Niner Noise
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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, Merton Hanks
SF 49ers all-time great Mertn Hanks (Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers. Merton Hanks. 29. player. 42. . FS

Greatest 49ers of all time: No. 29 – Merton Hanks

Career Stats with 49ers: 474 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, ten fumbles recovered, 31 interceptions, four touchdowns

While everyone knows who the greatest safety in 49ers history is, Merton Hanks belongs near the top of the list.

During his eight years with San Francisco, Hanks proved to be a bit of a ballhawk in the defensive backfield. On top of making life difficult for opposing receivers, he hauled in 31 interceptions and ran two back for touchdowns. He also scored two more times on fumble recoveries, making his knack for creating turnovers all too apparent.

What makes Hanks an even better find for the 49ers is the fact he was a fifth-round pick. It’s not often a pick of that nature makes four Pro Bowls and earns three All-Pro designations during his nine-year career. He also earned one Super Bowl ring in 1994.

The 49ers have had some outstanding defensive backs, and Hanks absolutely deserves a spot among the biggest names on that list.