalgia is on Hearst’s side because he had the famous 96-yard overtime touchdown against the Jets. Hearst was however a very good player. He ran more than 5,500 yards with the 49ers. Hearst was a fun player and made the game exciting, so he would get my vote.
Here’s a fun fact: Steve Young is ninth in franchise history to rush yards.
You have a few other notable names like Kevan Barlow, Ricky Watters or Ken Williard. Who belongs to the Niners Mount Rushmore?
