Football History

Born January 22, 1927, in Stevens, Arkansas, was Joe “ The Jet” Perry of Compton Junior College. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Joe put his relatively small school, Compton Junior College, on the map when he registered 22 touchdowns in a single season! However, these feats didn’t attract the pro football scouts, and Perry ended up being found by the professional game in a fascinating tale told by ProFootballHOF.com. Before the Jet completed his college football career, Uncle Sam called him to enter into military service for his country. At some point after his initial training, Joe was playing football for the Alameda, California Naval Training Station team when one of the San Francisco 49ers of the new All-America Football Conference players saw him in action. This Niners player reported this information to the 49ers’ brass, who offered Joe Perry a contract. Perry accepted their proposal in 1948 when he was complete with his obligations. In 1969 Joe Perry was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

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The San Francisco 49ers are one of those franchises that have had success and incredible talent on its roster throughout generations. Here is a list of the Niners Playmakers that have had the most starts for the franchise.

Jerry Rice 224 Starts at WR (1986 - 2000)
John Brodie 158 starts at QB (1957-73)
Joe Montana 139 starts at SF QB (1979-92)
Steve Young, 124 games started at SF QB (1987-99)

Born May 8, 1959, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was Ronnie Lott who was Southern California’s coveted Defensive Back in the seasons of 1977 to 1980. The National Football Foundation tells us that Ronnie was one of the hardest hitting players in college football, not just in the defensive backs group, but one of the most feared tacklers regardless of position. But Lott's hitting ability does not totally define his collegiate prowess. Ronnie was also an adept pass defender who intercepted eight passes to lead the nation in this category during his senior season. As a sophomore he was part of the 1978 USC National Championship team. The following year, the Trojans were undefeated and ranked second nationally. Overall, these Coach John Robinson-led teams put together a 28-game unbeaten streak. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Ronnie Lott into their legendary museum in 2002. The San Francisco 49ers used their first round selection in the 1981 NFL Draft to bring Lott to their franchise. As a Rookie the versatile player was moved from his college position of safety to play left cornerback for the Niners according to ProFootballHOF.com. During his remarkable career he earned All-NFL honors at three different positions; corner, free safety and strong safety as his position flexibility allowed his coaches to use him in a variety of schemes. He was productive too as Ronnie recorded 100 tackles in five different seasons of his 14 year career and led the League in interceptions twice! Lott was the defensive centerpiece in four Super Bowl wins for San Fran and his 63 career interceptions with 5 pick sixes show what a ball hawk he was in addition to his punishing style of play scaring receivers, backs and QBs all at the same time. In 2000 Ronnie Lott  was enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. NFL Jersey 42

Born November 30, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, was Pro Football hall of Fame Coach Bill Walsh. Coach Walsh served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and the Stanford Cardinal, during which time he popularized the West Coast offense. Bill built what many consider a football dynasty with the Niners as durin ghis NFL career he went 102–63–1 with the 49ers, winning 10 of his 14 postseason games along with six division titles, three NFC Championship titles, and three Super Bowls. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1984. In 1993, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Michael Lombardi began his NFL career in 1984 as an area scout for the San Francisco 49ers. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by 1987, he was working with Al Davis in Oakland as their general manager.. He later became the Cleveland Browns' Director of Player Personnel. In this role, he worked closely with head coach Bill Belichick to build one of the most dominant teams in the NFL during the early 1990s.

He then spent two years with the Philadelphia Eagles as their Vice President of Player Personnel before joining the new Browns and then later being reunited with Belichick in New England .

Lombardi left the Patriots after the 2017 season to join the NFL Network as an analyst. He has also worked for CBS Sports and Showtime as an analyst, and he has written extensively about football for various publications, including Sports Illustrated and NFL.com.

Lombardi is a respected voice in the NFL world, and he is known for his sharp analysis and his deep knowledge of the game. He is also a three-time Super Bowl champion, and he played a key role in building two of the most successful teams in NFL history.

Born August 14, 1935, in Menlo Park, California, was John Brodie who was a quarterback that played for Stanford University. The passer's great play there earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brodie went on to play professionally for 17 seasons at the helm of the San Francisco 49ers. There were multiple years where he led the NFL in both passing and touchdown throws and he played in two Pro Bowls and was the 1970 NFL MVP. This talented fella even had a second career as a Senior PGA Tour professional golfer and was a television broadcaster for both sports.

Born July 9, 1947 - San Francisco, California - O. J. Simpson the legendary Southern California running Back of the seasons of 1967 and 1968. O.J. Simpson Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back that played for the Buffalo Bills.

Simpson held the NFL single season rushing record of 2003 yards until Eric Dickerson broke that record a few decades later. Known as "the Juice" he played college ball at USC. According to the National Football Foundation, in 1968, O.J. carried the ball 355 times for 1709 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading USC to a 9-0-1 regular season record, equalling or bettering a long list of USC records. Again, he was named to scores of All-America first teams and was granted 21 awards, including Rose Bowl MVP, the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.After winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 the College Football Hall of Fame inducted them into their museum in 1983's class.

Juice went into broadcasting and even acting after his NFL career was over.

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.

The San Francisco 49ers aren't just a football team; they're an integral part of the Bay Area's cultural fabric. Their name, a nod to the miners of the 1849 Gold Rush, evokes a spirit of grit and determination that has defined their 80-year journey.

From their humble beginnings in the All-America Football Conference in 1946, the 49ers quickly established themselves as contenders. They joined the NFL in 1950 and tasted their first playoff success in 1970. But it was the arrival of Coach Bill Walsh and quarterback Joe Montana in the 1980s that truly ignited the dynasty.

The "West Coast Offense" revolutionized the game, emphasizing precision passing and timing over brute force. Montana, with his laser-sharp throws and ice-cold veins, became the maestro of the system, leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories in the decade: 1981, 1984, 1985, and 1989.

Following Montana's retirement, Steve Young stepped in, ushering in a new era of dominance. Under the guidance of Coach George Seifert, the 49ers added two more Super Bowl titles to their trophy case in 1990 and 1994.

More recent years have brought challenges, but the 49ers' fighting spirit remains. The rise of quarterback Brock Purdy in 2023 injected hope into the team and the Bay Area faithful. Whether they're battling for another Super Bowl or fighting through a tough season, the 49ers continue to embody the resilience and passion that are synonymous with San Francisco.

Beyond their on-field achievements, the 49ers have left a lasting legacy on the city's cultural landscape. Candlestick Park, their former home, was a landmark, hosting not just football games but concerts and cultural events. Their current home, Levi's Stadium, continues to be a vibrant hub for Bay Area sports and entertainment.

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Born June 11, 1956, was Joe Montana, the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback that played for the San Francisco 49ers & the Kansas City Chiefs. Joe hails from Notre Dame where he was the signal caller and guided the Irish to be National Champions in 1977.

He earned the nickname, the "Come Back Kid" in the following year when he played in a frigid temperature Cotton Bowl. The QB was suffering from hypothermia at halftime and he stayed in the locker room being fed chicken soup and warm I.V.s. When he returned in the second half his team trailed 34-12 to the University of Houston when Montana guided the rally for a ND 35-34 win. The Pro Football Hall of Fame states that his uncanny ability to bring a team back from apparent defeat was so common that it simply became referred to as “Montana Magic.” A true student of the game, Montana won the NFL’s passing title in both 1987 and 1989. He topped the NFC in passing five times (1981, 1984, 1985, 1987, and 1989).

Joe threw for more than 300 yards in a game 39 different times in his career and 7 of those had yardage over 400 yards too. His six 300-yard passing performances in the post-season are an NFL record. He also owns the career playoff record for attempts, completions, touchdowns, and yards gained passing. In the NFL he became known as Joe Cool where he guided the 49ers to 4 Super Bowl victories under Bill Walsh. His amazing 15 seasons included 40,551 passing yards as he also earned a spot in 8 Pro Bowls.