By Darin 
Standing a massive 6-foot-9 in an era of smaller frames, Bob St. Clair was more than just a physical marvel; he was a psychological force. Known as “The Geek” for his intimidating habit of eating raw meat, St. Clair anchored the San Francisco 49ers’ line during the 1950s with a ferocity that few could match. From playing high school, college, and professional ball all in the same stadium to blocking ten field goals in a single season, his career is a collection of some of the most unique and dominant feats in gridiron history. Dive into the story of the man who literally “grew” into a Hall of Fame giant.
Football Bio
February 18, 1931 – San Francisco, California – Bob St. Clair was an outstanding tackle from the University of Tulsa. The 6’-9” 273-pound giant of a man found himself as the third round pick of his hometown 49ers in the 1953 NFL Draft, per the ProFootballHOF.com. Bob played 11 seasons in San Francisco, was named first- or second-team All-NFL nine times, and was selected to play in five Pro Bowls. Bob St. Clair happily admired his bronze bust in 1990 when the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined him in their museum.
Conclusion
Bob St. Clair’s legacy is inextricably tied to the city of San Francisco. He holds the incredible distinction of having played nearly every home game of his high school, college (USF), and professional career at Kezar Stadium—a feat of local loyalty that may never be repeated. Beyond his 119 games for the 49ers, St. Clair was a community leader, serving as the mayor of Daly City while still an active player. His combination of size, agility, and a “genuine love of hitting” made him the premier protector for the “Million Dollar Backfield.” When the 49ers retired his #79, they didn’t just retire a jersey; they retired a piece of San Francisco sports history.
Verified Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1990.
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team.
- 9× All-Pro Selection: 5× First-team (1955, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1961); 4× Second-team (1953, 1954, 1962, 1963).
- 5× Pro Bowl Selection: (1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961).
- Special Teams Ace: Blocked 19 field goals in his career, including a record-setting 10 blocked field goals in 1956 alone.
- University of San Francisco Legend: Member of the 1951 “Undefeated, Untied, and Uninvited” team.
- San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame: Inducted in the inaugural class.
- Retired Number: 49ers jersey #79 retired in 2001.
- Stadium Honor: The field at Kezar Stadium was renamed “Bob St. Clair Field” in 2001.
