San Francisco 49ers: 5 best tight ends in franchise history

No. 3: Ted Kwalick

49ers Tenure: 1969 – 1974

Pro Bowl Selections: 3

Arguably the first truly exceptional tight end in the franchise’s history, Ted Kwalick was one of the best tight ends in football in the early 1970s. Drafted No. 7 overall in 1969, it would only take Kwalick a few seasons to assert himself as one of the best at his position.

From 1971 to 1973, he was selected to three straight Pro Bowls and named to second team All-Pro (1971) and first team All-Pro (1972).

On numerous occasions Kwalick was in the NFL’s top 10, twice for receptions (1971 and 1973) and twice for receiving yards (1972 and 1973). His 23 touchdowns are third most among Niners tight ends, and his 2,555 receiving yards are the fourth most by a tight end in franchise history.

It is not just his playing ability that makes Kwalick a notable figure. His toughness, which you cannot quantify, was astounding (h/t Shannon Crawford, then of Columbia Sports Journalism):

"Kwalick said he suffered a broken nose, a compressed disc in his neck, and six or seven concussions during his nine year career with the 49ers and later with the Oakland Raiders. During a game in Atlanta with the 49ers, he took a Falcon’s helmet to the chin. He lost a tooth, split another, and was knocked unconscious. After he came to, a trainer told him he would need to have the broken tooth removed. I said shoot some Novocain and pull out that tooth, Kwalick remembered."

Unfortunately it appears his playing days have taken a physcial toll on Kwlaick, who talks of nagging injuries to this day. He has joined the group of former players in taking action against the league with regards to concussions and medical issues.