Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking top 10 running backs in franchise history

By Nick Di Marco

Running back Roger Craig #33 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Running back Roger Craig #33 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /
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49ers, Kezar Stadium
A circa 1950s San Francisco 49ers game at Kezar Stadium (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

No. 7: Johnny Strzykalski (1946-1952)

Most fans know Johnny Strzykalski as the organization’s first running back, playing 13 games in the team’s inaugural season in 1946.

His 5.2 yards-per-carry average is among the highest of 49ers running backs all time for a total of 3,415 yards and 19 touchdowns in 81 games for the franchise.

Not only was Strzykalski the first Niners running back ever, but he was also the first great running back to ever play for the franchise. During his second and third seasons, he led the league in yards per carry with 6.3 and 6.5 yards, respectively. It should be noted Strzykalski played in a much rougher and vastly more dangerous era. Every hit hurt during this chapter of the game, so you have to respect it.

Nonetheless, Strzykalski was considered as one of the best rushers of his time and deserves a spot on this list.

Fun Fact: Strzykalski only fumbled TWICE during his seven seasons with San Francisco.