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, Ronnie Lott
SF 49ers all-time great Ronnie Lott (Getty Images) /

Greatest 49ers of all time: No. 3 – Ronnie Lott

Career Stats with 49ers: 721 tackles, 5.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, 12 fumbles recovered, 51 interceptions, five touchdowns

Put simply, Ronnie Lott was one of the greatest defenders in NFL history. No matter what it took, he’d do everything in his power to help the 49ers win. Yes, he even went as far as cutting off part of his pinky finger in order to avoid missing playing time.

Lott made his impact on the NFL with devastating hits and a knack for creating turnovers. He made receivers afraid to cross the middle of the field, often punishing anyone who dared enter his zone. That tenacious play earned him countless Pro Bowl nods and five All-Pro selections.

It’s no surprise Lott was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000, his first year of eligibility. Then again, I doubt anyone could come up with a reason to not immortalize him in Canton.

There have only been a handful of safeties in NFL history who had the type of impact Lott did for the 49ers. Realistically, there may never be a safety who strikes fear in opponents the way he did during his ten years in San Francisco.