San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers is one of the most successful franchises in National Football League football history. The 49ers are currently a part of the West division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. They play their home games at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.
History
In 1994 the San Francisco 49ers became the first team in the National Football League history to win 5 Super Bowls. Now they are tied for second with a total of 5 Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys behind the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Beginnings of the San Francisco 49ers
In the late 1950’s, the San Francisco 49ers had one of the most talented offensive backfields in football. Quarterback Y.A. Tittle, and running backs Joe Henry, John Henry Johnson, Hugh McElhenny became known as the “Million Dollar Backfield”.
The 49ers are known for creating the shotgun formation. In the 1960’s 49ers coach Red Hickey designed the shotgun to give the quarterback more time to throw the ball. At the time, it was a revolutionary innovation.
San Francisco 49ers in the 1980’s
The San Francisco 49ers are known for being the elite National Football League team of the 80’s. The success began in the late 1970’s with the hiring of Head coach Bill Walsh by new owner Ed Debartalo Jr. The former University of Stanford head coach is known as a football godfather, a true football genius. He was known for his ability to identify talent in his draft selections. One of those picks in Bill Walsh’s first draft for the 49ers was Notre Dame quarterback, Joe Montana.
In the 1980’s Bill Walsh employed the famous “West coast offense” for the 49ers offensive scheme. New to the era, a “west coast offense” executes short, high percentage pass plays to drive down the field. Precision and timing are critical to completing passes and allowing players to gain yards after the catch.
1981 may be the most memorable season for 49ers fans and the 49ers organization. It was the year of “The Catch” and San Francisco’s first Super Bowl championship. Tight End Dwight Clark made a leaping catch from Joe Montana in the back of the endzone to secure the National Football Conference championship against rival Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers went on to their first Super Bowl to beat the Cincinnati Bengals.
The San Francisco 49ers won Super Bowls in 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989 and 1994. Joe Montana led at quarterback, while running back Roger Craig led the rushing attack and star defensive safety Ronnie Lott led the defense during the first couple of Super Bowls in the 80’s dynasty. The greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice, joined the team in 1985.
San Francisco 49ers in the 90’s
In 1994, the 49ers won their 5th Super Bowl title, led by quarterback Steve Young. The team was comprised of several veteran free agents including Ken Norton Jr., and Deion Sanders. Defensive tackle Bryant Young was a rookie from the University of Notre Dame and made an instant contribution on defense. 1994 would be the last time the 49ers reach the Super Bowl. They reached the playoffs in 1995, 1996, and 1997, and 1998 but were eliminated each time by the Green Bay Packers except for 1998.
San Francisco 49ers in the 21st century
San Francisco has struggled in the 2000’s relative to the success they experienced in the prior decade. Owner Ed Debartolo Jr. was forced to surrender ownership of the 49ers due to legal problems.
2009 San Francisco 49ers
After struggling for most of the decade, the 49ers underwent a dramatic makeover entering the 2009 National Football League (NFL) season. It began in 2008 when the 49ers fired head coach Mike Nolan in the middle of the season. Linebackers coach Mike Singletary was named the interim head coach, and later renamed as the official head coach. The 49ers won five of their last seven games under Singletary.
Under new coach Mike Singletary, Hall of Fame linebacker, formerly with the Chicago Bears the 49ers started the 2009 season with a new tough attitude. With the help of new coach Mike Singletary, the San Francisco 49ers have defined themselves as a “fysical” with an “F”, defensive team. Coach Singletary wants to have a strong power running game supported by a top National Football League defense. It is the same style of football Singletary experienced when he won a Super Bowl with the 1985 Superbowl Champion Chicago Bears.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith looks to tight end Delanie Walker for a completion in the first quarter of an exhibition game against the Broncos on Aug. 13, 2007
The 2009 49ers are led by Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. The offensive scheme will be focused on getting Gore the ball. Quarterback Shaun Hill will be asked to manage the game, along with receivers veteran Isaac Bruce and second year player Josh Morgan. Tight end Vernon Davis is expected to have a breakout year, he was selected team captain during training camp.
The strong defense is led by the best linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) after only his 3rd year, Patrick Willis. The 49ers defense returns many of its starters from last year including defensive back Nate Clements, linebacker Takeo Spikes, and standout nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky stated that he believes his 49er defense can be a top 5 defense in the National Football League.
San Francisco 49ers 2009 NFL Draft Picks
For the San Francisco 49ers football organization, 2009 kicked off with a shocking surprise at the 2009 National Football League draft. Unexpectedly, 2-time Biletnikoff award winner, wide receiver Michael Crabtree from the University of Texas Tech, dropped in the draft down to the 10th selection in the 2009 draft, awarded to the San Francisco 49ers. National Football League draft experts expected Crabtree to be a top 5 pick. The 49ers selected Michael Crabtree as the 10th pick in the 2009 draft and began negotiations with his agent, Eugene Parker. After holding out longer than any player in the 2009 draft, until after the fourth week of the season, Michael Crabtree and his agent came to a contract agreement with the 49ers for a six year deal worth $32 million dollars, $17 million guaranteed. The 49ers traded their 2nd round pick and 4th round pick to the Carolina Panthers for a 1st round pick in the 2010 draft.
*1st round Michael Carbtree, WR -Texas Tech University
*3rd round Glenn Coffee, RB -University of Alabama
*5th round Scott McKillop, LB -University of Pittsburgh
*5th round (comp select) Nate Davis, QB -Ball State
*6th round Bear Pascoe, TE -Fresno State
*7th round Curtis Taylor, S -Louisiana State University
*7th round (comp select) Ricky Jean Francois’, DE -Louisiana State University
Hall of Fame
• Bill Walsh
• Steve young
• Y.A. Tittle
• Joe Montana
• Bob Hayes
• Rod Woodson
• O.J. Simpson
• Joe Perry
• John Henry Johnson
• Jimmy Johnson
• Hugh McElhenny
• Ronnie Lott
• Dave Wilcox
• Leo Nomellini
• Fred Dean
• Bob St. Clair
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