San Francisco 49ers: 10 best linebackers in franchise history

By Logan Stanley | May 23, 2017

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Ken Norton Jr.

49ers Tenure: 1994 – 2000

Pro Bowl Selections: 2

After spending an illustrious career with the Dallas Cowboys, linebacker Ken Norton Jr. made a high-profile switch to the San Francisco 49ers in 1994 during free agency. He made an immediate impact, helping the 49ers win the Super Bowl that following season.

He would continue to make an impact, being selected the Pro Bowl in his second season with San Francisco and voted first team All-Pro. It was the only time he was voted first team All-Pro. He would be selected to another Pro Bowl in 1997, making it the third time he’d been a Pro Bowler in his career.

In all, Norton Jr. finished with 551 tackles for the 49ers — third on the 49ers leaderboards and behind only Patrick Willis and safety Ronnie Lott.