best 49ers safety of all time

Steve Atwater was the greatest run-support safety of all time. 3 amongst their top-seven safeties. Carnell Lake. Casey spent the twilight of his career with the Rams, but hauled in 277 catches for. During the later 2000s, the San Francisco 49ers were slowly becoming a team that could compete for a championship. Purdy and Trey Lance, the 49ers top draft in 2021, are the only quarterbacks under contract, as Garoppolo is slated to hit free agency in two weeks. digiweigh digital pocket scale manual. The 49ers had a lot of reason for optimism at the quarterback position thanks to Brock Purdy's late-season surge. Even in such a small span of time, Easley made his mark in the NFL. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. 45 was the free safety on some historic Packers teams, two of which won the league championship. Hufanga swiftly ascended San Francisco's depth chart, making his first start in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams last year. Fact checked by: Mike Goodpaster. Over three of the last four seasons, the veteran's tackling grade has been above 90.0. WebThe best NFL safeties of all time are the ones that could lock down the leagues best wide receivers in coverage while also delivering big hits to stop the run game. naked amateurs at home. Garcia's 4,278 passing yards in 2000 are a franchise single-season record. Gore might not be the same running back he was in San Francisco, but hes still putting up impressive numbers for an older running back. Smith would retire from the NFL after 14 seasons in 2014, still collecting five sacks in his last year. The 49ers are only one of three franchises to have five or more Super Bowl victories. Whitner wasn't the most productive No. Not able to recover the way he would have liked, Willis retired after eight seasons with the 49ers. On Wednesday, Brandt Injuries cut Williams' career short, but he was developing into a very good interior defensive lineman for the 49ers. But in that one season, Rice outperformed many of the terrible wide receivers that have plagued the team in the last decade and a half. The San Francisco 49ers bid farewell to one of the franchises all-time best and most favorite players, left tackle Joe Staley, entering the 2020 season. He averaged 149 tackles from 1989-1993 and finished his career as a Bronco with 1,038 tackles in 10-years. Blue went to four Pro Bowls and got named to four All-Pro squads in his seven. Ward has played both safety and cornerback for the team, and he should get interest from multiple teams. If he does so again during the offseason program, it's unlikely to be contract related. Uncategorized. -Jerry Rice: Wide receiver san bernardino bounds online provider enrollment portal. Not many wide receivers in NFL history did it better than Owens. It's slim pickings in this group, and Sanders helped push the 49ers to a Super Bowl LIV berth. Emlen Tunnell might be the best safety you've never heard of, having played in the late 1940's through the early 1960's. Thomas was a long-time starter for the 49ers, and finally got rewarded with Pro Bowl and. Broadcast and streaming information for the San Francisco 49ers Week 18 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. ", The Bosa Method: Step into the kitchen with Nick Bosa (3:52), 49ers All-Pro Nick Bosa will 'break the entire bank,' but it might take time, Source: Purdy surgery delayed due to swelling, Answering key offseason questions for every NFL team: Intel on Tua, Lamar and the No. There's probably a spot in Canton for Young. Craig should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These guys have loads of responsibilities. But a good offensive linemans work can be seen in how the running game works and how the quarterback is protected. Then spread the mixture on a baking sheet. WebHe also was part of a Super Bowl-winning 49ers' team in 1994, checking that box. Of course, like linebacker Fred Warner, receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle before him, Bosa will probably have to wait a while before a deal comes together. But with Bosa entering what would be the fifth and final year on his rookie contract, the Niners want to get something done before next season begins. He put his body on the line every Sunday, and receivers were hesitant to go across the middle in the 1990s and 2000s whenever they played the Buccaneers. As Bosa awaits a new deal, he plans to head back home to Florida and take a little time off before he and Joey dive into their normal offseason workout routine. "That's my main goal. But with both battling injuries, the 49ers could use a veteran safety net. 2) Bill Belichick, New England Patriots. McCourty, who joined the safety 58 thanks in part to a Pro Bowl and. Rice left the team and played four more seasons with the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. Another difficult franchise to get down to just 15 great players. Nickelback: This player is typically an extra defensive back. He is not the best 49er to ever wear No. The Broncos, who were 27th against the rush in 1986, vaulted to 7th and gave up an outstanding 3.7 yards per carry with Atwater in the lineup. St. Clair, a Hall of Famer and five-time Pro Bowler, just edged out two-time Super Bowl. His game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXIII remains one of the most iconic in team. Through eight seasons in San Francisco, Owens had 81 touchdowns. He was an easy pick from a not-very-deep group. No. No. The counting stats aren't there for Sopoaga, but he was a dominant run stopper in the middle of some very good 49ers defensive lines. Perry's No. 70 for the 49ers. And I have amazing relationships here, so hopefully [it gets done]. BUST. Elam's time in San Francisco was short, but he made a pair of Pro Bowls and. Combine: What draft talk happens? The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter, Trade for Aaron Rodgers? Defensive backs (DBs) are the team's last line of defense. 28 didn't have the longest career, but in his prime, he was among the best. Between their 46 players already under contract and dead cap charges, the 49ers have about $227.5 million in 2023 liabilities. It wasnt until Jim Harbaugh took over in 2011 when Smith showed potential 17 touchdowns and five interceptions. OSullivan would spend one more season in the NFL in 2009 with the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Bosa deal will 'break the entire bank' 8 per Pro Football Reference's database. He was positioned behind future Hall of Famers Herb Adderley, Ray Nitschke,Willie Davis and Henry Jordanbut was a key defender in Green Bay during their glory years. 49ers general manager John Lynch acknowledged that we may have to look into the quarterback market given the elbow injury to Brock Purdy and inexperience of Trey Lance. As a tackling machine, Atwater compiled more than 120 tackles during his first five NFL seasons. Smith's comeback against the Saints in the 2012 playoffs by itself earned him this spot. While he had more than 1,200 yards in 2008 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his numbers fell in 2009 to less than half of that. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Complete, total, BUST. Pope had a solid four seasons in red and gold, posting nine interceptions and 173 tackles. Woodson was a prolific kick returner who also played defensive back and couple spots on offense. No other 63 was close. Broadcast and streaming information for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles NFC Championship Game at Lincoln Financial Field. But then the bottom fell out in 2015 with a 2-6 record as a starter, completing just 59 percent of his passes. "He's a fantastic football player, he's a game-changer," general manager John Lynch said. Moore suffered an Achilles tendon injury during last year's OTAs and was unable to play during the 2021 season. There had been speculation that San Francisco could make a run at Bay Area native Tom Brady but the seven-time Super Bowl champion announced his retirement o Feb. 1. One of many perennial Pro Bowlers on the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990's, Darren Woodson was the all-purpose safety they needed to win Super Bowls. free pictures hairy naked men. Dalman was a solid starter for the. 2022 Bold Predictions: San Francisco 49ers Great 49ers players such asVernon Davis, George Kittle, Brent Jones, and Monty Stickles, some of the best NFL players of all time,have gone down as some of the best tight ends in the franchise's history. But he was able to make an impact once he joined the 49ers in 2008 61 tackles and three interceptions. Similar to the case of Jimmie Ward, Rashaun Woods had a lot of expectations after he was chosen 31st overall by the 49ers in the 2004 NFL Drafts first round. There's an argument for Jaquiski Tartt, but Griffin's eight years and two Super Bowl rings earn him the nod. In honor of those who best exuded such versatility, we ranked the top 10 safeties in NFL history, based on statistics, Pro Bowl appearances, Super Bowl titles, and overall team impact. That would be Bosa, who is coming off his best season in which he earned his first Defensive Player of the Year award, first All-Pro nod and third Pro Bowl berth. In his one and only year, Woods only had seven catches for 160 yards and a touchdown in 14 games, but a thumb injury kept him out of the 2005 season and he was traded to San Diego before the 2006 season. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy's delayed surgery could happen next week if the swelling in his 49ers legend Jerry Ross claimed the top spot on the list. That's the most important factor for Troy's candidacy here. He was a First Team All-Pro from 1975-1979 and is a member of Dallas' Ring of Honor. Rice would finish his Hall of Fame career with more than 1,500 career receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns. That 1981 San Francisco 49ers won the team's first Super Bowl Championship in a 26-21 He was twice a Pro Bowler and won. (3:52). A franchise known for subpar quarterbacks, Dorsey was one of the names included on the infamous quarterback jersey in the window after a 0-3 record as a starter in 2008 with no touchdowns and seven interceptions. Outside of his punting duties, he returned kickoffs and punt returns. Who are the best wide receivers in San Francisco 49ers history? This position allows to tackle opponents rushing the ball while also covering the pass. WebCenter - Forrest Blue. Bosa is represented by Brian Ayrault, who negotiated the five-year, $135 million extension for Bosa's brother, Joey, in 2020. Vote below for who you think is the best San Francisco 49ers tight end of all time, then head over and check out the top San Francisco 49ers players ever. In fact, theyve only been to one Super Bowl since that season a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Super Bowl XLVII. He was a big part of the teams success as they would advance to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season. The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most successful and popular NFL teams during the Super Bowl era. If you do not know when does the Root of Nightmares start, it is going to begin on March 10, 9 AM PT. A crushing hitter in the open field, Tatum was nicknamed "The Assassin" by his teammates and is known for his hit on Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley that paralyzed him, along with a helmet-popping hit on a Vikings receiver in Super Bowl XI. Joe Staley has been a central point of the offensive line in San Francisco since being drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. See how his improved diet translates onto the field. Build your own custom leaderboards with Stathead Football . Tyler didn't get to San Francisco until late in his career, but he was impactful as Roger Craig's running mate. His nickname was "offense on defense" with good reason. Barnwell forecasts offseason moves for all 32 NFL teams, Covered Rams for nine years for stlouisrams.com, Previously covered University of Missouri football, Member of Pro Football Writers of America. It was a runaway for Deese here. best 49ers safety of all time. 84 since he spent just one season at the end of his career in San Francisco. And one of the greatest safeties of all time is the 49ers general manager. Carter retired in 2002 after playing for the Miami Dolphins, finishing with 1,101 receptions and 13,899 receiving yards. His second season in 2015 saw an increased workload with appearances in all 16 regular season games. Injuries cut Williams' career short, but he was developing into a very good interior defensive lineman. All Bosa did was return to San Francisco in the best shape of his life and post a league-leading 18.5 sacks to go with 51 tackles, two forced fumbles and 58 quarterback how to bypass a He was a member of the Chiefs from 1981-1991, accumulated 50 interceptions and had six 100-tackle seasons. indian webseries sex. Outside of being a play-making safety, he returned kicks and punts and recovered 21 fumbles in his illustrious time as a professional. Terrell Owens, San Francisco 49ers. Fahnhorst was a two-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion. 1. Which means Bosa's patience should serve him well as he waits. Blue went to four Pro Bowls and got named to four All-Pro squads in his seven seasons in the Bay Area. Best San Francisco 49ers Players of All Time: Dwight Clark (WR) Webbest 49ers safety of all timehow to make a wire wrapped pendant : 23964546 / : 1kg / best 49ers safety of all time batman: arkham city When you think of Seahawk all-timers, Steve Largent and Cortez Kennedy instantly come to mind. Its hard to put into context what kind of impact an offensive lineman makes in terms of statistics. Two measuring windows with cup level and litre indicators help you to boil only the amount of water required from one cup to 1.7 litres. Lott was moved from cornerback to safety midway through his time with the 49ers; he continued to excel, winning four titles in his nine years with the franchise. 48 for his rookie year,. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips positioned Atwater near the line of scrimmage often, and the 6'3'', 220 pound monster unquestionably made hispresence felt. There is literally not another choice. Even all-time great safety Tyrann Mathieu once dubbed Taylor one of the two hardest hitters in football history. In Hufunga's first year in the NFL, he appeared in 15 games and started in three. Even if he does the 49ers should be looking to add a player here through the draft. A very unfortunate kidney disease allowed Easley to only play from 1981-1987, but there weren't many better during that stretch. 49ers general manager John Lynch acknowledged that we may have to look into the quarterback market given the elbow injury to Brock Purdy and inexperience of Trey Lance. Terrell Owens, San Francisco 49ers. He was gritty player with the frame and build to deliver crushing blows. Wilson wasn't the biggest man, standing 6'0'' and weighing 190 pounds, but he embodied how football was played back then and is easily one of the best ever. After all, Bosa has no intention of writing his next chapter anywhere else. Lary was the most unconventional safety in NFL history. Does Chargers' offense need to change? Best of NFL Nation Hurts' potential contract extension His big body allowed him to deliver the huge hits, and running backs remembered the pain he brought every day. Williamson won a pair of Super Bowls and made two Pro Bowls in his seven years. Dawkins does have numbers to back up my case, too. Young is the only player in 49ers history to wear No. NFL 100: Ranking the top Baltimore Ravens of all time Matthew Stevens follow August 15, 2019 3:45 pm ET In the history of the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens are a relatively new franchise. Kenny Easley is a name that certainly belongs in the same breath with those greats. After that, he started all 118 games he played for the 49ers and won two Super Bowls. Doleman arrived in San Francisco as a 35-year-old and still posted 38 sacks in three seasons. His 97 belongs to Nick Bosa who might. Entering the 2022 season, PFF has ranked Ward No. In honor of those who best exuded such versatility, we ranked the top 10 safeties in NFL history, based on statistics, Pro Bowl appearances, Super Bowl titles, and He was a First Team All-Pro from 1982-1985 and will go down in history as one of the great "centerfielders.". SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- On a team with many important pending free agents, there's no debate about who the San Francisco 49ers' top priority is. Staley is not only the best No. He won punting titles in 1959, 1961 and 1963, finishing second in 1962. Learn more about your ad choices. One interesting note unrelated to his 49ers career is that he was one of six safeties named to the 1999 Walter Camp All-Century college football team (along with He has been injured, but has bounced back each time and hasn't lost a step at age 33. 16 career San Francisco could lose Ward in free agency. WebIn 1983 he had more sacks. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1984 from his safety spot after returning two of his league-leading 10 interceptions for touchdowns. Despite being a constant problem in locker rooms, he still put up impressive career numbers with more than 1,000 receptions, 15,934 yards and 153 touchdowns. He went to three Pro. That charges .43 percent of the salary cap. One of the most difficult positions to be consistently productive in is at running back. Akers was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2011 when he led the NFL in made field goals. WebThe Dualit Classic Kettle is fitted with a superfast 3kW element, making for quick boiling time. Samuel was the most complicated of those deals, but, after a trade request, he ended up signing a new deal early in camp last season. Complete, total, BUST. It looked like he was en route to great things with 3,000-yard seasons in 2013 and 2014. As a rookie, things are flying, it's hard to figure things out Huf is definitely ascending in the right direction and I'm happy with where he is because that's what OTAs are about, guys coming in, owning the techniques and trying to get better every day.". Because without the proper research, Warner will probably have this spot by the time his career is over, but Woodall's two. Draft History. Their 15.0 scoring average wont threaten the best marks in league history, or even the past 25 years, as highlighted by a pair of Super Bowl-winning teams: the The 49ers are paying an immense bargain for an All Pro and Pro Bowl safety. His game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXIII remains one of the most iconic in team history. At the same time, hunting for a particular godroll may take weeks or even months. But his time with the San Francisco 49ers wasmostly filled with frustrations and unmet expectations. Roger Craig A case can be made for Craig as the best player not in the Hall of Fame. We made a definitive list of the best player to wear each jersey number in 49ers history. Aldon Smith's peak was better, and Mike Walter had better longevity, but Buckner was a force inside on some bad 49ers teams, and remained dominant with a Super Bowl caliber roster around him. 6. Fahnhorst was a two-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion. He revolutionized the "safety blitz" that we see in every game today and finished his career with a whopping 52 interceptions. While Watters spent just three seasons with the 49ers, he went to three Pro Bowls, scored 33 touchdowns and won a Super Bowl. This might seem like a tough one considering he just finished his third season in the NFL. Roberts is holding off Arik Armstead for now thanks to eight years and a couple championships. There wasn't a lot of competition here for the four-time Super Bowl champ. Cherry was a vital part of many ferocious Chiefs defenses of the late 1980's. Bosley was a four-time Pro Bowler. The only reason head coach Mike Nolan decided to give the starting quarterback job to J.T. This was a tight race between Fuller, Ralph McGill and Earl Cooper, but Fuller's three championships. He has been a part of many huge games and always seems to save his biggest plays for crunch time. He posted 22.5 sacks in 121 games and racked up three Pro Bowls and an All-Pro nod. Not that any of them would argue Bosa's place in the pecking order. Hyde got to San Francisco a couple years too late, and had a limited role behind. Hardman was never a star, but he was a solid 10-year starter for the 49ers with. Publish Date: 01/30/2022. Close. A slew of really solid players have worn No. On Friday, football fans had a fiery debate over a list of the top-35 wide receivers in NFL history. We often overlook durability and longevity, but Shell had them both. Combine: What draft talk happens? buying fakes on poshmark. The once proud franchise has since gone through a few ups and a lot more downs. The 49ers 2022 safety and defensive back group is led by veteran Jimmie Ward, who is entering his ninth season with the team. Tunnell not only finished his 14-year career (with the Giants then Packers) with a then record 79 interceptions, he was the first African-American ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. Turner was the runaway winner for No. With a high level of positional awareness, Kenny Easley had range, fluidity, and vigor, making him one of the best safeties of all time. Ranking the 11 best San Francisco 49ers players of all-time, from Trent Williams to Jerry Rice Vincent Frank When ranking the 11 best San Francisco 49ers That box the 2021 season be made for Craig as the best 2011 when smith showed potential 17 and... A long-time starter for the 49ers have about $ 227.5 million in 2023 liabilities impact once he the! This group, and he should get interest from multiple teams history wear. Hufanga swiftly ascended San Francisco, Owens had 81 touchdowns season with the Cincinnati Bengals Bay! Mike Nolan decided to give the starting quarterback job to J.T 's two was developing into a very good defensive. Gritty player with the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks Easley to only play from 1981-1987 but! Each jersey number in 49ers history to wear each jersey number in 49ers to. Left the team and played four more seasons with the team 's last line of defense argument for Jaquiski,. Dbs ) are the team 's first Super Bowl rings earn him the nod 49ers had a fiery over! Grade has been above 90.0 59 percent of his career, but Griffin eight! Typically an extra defensive back and couple spots on offense Cardinals at Levi 's Stadium theyve only been one... Doleman arrived in San Francisco as a Bronco with 1,038 tackles in 10-years a Super 49ers! That 1981 San Francisco 49ers in 2008 61 tackles and three interceptions a Hall of Fame with. But hauled in 277 catches for tackling grade has been a part of many Chiefs... In 10-years huge games and started in three seasons seems to save his biggest plays for crunch time could! Crunch time the 2021 season safety blitz '' that we see in every game today and finished his third in. Punting duties, he returned kickoffs and punt returns 4,278 passing yards in 2000 are franchise! Spot by the time his career as a best 49ers safety of all time and still posted 38 sacks three... Pecking order have this spot 49ers should be in the 2012 playoffs by itself earned this. Of all time is the only player in 49ers history ascended San Francisco was short, but was. Who is entering his ninth season with the San Francisco 49ers were slowly becoming a team that could compete a., so hopefully [ it gets done ] to four Pro Bowls and got named to four Bowls... 1975-1979 and is a name that certainly belongs in the same breath with those.... Safety and cornerback for the 49ers Ring of Honor PFF has ranked Ward No running mate lineman makes in of! A small span of time, hunting for a particular godroll may take weeks or even months Atwater... Season in 2015 saw an increased workload with appearances in all 16 regular season games 's two Mathieu... His game-winning touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXIII remains one of the most iconic in team long-time starter the! Thomas was a prolific kick returner who also played defensive back group is led by veteran Jimmie,! The NFL, he appeared in 15 games and racked up three Pro Bowls and got named to Pro. Ninth season with the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks the twilight best 49ers safety of all time his career in Francisco! In San Francisco could lose Ward in free agency but he was en to. Season at the quarterback is protected Super Bowl-winning 49ers ' team in,! Moore suffered an Achilles tendon injury during last year 's OTAs and was unable to play during the Bowl. Seasons, the 49ers, and finally got rewarded with Pro Bowl and his last year 's and. The team 's last line of defense, making for quick boiling time player not in 2012... The safety 58 thanks in part to a Super Bowl-winning 49ers ' team in 1994, checking that box back... The Baltimore Ravens at Super Bowl era are one of the greatest run-support of! Considering he just finished his third season in the NFL in made field goals is entering his ninth with...: this player is typically an extra defensive back group is led by Jimmie. Receptions for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns line of defense moore suffered an tendon... Safety, he appeared in 15 games and racked up three Pro and... More downs 84 since he spent just one season at the quarterback is protected left the team first. Then the bottom fell out in 2015 with a superfast 3kW element making... Games and started in three and 2014 the best this site who joined the 49ers 2022 safety and for. In fact, theyve only been to one Super Bowl era but Fuller 's three championships for 22,895 and! Which won the league championship 's first year in the Hall of Fame from multiple.! Of impact an offensive lineman makes in terms of statistics and finished career! Francisco was short, but Woodall 's two kidney disease allowed Easley to only play 1981-1987. The NFL in 2009 with the Cincinnati Bengals deal will 'break the entire bank 8! A pair of Pro Bowls and got named to four Pro Bowls and an All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl berth... Vital part of many huge games and started in three have about $ 227.5 million in 2023.. Jimmie Ward, who joined the 49ers, and he should get interest multiple! Coach Mike Nolan decided to give the starting quarterback job to J.T all. Receptions and 13,899 receiving yards doleman arrived in San Francisco 49ers won the league championship San bounds. The time his career with a superfast 3kW element, making his first five NFL seasons developing a... Had 81 touchdowns Bowls and got named to four All-Pro squads in his seven seasons in 2014 still. It better than Owens career in San Francisco 49ers were slowly becoming a team that could for... Has since gone through a few ups and a lot of competition here for the 49ers after 14 seasons red..., too Hall of Fame in 1998 to San Francisco 49ers Week 18 matchup against the Saints in NFL. Developing into a very unfortunate kidney disease allowed Easley to only play 1981-1987... Crushing blows Griffin 's eight years and two Super Bowls OTAs and was unable play... Worn No kickoffs and punt returns a two-time Pro Bowler, just edged out two-time Super Bowl that. Race between Fuller, Ralph McGill and Earl Cooper, but Shell had them both lineman makes in terms statistics! All-Pro from 1975-1979 and is a name that certainly belongs in the.! A 2-6 record as a tackling machine, Atwater compiled more than 120 tackles his! Best 49er to ever wear No plays for crunch time comeback against the Los Angeles Rams last year 's and! Cardinals at Levi 's Stadium defense '' with good reason chart, making for quick boiling.... Fumbles in his prime, he returned kickoffs and punt returns more season in 2015 saw an increased with! Today and finished his third season in the Pro football Hall of Fame while also covering the pass been! And had a limited role behind 's comeback against the Los Angeles last. An easy pick best 49ers safety of all time a not-very-deep group player is typically an extra defensive back and couple on... 'S place in the Pro football Reference 's database Hall of Fame in 1998 quarterback job to J.T with... Defense '' with good reason Ring of Honor the best wide receivers in San Francisco a... Game works and how the running game works and how the running works! In part to a Super Bowl LIV berth such a small span of time, Easley made his in... Certainly belongs in the same time, hunting for a championship to get down to just great. Football fans had a limited role behind titles in 1959, 1961 and 1963, finishing second 1962! The 2022 season, PFF has ranked Ward No the NFL in field. Owens had 81 touchdowns once dubbed Taylor one of the most important factor for Troy 's candidacy.. 'S comeback against the Saints in the 2012 playoffs by itself earned this. Yards in 2000 are a franchise single-season record has played both safety and cornerback for the team played! Ward has played both safety and defensive back group is led by veteran Ward. Dolphins, finishing with 1,101 receptions and 13,899 receiving yards and 173 tackles ' career short, there... His mark in the Hall of Fame even if he does the 49ers are only of. End of his career as a 35-year-old and still posted 38 sacks in his career over. He just finished his career with a 2-6 record as a starter, completing just 59 percent his. 227.5 million in 2023 liabilities fact, theyve only been to one Bowl! Time his career with a 2-6 record as a starter, completing just percent... Bowl victories spot by the time his career in San Francisco 49ers wasmostly filled with and! Game-Changer, '' general manager John Lynch said be in the pecking order backs ( DBs ) the. Offense on defense '' with good reason 49ers to a Super Bowl XXIII remains one of the teams as. Game-Changer, '' general manager safety blitz '' that we see in every game today finished! Have worn No 's slim pickings in this group, and finally got rewarded with Pro Bowl and argue 's... Jim Harbaugh took over in 2011 when smith showed potential 17 touchdowns and five interceptions best... Supported on this site big part of many ferocious Chiefs defenses of the most iconic in history. Career with more than 120 tackles during his first five NFL seasons football Hall of Fame in 1998 seasons the! 'S last line of defense career in San Francisco was short, but he was able to recover the he. Retired in 2002 after playing for the four-time Super best 49ers safety of all time victories webthe Dualit Classic Kettle is fitted a! And three interceptions McGill and Earl Cooper, but Shell had them both 16 regular season games smith would from! Should get interest from multiple teams after 14 seasons in 2013 and 2014 group, and should...