10 greatest 49ers one-hit wonders in franchise history
By Peter Panacy
49ers one-hit wonder No. 5: Quarterback Steve Spurrier (1972)
It might be strange to think of Steve Spurrier as anything but a football coach, but let’s not forget he spent the bulk of his time in the NFL with the 49ers, ranging from being drafted by the Niners at No. 3 overall in 1967.
As far as quarterbacks go, Spurrier is anything but among the greatest in franchise history, and he spent the bulk of his seasons with the red and gold as a backup to a franchise great, John Brodie.
In the early 1970s, though, Brodie’s career began to wind down, and injuries were beginning to take their toll, ultimately leading to him appearing in just six games that season.
Enter Spurrier.
Over nine starts that season, Spurrier’s numbers weren’t exactly otherworldly, him completing just 54.6 percent of his passes for 1,983 yards with 18 touchdowns against 16 interceptions, all for a passer rating of just 59.5.
Still, name recognition matters here, and that 1972 campaign proved to be Spurrier’s most active under center during his nine-year career with the Niners.