Monday, August 16, 2004

2000 QB Joe Montana

2000 QB Joe Montana (1979-94)Third-round pick out of Notre Dame in 1979 … Undersized with questionable arm strength, yet retired with highest QB rating (92.3) in history … He led 31 fourth-quarter comebacks, including 92-yard game-winning drive in the closing moments of Super Bowl XXIII … Led 49ers to four Super Bowl championships in 1980s … Three-times Super Bowl MVP … Led the league in completions percentage five times, passing yardage twice … Played in eight Pro Bowls … Ranks among the all-time leaders in passing yards (40,551) and TDs (273) … Named to Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 1980s

1994 CB Jimmy Johnson

1994 CB Jimmy Johnson (1961-76)Starter on both offense and defense at UCLA. Began 49ers career as a defensive back, moved to offense, then stayed at DB in his third season. Intercepted 47 passes for 615 yards, including five INTs his rookie year. As a receiver in 1962, he caught 34 passes for 627 yards and four touchdowns. Recognized as one of the best man-to-man defenders in NFL history. Played in five Pro Bowls and twice won the prestigious Len Eshmont Award selected by his teammates for inspirational play. Born March 31, 1938, in Dallas, Texas

1987 FB John Henry Johnson

1987 FB John Henry Johnson (1954-56)Was a member of what's been noted as the finest backfield in NFL history. The foursome known as "The Million Dollar Backfield" and "The Fabulous Foursome" included three other Hall of Famers-QB Y.A. Tittle and RBs Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny. Gained 6,803 yards rushing, including 48 touchdowns. Also played for the Detroit Lions (1957-59), Pittsburgh Steelers (1960-65), and Houston Oilers (1966). Attended St. Mary's College and Arizona State University. Born November 24, 1929, in Waterproof, LA.

1971 QB Y.A. Tittle

1971 QB Y.A. Tittle (1951-60)Had 17 years of NFL experience, finishing his career with 33,070 passing yards and 281 touchdowns (39 rushing). Won NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1961 and '63. Threw 33 touchdown passes and a career-high 3,224 yards in 1962. In '63 he threw 36 touchdowns, completing 60.2 percent of his passes. Also played for the Baltimore Colts (1948-50) and the New York Giants (1961-64). Played college ball at Lousiana State University. Born October 24, 1926, in Marshall, Texas.

1969 DT Leo Nomellini

1969 DT Leo Nomellini (1950-63)Was the first-ever draft choice after the 49ers joined the NFL. Played every 49ers game for 14 seasons. Altogether he played in 174 consecutive regular season games, and counting ten trips to the Pro Bowl, Nomellini played in 266 contests. "The Lion" became one of the few to be named to an all-NFL team on both offense and defense. Retired at age 39. Played college ball at the University of Minnesota. Born June 19,1924, in Lucca, Italy.