THE GOLD STANDARD: Top 50 49ers of All Time by Career AV
Data via Pro Football Reference (AV Metric)
Published: January 17, 2026
To truly understand the hierarchy of the 49ers Faithful, we have to look at the numbers. This list is ranked by Career Approximate Value (AV), a metric created by Pro Football Reference to provide a single value for a player's career across different eras and positions.
What is Career AV?
Think of Approximate Value (AV) as the NFL version of "Wins Above Replacement" (WAR) in baseball. It isn't a perfect science, but it distinguishes between a "good" season and a "Hall of Fame" season by looking at stats, Pro Bowl/All-Pro honors, and team contribution. A high Career AV indicates sustained excellence over many years in the Red and Gold.
The Inner Circle (The Legends)
1. Jerry Rice (WR): The standard by which all other players are measured. He holds nearly every receiving record and stayed elite for two decades. (216 AV)
2. Joe Montana (QB): "Joe Cool" led the 49ers to four Super Bowl titles without ever throwing an interception in the big game. (156 AV)
3. Steve Young (QB): Despite starting behind Montana, Young won two MVPs and delivered one of the greatest Super Bowl performances in history. (143 AV)
4. Ronnie Lott (DB): A punishing hitter who earned All-Pro nods at both CB and Safety. He was the feared leader of four championship runs. (128 AV)
5. Jimmy Johnson (CB): A pioneer of the "shutdown corner" role who spent 16 seasons in San Francisco. QBs eventually just stopped throwing his way. (124 AV)
6. Bryant Young (DT): The anchor of the defensive line for 14 seasons. Young was a model of consistency and overcoming adversity. (121 AV)
7. Leo Nomellini (DT): An original 49er and a 10-time Pro Bowler. "The Lion" never missed a game in 14 professional seasons. (117 AV)
8. Bob St. Clair (OT): A massive 6'9" local legend who dominated the trenches in the 50s and 60s. A true Hall of Fame cornerstone. (106 AV)
9. Dave Wilcox (LB): Nicknamed "The Intimidator," Wilcox was a physical specimen who shut down the running game for over a decade. (104 AV)
10. Guy McIntyre (G): An athletic lineman known for pulling blocks. He helped pave the way for three Super Bowl victories. (103 AV)
Elite Playmakers & Hall of Famers
11. Frank Gore (RB): The most durable and productive back in team history. Gore’s heart made him the all-time leading rusher for the franchise. (101 AV)
12. Patrick Willis (LB): Perhaps the most dominant middle linebacker ever. He made seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in just eight seasons. (97 AV)
13. Randy Cross (G/C): A mainstay during the first three Super Bowl runs who moved between Guard and Center seamlessly. (97 AV)
14. Harris Barton (OT): The protector of Steve Young's blind side during the late 80s and 90s. A highly technical and consistent blocker. (95 AV)
15. John Brodie (QB): The 1970 NFL MVP who carried the team through the transition into the modern era. (94 AV)
16. Jesse Sapolu (C/G): One of the few players with four Super Bowl rings. His versatility on the interior line was crucial for a decade. (92 AV)
17. Joe Staley (OT): The face of the franchise during the Harbaugh and early Shanahan years. A 6-time Pro Bowler and locker room leader. (91 AV)
18. Terrell Owens (WR): A physical marvel who dominated the league. His "Catch II" remains an all-time top playoff highlight. (90 AV)
19. Fred Dean (DE): The missing piece that turned the 1981 team into champions. His pass-rushing speed changed the game. (88 AV)
20. Charles Haley (LB/DE): A terrifying pass rusher who helped bridge the gap between dynasties. The first player to win five Super Bowls. (86 AV)
The Super Bowl Anchors
21. Roger Craig (RB): The ultimate "West Coast" back. He was the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in one season. (84 AV)
22. Brent Jones (TE): Steve Young’s most reliable target and a 3-time champ. He redefined the Tight End as a primary vertical threat. (83 AV)
23. Keith Fahnhorst (OT): A steady presence at Right Tackle for 14 seasons. He was an All-Pro during the legendary 1984 season. (83 AV)
24. Dwight Clark (WR): The man responsible for "The Catch." Beyond that moment, he was a consistent chain-mover and two-time All-Pro. (81 AV)
25. Michael Carter (DT): A three-time Super Bowl champ and Olympic silver medalist. His brute strength anchored the nose tackle spot. (81 AV)
26. Fred Warner (LB): The current leader of the defense and widely regarded as the best coverage linebacker in the NFL today. (80 AV)
27. Bernie Casey (WR): A star in the 1960s who averaged over 16 yards per catch as John Brodie's primary deep threat. (78 AV)
28. Justin Smith (DT): "The Cowboy" was the engine of the 2011-2013 defensive resurgence. He was an absolute master of the "bull rush." (76 AV)
29. Steve Wallace (OT): A physical Left Tackle who protected the blindside for three Super Bowl wins. (76 AV)
30. Eric Wright (CB): The underrated hero of the 80s secondary. He made the game-saving tackle in the 1981 NFC Championship. (76 AV)
Franchise Greats & Modern Stars
31. Vic Washington (RB): A dynamic playmaker in the early 70s who excelled as a runner and returner. (75 AV)
32. Gene Washington (WR): A four-time Pro Bowler and Brodie's favorite target. He led the league in receiving yards in 1970. (74 AV)
33. Dana Stubblefield (DT): The 1997 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. At his peak, he was an immovable force in the interior. (74 AV)
34. NaVorro Bowman (LB): Partnered with Willis to form the most feared LB duo in the league. His "Pick at the Stick" is iconic. (73 AV)
35. Casper Wells (DB): A standout defensive back from the early franchise years (AAFC/NFL crossover). (72 AV)
36. George Kittle (TE): "The People's Tight End" is a generational talent as both a receiver and a devastating run blocker. (71 AV)
37. Vernon Davis (TE): An athletic freak who overcame early struggles to become a playoff hero. "The Grab" solidified his legacy. (70 AV)
38. Ahmad Brooks (LB): A consistent pass-rushing presence for the Harbaugh-era defenses. He ranks high on the all-time sack list. (70 AV)
39. Don Griffin (CB): A reliable starter for nearly a decade and two Super Bowl wins. The perfect pro during the dynasty. (69 AV)
40. Jeff Garcia (QB): Stepped into the impossible task of replacing Steve Young and made three straight Pro Bowls. (68 AV)
The Backbone of the Faithful
41. Tom Rathman (FB): The ultimate blue-collar player. He was a vacuum in the passing game and defined the West Coast fullback role. (67 AV)
42. Merton Hanks (S): Famous for the "chicken dance" and his incredible range. A ball-hawk who earned four Pro Bowl nods. (67 AV)
43. Trent Williams (OT): Since joining SF, he has been a brick wall. Widely considered the best offensive lineman of his generation. (65 AV)
44. Nick Bosa (DE): The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. Bosa is on a HOF trajectory, consistently leading the league in pressures. (64 AV)
45. Garrison Hearst (RB): He overcame a horrific ankle injury to win Comeback Player of the Year. His 96-yard OT run lives forever. (64 AV)
46. Dave Butz (DT): High-impact interior player for the Niners in the early 70s before becoming a star elsewhere. (63 AV)
47. Ken Casanega (DB): A star from the AAFC days who helped establish the winning culture in San Francisco. (62 AV)
48. Bruce Bosley (C/G): A four-time Pro Bowler who anchored the line during the 50s and 60s with incredible toughness. (62 AV)
49. Tim McDonald (S): A veteran leader who was the missing piece for the 1994 Super Bowl secondary. (61 AV)
50. Brock Purdy (QB): Though early, his historic efficiency and leadership have earned him a spot among the franchise greats. (59 AV)
Faithful, how do you feel about these rankings? Does the math match your eye test, or are there legends you think deserve a higher spot? Let’s hear it in the comments! 👇
🔴 Join the 49ers Faithful Community
49ers Faithful is a fan-powered blog built by diehard supporters who live and breathe red & gold. Our mission is to create a permanent home for the Faithful outside of social media algorithms.
We’re looking for contributors who bring strong opinions, detailed game breakdowns, or historical insight.
Want to Write About the 49ers?
Comment below to become a 49ers Faithful contributorFollow 49ers Faithful on Facebook and Instagram.
Click to follow the 49ers Faithful Blog.
0 Comments