49ers: Ranking the 5 Greatest Plays in Franchise History

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 Greatest Plays in Franchise History

December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) runs the ball for a touchdown after an interception during the fourth quarter in the final regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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No. 5: Running Back Garrison Hearst’s 96-Yard Game-Winning OT Run

49ers fans were certainly spoiled by legendary running back Frank Gore, which might cause some to forget how great his predecessor, Garrison Hearst, truly was.

And no moment in Hearst’s career stands greater than his 96-yard game-winning touchdown run against the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 1998 season.

Both the Niners and Jets were tied at 30 when the overtime frame hit. Ken Chin of Bleacher Report broke down what happened next:

"Fast forward to overtime, with the game tied at 30 and the 49ers pinned on their own 4-yard line. Head coach Steve Mariucci dismissed the logical option of using his future Hall of Fame passing combination of Young to Rice and dialed up a run. It was the “90 Power O” to be exact, a play designed to gain four or five yards and a much needed first down."

Three broken tackles later, and some great downfield blocking by wide receiver Terrell Owens, opened up the field for Hearst to run wild.

He did. And 96 yards later, Hearst was into the end zone. The Niners started off what would become a memorable season on a high note.

And we have ourselves the fifth greatest play in franchise history.