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San Francisco 49ers: 5 greatest running backs in franchise history

By Robert Smith

Nov 17, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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ST. LOUIS – DECEMBER 30: Running back Garrison Hearst runs the ball vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers January 12, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium.   (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS – DECEMBER 30: Running back Garrison Hearst runs the ball vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers January 12, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium.   (Photo by Craig Jones/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Garrison Hearst

Some 49ers fans may not know or remember Garrison Hearst in a Niners uniform, but he had some terrific seasons with the team. In his five seasons with San Francisco, Hearse amassed 5,535 rushing yards and 1,604 receiving yards to go along with 33 touchdowns and six playoff appearances.

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In his best season with San Francisco, he rushed for 1,570 yards (second only to Frank Gore’s 1,695) and seven touchdowns while adding two touchdowns receiving to go along with 535 yards through the air.

And while only playing five years for San Francisco, he is the fifth all-time leading rusher in 49er history.

There were times during his tenure with the team Hearst carried the load, offensively, especially after Steve Young was forced to leave football due to concussions. Along with quarterback Jeff Garcia, Hearst helped the 49ers maintain some level of success while transitioning from Young to Garcia.

But what he may be best known for was his 96-yard run in overtime against the New York Jets in the 1998 season opener.

In his 10-year career in the NFL, his five seasons with the 49ers were arguably some of his best. It was a case of right place at the right time with the right team that allowed Hearst to shine.