San Francisco, CA
Listing every retired number in San Francisco 49ers franchise history
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.
Read more from Niner Noise
San Francisco, CA
‘It was a scene from the Titanic’: Fishermen recall rescuing passengers from sinking boat in SF Bay
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Two commercial fishermen described the desperate rescue efforts they undertook after a three-level vessel sank in San Francisco Bay with 20 people on board, leaving several people trapped and others struggling in the water.
Mike Montoya and Justin Marceline said they had not planned to be on the water Tuesday but made a last-minute decision to go fishing.
While out on the bay, they noticed what they described as smoke or steam about two miles away and headed toward it. When they arrived, they found a vessel rapidly sinking and passengers fighting to survive.
“Moments of chaos” unfolded as people jumped into the freezing water, clung to the side of the boat and yelled for help, according to the fishermen.
“She didn’t have a lifejacket, and she was flailing, and I grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up. The imagine is etched in my mind. She had bright blue eyes and she looked up at me and said help, and I was like, ‘You look like my mom. I’m not going to let you go. I promise you.’ She told me she didn’t want to die, and I told her ‘I’m not going to let you die,’” Marceline said.
Crews will suspend search for 3 missing in deadly SF Bay boat sinking Wednesday evening
Montoya and Marceline said they were the first to arrive at the scene and rescued eight or nine people from the water before first responders reached the area.
“The boat was already sinking. It was about halfway in the water. I say they were on their knees in the second deck in the gally. Within a minute they were up to their shoulders,” Marceline said.
Montoya said getting close enough to rescue victims was difficult because of the debris scattered across the water.
“Yes, there was so much debris on the water and people and stuff everywhere. I couldn’t tell what was a person and what wasn’t, and I was maneuvering the boat in and out, and we would grab a person and back up and see who the next person to grab was,” Montoya said.
Within minutes, they said, first responders from across the Bay Area arrived with divers and rescue crews, joining the effort to save those on board. But both men said the most haunting images were of people they could not reach in time.
“There was one window open and when we pulled on the scene, Mike said, ‘There are people in there banging. The window — break the window!’ and like I said, there were mostly older people, and they couldn’t break the window. It was a helpless feeling,” Marceline said.
“Can’t even imagine. We were throwing weights at the window and handed a guy a weight here break the window or kick the window and he looked at us like, ‘I’m exhausted. Can’t do anything,’” Montoya said.
Marceline compared the scene to a maritime disaster.
“It was a scene from the Titanic in real life. Like people banging on the window trying to get out. It’s probably something I will never forget,” he said.
Sudden immersion in water under 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) can lead to cold water shock, a condition where people lose dexterity in minutes. That can be dangerous or deadly when trying to escape a sinking watercraft.
As of Wednesday, dive teams continued searching for three people who remained missing following the sinking.
U.S. Coast Guard crews combed cold, choppy waters in and around San Francisco Bay on Wednesday for the three people missing nearly a day after the boat capsized with 20 family members and friends aboard to scatter the ashes of a loved one.
Ralph Boisa said his extended family and a few close friends were on his younger brother’s boat Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the life of his daughter who died at age 33 in 2016 and loved to surf.
His older brother, Clifford, died shortly after being pulled out of the water. Sixteen others were rescued as the cabin cruiser took on water, listed heavily to one side and rolled over before sinking. Clifford’s dog also died.
The three people missing are his sister Carol, Clifford’s wife Jackie, and his daughter’s friend, he said.
“We’ve gone through a lot of tragedy over the years,” said Boisa, who lost his other daughter in 1995. He lives in Washington and couldn’t make it for the excursion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco fishermen recount harrowing rescue after boat capsizes near Alcatraz
SAN FRANCISCO – While one person died after a cabin cruiser sank in the San Francisco Bay on Tuesday afternoon, a harrowing rescue near Alcatraz Island saved 16 lives.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the San Francisco Fire Department continue to search for three missing people who went overboard after the vessel went down around 3:30 p.m.
Clifford Joseph Boisa, 79, of Sutter County, was pronounced dead following the incident. However, 16 others were brought to safety, many of them rescued by civilian boaters who rushed to help. Among the Good Samaritans were fishermen Mike Montoya and Justin Marceline, who were aboard the Khea, a 22-foot Boston Whaler.
At a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Coast Guard Incident Commander Jarod Toczko praised the fishermen and a nearby kiteboarder for their heroic actions.
A rush to help
Dig deeper:
Montoya and Marceline were on the water when they noticed signs of trouble nearby.
“I turned around and I saw a plume of either smoke or steam,” Montoya said. “I just knew that somebody was in distress.”
Montoya told his partner they needed to move their boat closer to investigate. When they arrived, they found people struggling to stay afloat in the Bay’s frigid waters.
The rescuers began throwing life jackets and flotation devices to those in the water, pulling victims aboard as quickly as possible. Many of the victims were exhausted and unable to pull themselves out of the water.
Witnesses recount people ‘trapped’ inside
What they’re saying:
As they pulled survivors aboard, Montoya said he saw people trapped inside the cabin of the sinking vessel, banging on the windows.
“We were throwing fishing weights at the window, trying to get it to break, and we handed a guy a fishing weight that was in the water, and he didn’t have a life jacket on,” Montoya said.
In total, Montoya and Marceline pulled nine people onto their boat and brought them to safety.
Marceline was prepared to jump into the Bay to help more victims, but Montoya stopped him, warning of debris and other dangers beneath the surface.
“My first thought was to kick my shoes off and get down to my underwear and jump in and start to get the elderly people off the boat, because it was elderly people helping elderly people and it wasn’t going fast enough,” Marceline said.
Memorial service turns tragically fatal
Survivors told the fishermen they had gathered on the water for a memorial service. Authorities later confirmed that the victims and survivors were relatives and close friends holding a memorial when the boat went down.
Toczko said the 50-foot cabin cruiser was capable of carrying the number of people on board, but noted that investigators must consider several factors regarding the boat’s stability.
The investigation into what caused the vessel to sink is ongoing.
San Francisco supervisors authorized a resolution Tuesday urging California lawmakers to expand the city’s automated speed camera program, which currently has 33 cameras operating in the city under a state pilot.
The board’s 10-to-1 vote on Tuesday, with District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton voting against it, will not add cameras immediately, but formally asks the state to explore changes to the program. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has identified at least 80 additional high-need locations that could benefit from automated enforcement, according to a report filed with the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee.
Richard Zieman, whose son Andrew, a paraeducator, was killed in November 2021 by a speeding driver outside Sherman Elementary School on Franklin Street, told Mission Local that city officials should do more. “They waited for a tragedy,” Zieman said. Parents and school leaders had repeatedly asked the city to slow traffic on Franklin Street, where drivers barreled downhill toward the Marina, said Zieman.
Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who introduced the resolution, has said the city’s first year of automated speed enforcement shows that the technology works. The SFMTA reported nearly an 80 percent reduction in drivers traveling at least 10 miles per hour over the speed limit at camera locations after the program launched in March 2025. San Francisco was the first city to implement the pilot authorized under Assembly Bill 645.
The pilot, however, is capped by state law at 33 camera locations. Tuesday’s resolution asks California lawmakers to consider allowing more, prioritizing corridors on San Francisco’s High Injury Network, including Franklin Street.
Walk San Francisco, a pedestrian advocacy group which spent roughly eight years advocating for the state legislation that created the pilot, called the resolution an important first step toward broader expansion.
“Thirty-three cameras is nowhere near the number of cameras we need for people to realize that San Francisco is a safe-speed city,” said executive director Jodie Medeiros. “This tool is working. People are lowering their speeds.”
District 6, represented by Dorsey, currently has seven of the city’s 33 cameras, most of them in SoMa. The district also records the highest number of crashes involving injuries or fatalities in San Francisco, making it a focal point in the debate over expanding automated enforcement.
The resolution advanced unanimously from the Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee last week, where Dorsey said the cameras have made streets “feel safer” and argued the early results show “why we should have even more of this life-saving technology.”
Zieman, whose son’s death prompted traffic-calming improvements and eventually a speed camera near Sherman Elementary, said the issue is urgent.
“There are probably other Franklin streets out there,” he said. “I just hope they don’t wait for someone else before they expand the program. It’s too late for Andrew.”
-
Maryland1 minute agoWashington Nationals 1st-round pick from Potomac Md. signs contract – WTOP News
-
Michigan7 minutes agoMichigan AG Dana Nessel visits Kalamazoo to address rising energy prices
-
Massachusetts13 minutes agoSpringfield attorney named to 2026 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list
-
Minnesota19 minutes agoHundreds of Canada wildfires prompt US air quality alerts as smoke spreads south
-
Mississippi25 minutes agoMississippi homeowners blame a noisy data center plant for sleepless nights. The mayor’s advice? “Consider selling.”
-
Missouri31 minutes agoMissouri health officials report 80 current cases of cyclosporiasis
-
Montana37 minutes agoYe & French Montana Sued Over Sample of Paparazzi Fight Video: ‘Don’t Take No Photos!’
-
Nebraska43 minutes agoTwelfth Nebraska county temporarily bans data centers
