The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. With numerous Hall of Fame players and several all-time greats, it makes sense that they have had many jersey numbers retired.
This article will look at every jersey number that has been retired in franchise history. There are many players we all know of because they are franchise legends who delivered Super Bowls to San Francisco and brought the franchise to prominence.
Then there are some that many fans may not know about.
A franchise and its fans need to care about a team’s history. There is a reason that the 49ers educate their incoming rookies on the franchise’s history every year. It helps players understand they are connected to some of the greatest players in NFL history simply by dint of the jersey they wear. It also provides a reminder that there is a standard of excellence and an expectation of championships among the fanbase.
While the Niners have not won a Super Bowl in 30 years, they have still had incredible players who will surely one day add their number to the list of retired numbers.
But for now, let us take a trip down memory lane and look at the 12 retired numbers in 49ers history.
1. RB Joe Perry #34
Running back Joe Perry is one of two running backs who has had his number retired by the 49ers. Perry was the first Black player on the 49ers. He was a phenomenal player, rushing for over 1,000 yards in both the 1953 and 1954 seasons.
That was back when the season was 12 games, making it even more impressive.
Many fans remember Roger Craig and Frank Gore as great running backs in the franchise, and rightfully so. But fans would do well to remember the great contributions and historic nature of Perry’s career.
2. RB Hugh McElheny #39
Another legendary running back in franchise history is Hugh McElheny who played at the same time as Perry. That is a pretty formidable backfield. Both he and Perry, along with quarterback Y.A. Tittle and fullback John Henry Johnson, were dubbed the “Million Dollar Backfield.”
Perhaps the 49ers can update that moniker with their current backfield of Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Kyle Juszczyk as the “Multi-Million Dollar Backfield.”
McElheny was undoubtedly a 49ers legend and should be remembered as such.
Now let’s turn to some defensive legends.
3. CB Jimmy Johnson #37
Legendary cornerback Jimmy Johnson passed away earlier in 2024. His legacy lives on as the best cornerback in 49ers history. He played his entire career in San Francisco and recorded an impressive 47 interceptions in his career, which is second only to Ronnie Lott in franchise history.
Johnson played from 1961 through 1976, so he left just before the team’s championship years began. But that does not make his career less meaningful or impressive, which is why he is a 49ers legend.
4. DT Charlie Krueger #70
Like Johnson, Charlie Krueger spent his entire career with the Niners. He was with the franchise from 1958 through 1973.
His nickname was the “Textbook Tackle” for his impeccable technique and strength. In a franchise that has had a lot of great defensive linemen, Krueger will always have the distinction of being one of the best in franchise history.
Now let’s take a look at a quarterback whose number is retired, although it may not be who you think.
5. QB John Brodie #12
If Tom Brady had ever wound up on the 49ers, he would not have been able to wear his patented #12, thanks to John Brodie. Brodie played for the Niners from 1957 through 1973 and is still second on the team’s franchise passing leaders with 31,548 passing yards.
His 214-224 touchdown-to-interception ratio does not look great by modern standards, but the passing game was more limited in Brodie’s day as the run game was predominant.
Despite that, Brodie still racked up a lot of yardage throughout his career and was a great quarterback for the team.
6. DT Leo Nomellini #73
Leo Nomellini turned in 14 solid seasons with the 49ers from 1950 through 1963. He had 13.5 career sacks as a defensive lineman, although sacks were not recorded as a stat until later in his career. He went to 10 Pro Bowls, showing that he was one of the better defensive linemen of his day, which is why his number is forever etched in franchise history.
7. T Bob St. Clair #79
Offensive tackle Bob St. Clair was born in San Francisco and spent his entire career with the 49ers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990 and was a five-time Pro Bowler. Many 49ers legends do not have roots in the Bay Area, so it is cool that St. Clair was a San Francisco native and got to play his entire career for his hometown team.
Now let’s turn to a pair of wide receivers.
8. WR Dwight Clark #87
Dwight Clark will always have a place in 49ers history as well as the history of the NFL and American sports at large thanks to his incredible play forever dubbed “The Catch,” in the 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Clark’s career was shortened by injury, but he still had over 6,000 receiving yards in his career as well as 48 receiving touchdowns. Although Clark sadly passed away in 2018 due to ALS, his legend will forever live on in the hearts of 49ers fans.
9. WR Jerry Rice #80
The greatest wide receiver of all time is Jerry Rice, and one could make a pretty strong case that he is the best player in NFL history. With a truly unfathomable 22,895 receiving yards in his career and 197 touchdowns across 20 seasons, he achieved a level of excellence previously unseen at wide receiver.
He established a great partnership with quarterbacks Joe Montana and eventually Steve Young. Head coach Bill Walsh had to trade up to get him, and Rice did not impress right away as he had an early reputation for dropping passes.
But it did not take him too long to establish himself as a great receiver and he was a huge part of the 1988, 1989, and 1994 championship seasons.
He has remained involved with the 49ers and can be seen regularly at the team’s games. 49ers fans will always be thankful for his excellence in a Niners uniform which is why no one will wear the No. 80 ever again in the team’s history.
10. S Ronnie Lott #42
It is no coincidence that the 49ers dynasty began in 1981, the first season that defensive back Ronnie Lott played as a pro. For a team that needed help in its secondary, he immediately bolstered the defense and turned it into a force.
He has the most interceptions in franchise history with 51 and would have had even more if the 49ers had not traded him. He gave the “finesse” 49ers a hard hitting bruiser on defense who inspired fear in the hearts of opponents. He was one of the hardest-hitting safeties of all time and his toughness was personified by the fact that he had a pinky ginfer partially amputated so he could keep playing in a season.
He is without question one of the best 49ers in history.
11. QB Steve Young #8
At one point the most divisive figure in Bay Area sports, the fact that Young eventually brought home a Super Bowl for the 49ers and the benefit of time has made him one of the most beloved sports figures in the Bay.
He had to live in Montana’s shadow for a long time, but Young eventually was able to get the monkey off his back by winning the 1994 Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl MVP for his six touchdown passes in a rout of the San Diego Chargers.
Young’s greatness will never be forgotten, but he will always be at least partially in the shadow of #16.
12. QB Joe Montana #16
Perhaps no name is as synonymous with the 49ers as Montana.
He led the Niners to four Super Bowl championships in his career and was one of the most clutch quarterbacks to ever play the game.
There are so many moments that stand out in his 49ers career. “The Catch,” of course. The touchdown pass to John Taylor in the second Super Bowl against the Bengals, the epic comeback against the Eagles, that pass down the sideline to Rice against the Giants.
One could list all of his accomplishments and stats, but they will never capture that feeling that he was the guy back then and that the Niners never felt like they were out of a game when he was behind center. He is the best quarterback in franchise history without question.
Now, let’s take a look at some numbers that may end up being retired by the 49ers.
LB Patrick Willis #52
One of the best linebackers of his generation, Patrick Willis may very well have his number retired. He was just elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and his greatness as a 49er cannot be disputed.
Even though his career was cut short due to injury, while he was on the field he was a ferocious competitior and was the beating heart of the defense on those Harbaugh teams that made three straight deep runs in the postseason.
It is just a matter of time before his number is retired.
RB Frank Gore #21
Probably the greatest running back in franchise history, Gore should be in the Hall of Fame eventually. He was a solid workhorse for years with San Francisco, and all five of his Pro Bowls came as a member of the Niners.
Like Willis, he was a key part of those good years under head coach Jim Harbaugh and there will be many a fan, including Harbaugh himself, who will regret the fact that the Niners did not run the ball with Gore down near the goal line at the end of the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens.
Alas, Gore is still a fantastic 49er, and his number should be retired someday.
DL Nick Bosa #97
It is still very early in his career, but Nick Bosa is already making a pretty strong case to have his number retired someday. He is one of the most feared defensive rushers in the game today, and it is no coincidence that the recent string of 49ers successes occurred in 2019, his first season with the team.
He will have to continue this success for the rest of his 49ers career and it certainly would not hurt if he helped bring home the sixth Super Bowl championship in franchise history.
Careers are anything but linear, but if he can stay healthy and keep playing at this same level for the next five years, then he may be the last 49er to ever wear 97.
So, there you have it. All 12 numbers that have been retired in team history and a few players who could join that illustrious list. The 49ers franchise has a rich and storied history and taking a look at all of these retired numbers certainly affirms that.
