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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Garrison Hearst of the San Franciso 49ers (DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Garrison Hearst of the San Franciso 49ers (DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Garrison Hearst (1997-2003)

Garrison Hearst was nothing but productive during his seven seasons with the 49ers.

In 63 games with the red and gold, Hearst averaged a noteworthy 4.7 yards per carry, totaling 5,535 yards and 26 touchdowns, placing him at No. 5 among 49ers rushers all time. He was also a consistent contributor in the passing game, totaling 174 catches in his seven-year tenure with the team. He achieved Pro Bowl status twice in his time with San Francisco, as well as a second-team All-Pro selection as well.

Hearst was a tackle-breaking machine and is often touted as one of the most elusive players to ever wear the red and gold uniform. His ability to juke and confuse opposing defenders with his game-breaking speed was second to none. His infamous injury which took him out of the game for two full seasons will go down as one of the best NFL comeback stories of all time.

For those who may not know, Hearst missed two straight seasons with the 49ers due to a nasty ankle break and surgery complications, for which some said he would never play football again. Nonetheless, Hearst came back strong in 2001, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award after totaling 1,206 rushing yards on 4.8 yards per carry in 16 games.

Hearst’s devotion and commitment to the game mixed with his abundance of skill are why he will always be remembered as one of the organization’s best running backs of all time.