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 /

8 of 11

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former defensive end Charles Haley is honored at halftime ceremony against the Minnesota Vikings as Ronnie Lott, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Joe Montana and David Baker watch at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former defensive end Charles Haley is honored at halftime ceremony against the Minnesota Vikings as Ronnie Lott, Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Joe Montana and David Baker watch at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: Charles Haley

49ers Tenure: 1986 – 1991; 1998 – 1999

Pro Bowl Selections: 3

Despite the controversy that surrounded linebacker Charles Haley, one thing was not controversial: his capability as a linebacker. His ability to rush the passer made him of the best of his generation. His rookie season with San Francisco, in 1986, he had 12 sacks. In total, he had six seasons of 10 or more sacks.

Haley was a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the 49ers, and was also voted to first team All-Pro in the 1990 season (16 sacks and 58 tackles). He was an integral member to the 1988 and 1989 Super Bowl winning teams, recording some of his best seasons during that time.

For his career with San Francisco, Haley finished with 326 tackles — which places him 12th on the 49er leaderboards — and 66.5 sacks, good for second on the leaderboards. Haley was eventually enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2015. He’s one of only two 49er linebackers to receive that honor.