San Francisco 49ers: 15 most beloved fan favorites in franchise history
By Peter Panacy
player. 42. . DT. (1994-07). Bryant Young. 12
Most beloved San Francisco 49ers in franchise history: 12. Bryant Young
Fans may recall the end of the 2007 NFL season. The 49ers were bad, yes. They had been bad for a while, which was a shame, as it was the finale for standout defensive tackle Bryant Young.
In Week 16, during the Niners’ last home game of the season, Bryant and the 49ers managed to knock off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 21-19. Many a fan can recall how it felt as if the team was doing it for B.Y.
Young, San Francisco’s first-round pick from the 1994 NFL Draft, still holds the franchise record for sacks (89.5). It wouldn’t be a shock to see that record stand for quite a while.
Additionally, he made the Pro Bowl four times and was a First-Team All-Pro once.
There’s an argument Young, too, should be enshrined in Canton. While he might never get there, Young certainly is regarded as a 49ers all-time great and fan favorite.
In all, Young spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Niners, and at least the team got him a Super Bowl ring early in his career. It’s a shame he couldn’t get a second, but that doesn’t keep him from being an absolute fan favorite and one of the most well-regarded defenders in 49ers history.