Niner Noise
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Ranking the Top Five Offensive Players in 49ers Franchise History

By Nicholas McGee

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 /
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Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; ESPN Monday Night Football announcer/analyst and former quarterback Steve Young during the Arizona Cardinals game against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; ESPN Monday Night Football announcer/analyst and former quarterback Steve Young during the Arizona Cardinals game against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Steve Young

Perhaps the greatest debate in 49ers franchise history is the one of Joe Montana versus Steve Young.

To this day you will find plenty of 49er fans who side with Young, who – along with Montana – was at the centre of the most famous quarterback controversy of all time during the 1988 season.

By 1993 Young was the 49ers undisputed starter with Montana – who had been blighted by injuries – traded to the Chiefs.

Young thrived free from the shadow of Montana and, having already won the MVP award in 1992, did so again in 1994 as he led the Niners to a fifth Super Bowl title.

Known for his mobility and knack for improvisation, Young could do considerable damage with his legs as well as his excellent arm, throwing with supremely impressive accuracy.

A three-time All-Pro who topped 4,000 yards in 1993 and led the league in passing touchdowns on four occasions, Young delivered plenty of signature moments that are enshrined in 49ers history in a storied career.

From his incredible game-winning run against the Vikings in that 1988 season to his connection with Owens for ‘The Catch II’, Young is responsible for some of the greatest 49er plays of all time.

But on his list, he remains in the shadow of the man he replaced.