Football History

The San Francisco 49ers, a franchise renowned for its storied history and remarkable success, have established a legacy defined by legendary players and unforgettable achievements. Central to this legacy are the retired jersey numbers that honor some of the greatest athletes to have ever donned the red and gold. Each retired number represents more than just a player; it embodies a pivotal chapter in the 49ers' rich history, reflecting the skill, leadership, and dedication that have driven the team’s success.

In this series of posts, we will explore the significance of each retired jersey number for the San Francisco 49ers, celebrating the extraordinary individuals who have made an indelible impact on the franchise. From the groundbreaking quarterbacks who led the team to Super Bowl victories to the fierce defenders who anchored the defense, these numbers commemorate the players whose contributions have shaped the 49ers' legacy.

We will delve into the careers and accomplishments of these iconic figures, providing a comprehensive look at their key moments and how they influenced the team and the NFL as a whole. By highlighting their achievements and contributions, this series aims to offer a deeper appreciation for the players who have left an enduring mark on the 49ers' history.

Join us as we honor the heroes of San Francisco 49ers' past through the numbers that have become symbols of greatness. Each post will shed light on the storied careers and lasting impact of the players whose jerseys have been retired, celebrating their role in shaping one of the NFL’s most successful and storied franchises.

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Miami anymore:

-Jersey Number 8
Steve Young 1987–1999

-Jersey Number 12
John Brodie 1957–1973

-Jersey Number 16
Joe Montana 1979–1992

-Jersey Number 34
Joe Perry 1948–1960

-Jersey Number 37
Jimmy Johnson 1961–1976

-Jersey Number 39
Hugh McElhenny 1952–1960

-Jersey Number 42
Ronnie Lott 1981–1990

-Jersey Number 70
Charlie Krueger 1959–1973

-Jersey Number 73
Leo Nomellini 1950–1963

-Jersey Number 79
Bob St. Clair 1953–1963

-Jersey Number 80
Jerry Rice 1985–2000

-Jersey Number 87
Dwight Clark 1979–1987

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What NFL franchise(s) has/have the most retired jersey numbers? The Chicago Bears and the New York Giants each lead the league with 14 different numbers retired. They have to duplicate when 90-man rosters are in effect.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

Sid Luckman wasn't born into football royalty. He emerged from the gritty streets of Brooklyn, his youth shadowed by the rumble of flour trucks and the whispers of the infamous Murder Inc. Yet, on the gridiron, he morphed into an aerial assassin, rewriting the game's playbook and carving his name as one of the most influential quarterbacks ever.

Luckman's rise was anything but conventional. He embraced the nascent T-formation, a complex offensive system dismissed by many as a passing fad. But in Sid's hands, the T's intricate geometry became a ballet of leather and sweat. His lightning-fast release and pinpoint accuracy shredded defenses, making him the first quarterback to eclipse 28 touchdowns in a season. He was a magician behind center, conjuring touchdowns from thin air with audacious throws and uncanny anticipation.

His impact transcended personal glory. Luckman's success with the T-formation ignited a league-wide revolution. Teams scrambled to adopt the system, turning the once-ground-bound NFL into a showcase of aerial acrobatics. Sid wasn't just racking up yardage; he was redefining the sport, paving the way for future legends like Sammy Baugh and revolutionizing the quarterback position.

Beyond stats and wins, Luckman exuded charisma. His sharp wit and unwavering confidence earned him the nickname "The Playmaker." He possessed the swagger of a gunslinger, a gunslinger who knew exactly when to draw and when to bluff. He inspired his teammates, instilled fear in opponents, and captivated audiences with his audacity and showmanship.

Sid's career, however, wasn't without hiccups. Injuries and a tense relationship with Bears management marred his later years, leading to his departure to the New York Yankees. His post-Chicago stint lacked the same luster, but his footprint on the game remained unshakeable.

When Luckman finally hung up his cleats, he left behind a legacy unlike any other. He wasn't just a champion; he was a pioneer, a magician with a slingshot, a man who rewrote the rules of football and forever etched his name in the pantheon of gridiron greats.

Born April 9, 1898, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Curly Lambeau. Lambeau, along with his friend and fellow Green Bay, Wisconsin native George Whitney Calhoun, founded the Green Bay Packers in 1919, serving as team captain in the team's first year before becoming player-coach in 1920.

Curly was the star player of the Packers in the 1920s, as Curly was the team's primary runner and passer, accounting for 35 touchdowns in 77 games. He won his only NFL championship as a player in 1929.

As a coach from 1920 through the 1949 season, he was rivaled by only George Halas in wins and longevity ( and later Bill Belichick.) Lambeau also coached eight players who went on to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most storied franchises, have a rich history marked by legendary players.

The Bears' commitment to honoring their players is a testament to their greatness. The relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jerseys is a symbol of the team's respect and appreciation for the contributions of these players. These numbers are more than just digits; they symbolize an era of dominance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the game.

From the gridiron's early days to the modern era, the Bears have produced a roster of Hall of Famers whose impact on the franchise is immeasurable. Their jerseys, permanently removed from circulation, serve as a constant reminder of the team's illustrious past and the high standards set by these iconic figures.  

The Bears' retired numbers are a treasure trove of football lore, each a chapter in the team's captivating history. These jerseys represent the pinnacle of achievement in the NFL and the enduring impact of the players who earned this ultimate honor. Whether it's the bruising power of Walter Payton, the defensive genius of Mike Singletary, or the legendary coaching of George Halas, their influence on the Chicago Bears and the sport as a whole is undeniable.

-Jersey Number 3
Bronko Nagurski 1930–1937, 1943

-Jersey Number 5
George McAfee 1940–1941, 1945–1950

-Jersey Number 7
George Halas 1920- 1928

-Jersey Number 28
Willie Galimore 1957 -1963

-Jersey Number 34
Walter Payton 1975–1987

-Jersey Number 40
Gale Sayers 1965–1971

-Jersey Number 41
Brian Piccolo 1965–1969

-Jersey Number 42
Sid Luckman 1939–1950

-Jersey Number 51
Dick Butkus 1965–1973

-Jersey Number 56
Bill Hewitt 1932–1936

-Jersey Number 61
Bill George 1952–1965

-Jersey Number 66
Bulldog Turner 1940–1952

-Jersey Number 77
Red Grange 1925–1934

-Jersey Number 89
Mike Ditka 1961-1966

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-Who is the most famous player that wore the jersey number 26 in NFL history? As you can see from our post above, there is plenty to choose from, but we will narrow it down to two great DBs, Herb Adderly of the Packers and Rod Woodson, best known for his time as a Steeler, both wore the number 26. You can learn more about this legend in our post about him here: Herb Adderly and Rod Woodson.

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What are some of the most unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were once a fad. Check out this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.