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49ers: 5 Worst Free-Agent Losses in Franchise History

By James LeBreton

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former players Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice laugh on the sideline during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former players Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice laugh on the sideline during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 6, 2016; Canton, OH, USA; Former San Fransisco players (L to R) Charley Haley and Steve Young and Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice and Joe Montana pose with former owner Edward De Bartolo Jr. (third from R) during the 2016 NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2016; Canton, OH, USA; Former San Fransisco players (L to R) Charley Haley and Steve Young and Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice and Joe Montana pose with former owner Edward De Bartolo Jr. (third from R) during the 2016 NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott is by far the most feared defender in NFL history. It’s been twenty years since his retirement and he’s still considered the defensive standard for excellence.

In college he was a National Champion and an All-American. He’s played all over the secondary at the cornerback position and both safety spots.

During his fourteen year career he certainly knew how to collect the hardware. He was selected to ten Pro Bowls, is an eight time All-Pro and has made two All-Decade teams. He won four Super Bowls, led the league in interceptions twice and made the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team.

On the field he was the strong silent type, but when he hit you the stadium shook. Ronnie’s level of play was the epitome of dominance. His 63 career interceptions are good enough for eighth on the all-time list, and his contributions were far from limited as he also saw action as a kick returner.

Although his on-field accomplishments were off the charts, his two most prestigious awards happened following his retirement. In the year 2000, he was inducted into the Pro football Hall of Fame, and in 2003 his number 42 was retired at Candlestick Park.

Ronnie is one of five members to play on all four Super Bowl teams that earned the honor of “Team of the 80’s.” He’s not only a dominant face of the franchise, he’s one of the most decorated defensive players to date.

When Ronnie left the 49ers in 1990 it truly marked the end of an era. He was a defensive captain, a true competitor and a leader in every facet of his life.

In 1995, Ronnie re-joined the team in hopes of playing another season at Candlestick Park. Due to chronic injuries he was forced to call it quits. Ronnie is a one in a million type of player, and thanks to brilliant scouting the 49ers got to witness it first hand.

Next: Jerry Rice