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, Hugh McElhenny
SF 49ers all-time great Hugh McElhenny (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

RB. San Francisco 49ers. Hugh McElhenny. 11. player. 42.

Greatest 49ers of all time: No. 11 – Hugh McElhenny

Career Stats with 49ers: 877 carries, 4,288 rushing yards, 35 rushing touchdowns, 195 receptions, 2,666 receiving yards, 15 receiving touchdowns

Upon joining the 49ers as a first-round pick in 1952, Hugh McElhenny decided he didn’t feel like waiting long to emerge as a star. As a result, he earned Rookie of the Year honors during his first year as a pro.

There’s a reason he was nicknamed “The King.” Put simply, McElhenny dominated in just about every aspect for the 49ers. Whether he was running over defenders, making big plays as a receiver or giving his offense great field position as a returner, his impact couldn’t be understated.

When McElhenny was done playing, he had earned five first-team All-Pro honors, six Pro Bowl invites (five with San Francisco), and a first-class ticket into the Hall of Fame.

Many may not know who he was, but McElhenny deserves all of your respect and then some. His combination of speed and power was nearly unprecedented for his time, paving the way for the workhorse backs that have become a rarity these days.