Ranking the San Francisco 49ers GOATs at each position.
By James Jones
Outside Linebacker: Charles Haley
For many of today’s newer fans, EDGE Charles Haley is almost an afterthought in 49ers lore.
Make no mistake about it, though, the man was an absolute monster on the field.
Drafted by the 49ers in 1986 and a significant cog in Bill Walsh’s draft-day masterpiece that year, the defensive end went on to post double-digit sacks in four of his first five years in the NFL. He was also named to the Pro Bowl five times.
He never lacked for showing his ability on the field as he also won two NFC Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1990 and 1994. Haley was traded to the hated rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, in 1991 amid locker room turmoil with teammates and coaches.
Then-head coach George Seifert said it was the mistake to ever trade the future Hall of Famer. One can surmise that was correct, being that Haley went on to win three more Super Bowls with the Cowboys.
Honorable mentions: Aldon Smith, Dave Wilcox