Niner Noise
FanSided

Greatest all-time San Francisco 49ers

By Gil Alcaraz IV

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 15: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome on October 15, 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the 49ers 18-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 15: Jerry Rice #80 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome on October 15, 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the 49ers 18-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Greatest 49ers, Joe Perry
SF 49ers all-time great Joe Perry (Getty Images) /

FB. San Francisco 49ers. Joe Perry. 13. player. 42.

Greatest 49ers of all time: No. 13 – Joe Perry

Career Stats with 49ers: 1,667 carries, 8,689 rushing yards, 68 rushing touchdowns, 204 receptions, 1,505 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns

The first of two star running backs for the 49ers during the 1950s, Joe Perry was lightning in a bottle. Known as “The Jet” due to his ridiculous speed for a fullback, Perry was the first African-American player to earn the NFL MVP award.

The damage he did out of the San Francisco backfield was undeniable. He became the first running back in league history to deliver two back-to-back seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards–one was a rare feat at the time. Consistent production was key for Perry, who was second on the all-time rushing list when he hung up his cleats.

Although he didn’t spend his entire career with the 49ers, Perry came back for one more season before calling it quits. You might say it was a sign of his passion for the city and the franchise.

In 13 seasons with San Francisco, Perry earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and was also named first-team All-Pro three times. Suffice it to say, the man had little trouble making a lasting impact for the 49ers.