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

No. 3: Joe ‘The Jet’ Perry (1948-1963)

The following three names need no introduction, starting with Joe “The Jet” Perry.

A true Niner if there ever was one, Perry’s career with the team spanned over 14 seasons in which he accrued 8,689 rushing yards (second all time) and 68 touchdowns (first all time). His career accolades are plentiful, and he was often regarded as the best running backs of his generation. His lightning-fast speed and ability to break tackles with ease landed him a league MVP award in 1954, making him the only player on this list to ever receive the honor for San Francisco. His extremely efficient 5.2 yards per carry is among the highest ever by a Niners rusher.

Perry did have some fumbling issues (60 total fumbles throughout his 14 seasons with the team), which is the only thing stopping him from being placed higher on this list.

Perry retired as the then all-time 49ers leading rusher and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969. His number (No. 34) was also retired by the organization in 1971, enshrining him as one of the greatest players to ever don the red and gold uniform.

Fun Fact:  Joe Perry was the first African-American player to ever win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award!