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San Francisco 49ers

2013-08-25T01:15:58Z

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{{Redirect|49ers|other uses|49er (disambiguation){{!}}49er}}
{{Infobox NFL team
| name = San Francisco 49ers
| current=2013 San Francisco 49ers season
| helmet =
| logo = 49ers Logo.svg
| founded = 1946
| city = [[Candlestick Park]] in [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]], [[California]]
| misc = '''Headquarters:''' Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Center in [[Santa Clara, California]]
| uniform = File:49ers uniforms12.png
| colors = '''Primary:'''<ref name="ssur.org">{{cite web |date = April 26, 2009 | accessdate = 2009-04-27 | url = http://www.ssur.org/research/TeamColors/Football_Outdoor/NationalFootballLeague/popup.htm?images/SanFrancisco49ers_FRC_9999_SOL_SRGB.png |title= San Francisco 49ers franchise colors |postscript = }}</ref> {{Color box| #AF1E2C}} 49ers Red {{Color box|#E6BE8A}} 49ers Gold (Metallic)
| nicknames = The Niners, the Gold Rush, The Red and Gold
| coach = [[Jim Harbaugh]]
| general manager = [[Trent Baalke]]
| owner = [[Jed York]]<ref name="front office,">{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/team/front-office.html |title=Front Office |publisher=49ers.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref>
| chairman = Denise DeBartolo York John York
| ceo = [[Jed York]]
| president = [[Gideon Yu]]
| mascot = [[Sourdough Sam]]
| hist_yr = 1946
| affiliate_old =
'''[[All-America Football Conference]]''' (1946–1949)
* Western Division (1946–1949)
| NFL_start_yr = 1950
| division_hist =
*
*
** Coastal Division (1946–1970)
* '''[[National Football Conference]] (1970–present)'''
** '''[[NFC West]] (1970–present)'''
| no_league_champs = 5
| no_sb_champs = 5
| no_conf_champs = 6
| no_div_champs = 19

| sb_champs = 1981 ([[Super Bowl XVI|XVI]]), 1984 ([[Super Bowl XIX|XIX]]), 1988 ([[Super Bowl XXIII|XXIII]]), 1989 ([[Super Bowl XXIV|XXIV]]), 1994 ([[Super Bowl XXIX|XXIX]])
| conf_champs =
* '''NFC:''' 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994, 2012
| div_champs =
* '''NFC West:''' 1970, 1971, 1972, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 2002, 2011, 2012
| playoff_appearances = <ul><li>'''AAFC:''' 1949 </li><li>'''NFL:''' 1957, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2011, 2012
| no_playoff_appearances = 25
| stadium_years =
* [[Kezar Stadium]] (1946–1970)
* '''[[Candlestick Park]] (1971–present)'''
**a.k.a. 3Com Park (1995–2002)
**a.k.a. San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point (2002–2004)
**a.k.a. Monster Park (2004–2008)
* [[Levi's Stadium]] (planned 2014)
}}

The '''San Francisco 49ers''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]], [[California]], playing in the [[NFC West|West Division]] of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the [[All-America Football Conference]] (AAFC) and joined the NFL in 1949 after the two leagues merged.

When owned by the DeBartolo / York families, the 49ers became known for having one of the NFL's greatest dynasties, winning five [[Super Bowl]] championships in just 14 years, between 1981 and 1994, with four of those championships in the 1980s. The Super Bowl teams were led by [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famers]] [[Joe Montana]], [[Jerry Rice]], [[Ronnie Lott]], [[Steve Young]], and coach [[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]]. With five Super Bowl wins, the 49ers are tied with the [[Dallas Cowboys]] for the second-most [[Super Bowl]] wins.

The name "49ers" comes from the name given to the gold prospectors who arrived in Northern California around 1849 during the [[California Gold Rush]]. The name was suggested to reflect the voyagers who had rushed the West for gold. It is the only name the team has ever had and San Francisco is the only city in which it has resided.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/team/history/founder.html |title=The Founder |publisher=49ers.com |date= |accessdate=2012-09-03}}</ref> The team is legally and corporately registered as the San Francisco Forty Niners, Ltd.,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/company/San_Francisco_Forty_Niners_Ltd/cjkxci-1.html|title=San Francisco Forty Niners Ltd.|accessdate=2011-07-05}}</ref> and is the oldest major professional sports team in California. Major League Baseball teams did not arrive for a few more years when the [[History of the New York Giants (NL)|New York Giants]] and [[Brooklyn Dodgers]] moved to San Francisco and Los Angeles, respectively. The [[Philadelphia Warriors]] and [[Minneapolis Lakers]] moved to California in the 1960s, and the [[Oakland Seals]] and [[Los Angeles Kings]] became the first NHL teams in the state in 1967. The [[Cleveland Rams]] arrived in Los Angeles in 1946. The 49ers and [[Los Angeles Rams]] were cross-state rivals until 1994, when the present [[St. Louis Rams]] left Southern California. The 49ers have been the most favorite team of millions of people.

==Franchise history==
[[File:San Francisco 49ers headquarters.jpg|thumb|right|49ers team headquarters in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]]]]
{{main|History of the San Francisco 49ers}}
{{Sync|History of the San Francisco 49ers}}

===1946–78: Early years===

The San Francisco 49ers were the first major league professional sports franchise based in San Francisco, and one of the first professional sports teams based on the [[West Coast of the United States]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2010}} The team also became the first "big four"-sport (''i.e.'', baseball, football, basketball, or ice-hockey) franchise to play in the Western United States. The Cleveland Rams moved to Los Angeles the same year, 1946.

The franchise's first touchdown was scored by [[Alyn Beals]]. The first score in 49ers history came on an exquisitely executed passing play. Quarterback [[Frankie Albert]], a scrambling left-hander, tossed a 6-yard pass to halfback [[John Strzykalski]], who tossed a lateral to [[Len Eshmont]], who raced down the sideline toward the end zone for a play that covered 66 yards under the foggy afternoon skies of Kezar Stadium on September 8, 1946.

In [[1957 NFL season|1957]], the 49ers enjoyed their first sustained success as members of the NFL. After losing the opening game of the season, the 49ers won their next three against the [[1957 Los Angeles Rams season|Rams]], [[1957 Chicago Bears season|Bears]], and [[1957 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]] before returning home to Kezar Stadium for a game against the Chicago Bears on October 27, 1957. The 49ers fell behind the Bears 17–7. Tragically, 49ers owner [[Tony Morabito]] (1910–1957) collapsed of a heart attack and died during the game. The 49ers players learned of his death at halftime when coach [[Frankie Albert]] was handed a note with two words: "Tony's gone." With tears running down their faces, and motivated to win for their departed owner, the 49ers scored 14 unanswered points to win the game, 21–17. Dicky Moegle's late-game interception in the endzone sealed the victory. Victor Morabito (1919–1964) and Tony's widow, Josephine V. Morabito (1910–1995) hired Louis G. Spadia as general manager. {{Citation needed|date=December 2010}}

On Nov 3, 1957, the 49ers hosted the [[1957 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]], a game which has gone down in local lore as featuring arguably the most memorable pass play in 49ers history (along with Dwight Clark's "The Catch" in 1982). With 10 seconds remaining in the game, 49ers ball on the Lions 41, Detroit leading 31–28, [[Y. A. Tittle]] threw a desperation pass high in the air and into the end zone, where it was caught between two defenders by a high-leaping R. C. Owens. The pass became known as the "[[Alley Oop (football)|Alley Oop]]", which also became Owens' nickname. Interestingly, the two defenders covering Owens later became 49ers coaches: [[Jack Christiansen]] (Head Coach), and [[Jim David (American football)|Jim David]]. The 49ers ended that season with three straight victories and an 8–4 record, tying the Detroit Lions for the NFL Western Division title. The stage was set for a one-game divisional playoff in San Francisco. The 49ers got off to a fast start, and in the third quarter led 27–7. The Lions, led by quarterback [[Tobin Rote]], who earlier in the season had replaced an injured [[Bobby Layne]], mounted one of the biggest comebacks in NFL history to defeat the 49ers, 31–27. Had they won the game, the 49ers would have hosted the NFL Championship game the following weekend against the Cleveland Browns. As it happened, the Lions beat the Browns 59–14.

The 49ers famous "Million Dollar Backfield" during the 1950s consisted of four future Hall of Fame members: quarterback [[Y. A. Tittle]] and running backs [[John Henry Johnson]], [[Hugh McElhenny]], and [[Joe Perry (American football)|Joe Perry]]. They became the only full-house backfield inducted into the Hall of Fame.

For most of the next thirteen years the 49ers hovered around .490, except for 1963 and 1964 when they went 2–12 and 4–10 respectively. Key players for these 49ers included running back [[Ken Willard]], quarterback [[John Brodie]], and offensive lineman [[Bruce Bosley]]. During this time the 49ers became the first NFL team to use the [[shotgun formation]]. It was named by the man who actually devised the formation, San Francisco 49ers' coach [[Red Hickey]], in 1960. The formation, where the quarterback lines up seven yards behind the center, was designed to allow the quarterback extra time to throw. The formation was used for the first time in 1960 and enabled the 49ers to beat the [[1960 Baltimore Colts season|Baltimore Colts]], who were not familiar with the formation.

In [[1961 NFL season|1961]], primarily using the shotgun, the [[1961 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]] got off to a fast 4–1 start, including two shutouts in back-to-back weeks. In their sixth game they faced the Chicago Bears, who by moving players closer to the line of scrimmage and rushing the quarterback, were able to defeat the shotgun and in fact shut out the 49ers, 31–0. Though the 49ers went only 3–5–1 the rest of the way, the shotgun eventually became a component of most team's offenses and is a formation used by football teams at all levels. In [[1962 NFL season|1962]], the [[1962 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]] had a frustrating season as they won only 6 games that year. They won only one game at Kezar Stadium while on the road they won five of seven games. After posting a losing record in [[1963 NFL season|1963]]. Victor Morabito died May 10, 1964, at age 45. The [[1964 NFL season|1964 season]] was another lost campaign. According to the 1965 49ers Year Book the co-owners of the team were: Mrs. Josephine V. Morabito Fox, Mrs. Jane Morabito, Mrs. O.H. Heintzelman, Lawrence J. Purcell, Mrs. William O'Grady, [[Albert J. Ruffo]], [[Franklin Mieuli]], [[Frankie Albert]], Louis G. Spadia and James Ginella. The [[1965 NFL season|1965]] [[1965 San Francisco 49ers season|49ers]] rebounded nicely to finish with a 7–6–1 record. They were led that year by John Brodie, who after being plagued by injuries came back to become one of the NFL's best passers by throwing for 3,112 yards and 30 touchdowns. In [[1966 NFL season|1966]], the Morabito widows named Lou Spadia, team president. For the [[1968 NFL season|1968 season]], the 49ers hired [[Dick Nolan (American football)|Dick Nolan]] as their head coach, who had been [[Tom Landry]]'s defensive coordinator with the [[Dallas Cowboys]]. Nolan's first two seasons with the 49ers had gone much the same as the previous decade, with the 49ers going 7–6–1 and 4–8–2.

[[Image:George Mira.jpg|thumb|upright|Former 49ers' quarterback [[George Mira]] (1964–1968)]]

The 49ers started out the [[1970 NFL season|1970 season]] 7–1–1, their only loss a one-point defeat to [[1970 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta]]. After losses to [[1970 Detroit Lions season|Detroit]] and [[1970 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles]], the 49ers won their next two games before the season finale against the [[1970 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]]. Going into the game the 49ers had a half-game lead on the Rams and needed either a win or the [[1970 New York Giants season|Giants]] to defeat the Rams in their finale to give the 49ers their first ever divisional title.

In the early game the Giants were crushed by the Rams 31–3, thus forcing the 49ers to win their game to clinch the division. In wet, rainy conditions in Oakland, the 49ers dominated the Raiders, 38–7, giving the 49ers their first divisional title, becoming champions of the NFC West. The 49ers won their divisional playoff game 17–14 against the defending conference champion [[1970 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]], thus setting up a matchup against the [[1970 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] for the NFC Championship. In the final home game for the 49ers at [[Kezar Stadium]] the 49ers kept up with the Cowboys before losing, 17–10, thus giving the Cowboys their first conference championship. The 49ers sent five players to the [[1970 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] that season, including MVP veteran quarterback [[John Brodie]], wide receiver [[Gene Washington (49ers)|Gene Washington]], and linebacker [[Dave Wilcox]]. Nolan was also named NFL Coach of the Year for 1970. Following the 1970 season the 49ers moved from [[Kezar Stadium]] to [[Candlestick Park]]. Despite being located on the outskirts of the city, Candlestick Park gave the 49ers a much more modern facility with more amenities that was easier for fans to access by highway.

The 49ers won their second straight divisional title in 1971 with a 9–5 record. The 49ers again won their divisional playoff game. This time against the [[1971 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] by a 24–20 final score. This set up a rematch against the [[1971 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] in the NFC Championship Game, this time to be played in Dallas. Though the defense again held the Cowboys in check, the 49ers offense was ineffective and the eventual Super Bowl champion Cowboys beat the 49ers again, 14–3. In 1971, eight 49ers made the [[1972 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]], including defensive back [[Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)|Jimmy Johnson]] and [[Gene Washington (49ers)|Gene Washington]], both for the second year in a row, as well as defensive end [[Cedric Hardman]], running back [[Vic Washington]], and offensive lineman [[Forest Blue]].

The 49ers won their third consecutive NFC West title in [[1972 NFL season|1972]] with five wins in their last six games, making them the only franchise to win their first three divisional titles after the 1970 [[AFL-NFL merger]]. Their opponents this time in the divisional playoffs were the [[1972 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], making it the third consecutive year the teams faced each other in the playoffs. Vic Washington took the opening kickoff 97 yards for a score, and the 49ers took a 21–6 lead in the second quarter. After the 49ers took a 28–13 lead in the 4th quarter, Tom Landry sent quarterback [[Roger Staubach]], who was backing up [[Craig Morton]], into the game. Staubach quickly led the Cowboys on a drive to a field goal, bringing the score to within 28–16, and as the game wound down it appeared that this would be the last points the Cowboys would get. However, Dallas completed the comeback in the last two minutes. Just after the two-minute warning Staubach took just four plays to drive 55 yards in only 32 seconds, hitting [[Billy Parks]] on a 20-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 28–23. Cowboys kicker [[Toni Fritsch]] then executed a successful onside kick that was recovered by [[Mel Renfro]], giving the Cowboys the ball at midfield with 1:20 left on the clock. With the 49ers on the ropes, Staubach scrambled for 21 yards, then completed a 19-yard sideline pass to [[Billy Parks]] who went out of bounds at the 10-yard line to stop the clock. He then completed the comeback with a 10-yard touchdown pass to [[Ron Sellers]] with only 52 seconds left, giving the Cowboys a dramatic 30–28 victory and sending the 49ers to yet another crushing playoff defeat.

The 49ers run at the top of the NFC West ended in [[1973 NFL season|1973]] with the 49ers falling to a 5–9 record, their worst since 1969. The team lost six of its last eight games, including games to the also-ran [[1973 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]] and [[1973 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]. In the final season of his career, longtime 49ers quarterback [[John Brodie]] split playing time with two other quarterbacks, most notably longtime backup [[Steve Spurrier]]. The team also suffered from not having a dominant running back, with [[Vic Washington]] leading the team with only 534 yards rushing.
In [[1974 NFL season|1974]], the 49ers drafted [[Wilbur Jackson]] from the [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|University of Alabama]] to be the team's primary back. Jackson enjoyed a fine rookie year, leading the 49ers with 705 yards rushing. He and fellow running back [[Larry Schreiber]] combined for over 1300 yards rushing. With [[Steve Spurrier]] injured and missing nearly the entire year, the 49ers did not have a regular quarterback but did put together a respectable 6–8 record. Following the season, longtime tight end [[Ted Kwalick]] left the 49ers to join the [[World Football League]], then the Oakland Raiders upon the WFL's dissolution.

The 49ers dropped back down to 5–9 in what would be Dick Nolan's final season as coach in [[1975 NFL season|1975]], losing their final four games of the season. Wilbur Jackson was hurt much of the year and [[Delvin Williams]] led the 49ers in rushing with 631 yards rushing. Following the 1975 season the 49ers traded for [[New England Patriots]] quarterback [[Jim Plunkett]], former Heisman Trophy winner from nearby [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford University]] (which was also the alma mater of John Brodie). Though Plunkett had shown promise with the Patriots, he had not won there and it was thought that he needed a change of scenery. [[Monte Clark]] was also brought on as 49ers head coach.

The 49ers featured of the best running games in the NFL in [[1976 NFL season|1976]]. Delvin Williams emerged as an elite back, gaining over 1200 yards rushing and made the Pro Bowl. Wilbur Jackson also enjoyed a resurgence, rushing for 792 yards. Once again Gene Washington was the teams leading receiver with 457 yards receiving and six scores. The 49ers started the season 6–1 for their best start since 1970. Most of the wins were against second-tier teams, although the 49ers did shut out the Rams 16–0, in [[1976 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles]] on ''[[Monday Night Football]]''. In that game the 49ers recorded 10 sacks, including 6 by [[Tommy Hart]]. However, the 49ers lost four games in a row, including two against divisional rivals Los Angeles and [[1976 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta]] that proved fatal to their playoff hopes. The team was sold to [[Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.]] in March 1977, and despite finishing the season with a winning record of 8–6, Clark was fired after just one season by newly hired general manager [[Joe Thomas (American football coach)|Joe Thomas]], who oversaw the worst stretch of football in the team's history.

Under coach [[Ken Meyer]] the 49ers lost their first five games of the [[1977 NFL season|1977 season]], including being shut out twice. Though they won five of their next six, they lost their last three games to finish the season 5–9. Playing in San Francisco did not revive Plunkett's career as he had another disappointing season, throwing only 9 touchdown passes. Bright spots for the 49ers included defensive linemen [[Tommy Hart]] and [[Cleveland Elam]], who made the Pro Bowl, and running backs [[Wilbur Jackson]] and [[Delvin Williams]], who combined for over 1600 yards rushing. [[Gene Washington (49ers)|Gene Washington]] again led the team in receiving in 1977, his final year with the 49ers. The 1977 offseason was marked by a number of questionable moves by Joe Thomas that backfired badly. Thomas's big offseason acquisition was running back [[O. J. Simpson]] from the [[Buffalo Bills]]. As with Plunkett two years previously, it was thought that rescuing Simpson from a bad situation and bringing him to the west coast where he had been raised would rejuvenate his career. To create playing time for Simpson, Thomas traded Delvin Williams to the [[Miami Dolphins]] for wide receiver [[Freddie Solomon]]. Thomas also released Jim Plunkett, giving up on him after two seasons. Finally, Thomas fired Meyer after only one season, and replaced him with [[Pete McCulley]], his third coach in three seasons.

The [[1978 NFL season|1978 season]] was a disaster for the 49ers, as they finished 2–14, their only wins coming against the [[1978 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] and [[1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. Simpson indeed led the team in rushing, but with less than 600 yards. It became apparent that Simpson's knees and body were worn out, and he was near the end of his career. Wilbur Jackson also missed the entire season due to injury. Even worse for the franchise was that their first pick of the [[1979 NFL season|1979 draft]] was traded to the Bills as part of the O. J. Simpson deal. Joe Thomas was fired following the season. Some of the key players that became part of the 49ers stunning rise began their 49ers career in 1978. Rookie quarterback [[Steve DeBerg]], [[Joe Montana]]'s first mentor, was the 49ers starting quarterback. Running back [[Paul Hofer]] and center/guard [[Randy Cross]] also started with the 49ers in 1978.

===1979–80: Arrival of Bill Walsh and Joe Montana===
[[File:DeBartolo headquarters.jpg|thumb|The headquarters of [[The DeBartolo Corporation]] in [[Boardman, Ohio]] with the 49ers logo on the building, signifying the team's ownership by the [[Youngstown, Ohio|Youngstown]]-based DeBartolo-York family.]]

The team was led in its turnaround from late 1970s doormat by new owner [[Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.]] and head coach [[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]]. The former head coach of [[Stanford University]] was known for stockpiling draft picks, making excellent draft selections, and patching roster holes by acquiring key free agents.

Bill Walsh was hired to be the 49ers head coach in the 1978 off-season. Walsh was a disciple of [[Paul Brown]], and served as Brown's offensive coordinator with the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] from 1968 to 1975. However, Brown did not appoint him as his successor upon his retirement, choosing another assistant, former 49ers center Bill "Tiger" Johnson. Desiring head coach experience, Walsh looked to [[Stanford University]] in 1977. He had had some success there before the 49ers tapped him to be their replacement.

Walsh is given credit for popularizing the '[[West Coast offense]]'. The Bill Walsh offense was actually created and refined while he was an assistant coach with the Bengals. The offense utilizes a short, precise, timed passing game as a replacement/augmentation of the running game. The offense is extremely difficult to defend against as it is content to consistently make 6–8-yard gains all the way down the field. (The other West Coast offense—more focused on the vertical, or downfield, passing game—was actually created by 1960s L.A. / San Diego coach [[Sid Gillman]], and San Diego State coach [[Don Coryell]], who also employed a version of it as head coach of the St. Louis (football) Cardinals and [[San Diego Chargers]] during a period where it garnered the nickname "[[Coryell Offense|Air Coryell]]".)

In Walsh's first draft, the 49ers had targeted [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame]] quarterback [[Joe Montana]] as an early round pick. Montana had enjoyed a storied college career, leading the [[1977 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Fighting Irish]] to the 1977 national title and a number of dramatic comeback victories, the most stunning of all being his final game, at the [[1979 Cotton Bowl Classic]]. Playing the [[Houston Cougars football|University of Houston]] in an ice storm, and with Montana suffering from a bad flu, Notre Dame was down 34–13 in the third quarter. However, Montana led a magnificent rally that culminated with him throwing a touchdown pass on the game's final play to give Notre Dame the 35–34 win.
[[File:Joe Montana ESPN cropped2.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Joe Montana]] in 2006]]

Despite this, most scouts did not peg Montana as a top prospect. Although 6'2" and 190–200 lbs., Montana's arm strength was considered suspect as was the consistency of his play. Though he did get credit for his [[Moxie#Moxie today|moxie]] and intangibles, most thought of him as a system player surrounded by a great team.

In the 1979 draft, the Dallas Cowboys were placed just ahead of the 49ers. The Cowboys' draft strategy through that time was to take the highest-ranked player on their draft board at the time of their selection, regardless of position. When the Cowboys' turn came up in the third round, the highest rated player on their board was Montana. However, feeling that the quarterback position was in excellent long-term shape with [[Roger Staubach]] and [[Danny White]], and desperately needing a tight end, the Cowboys went off their strategy and drafted [[Doug Cosbie]]. The 49ers took Montana. The 49ers other notable draft choice of the 1979 draft was wide receiver [[Dwight Clark]] in the 10th round. Walsh discovered the unheralded Clark while scouting quarterback Steve Fuller of [[Clemson University]] as Clark ran routes for Fuller during Walsh's evaluation of the quarterback. Walsh's serendipitous discovery of Clark proved to be an early glimpse into the coach's keen eye for talent.

As Walsh implemented his strategies and game plan, the 49ers had another year of losing, going 2–14. There were, however, a number of bright spots. Despite throwing more interceptions (21) than touchdowns (17), [[Steve DeBerg]] blossomed under Walsh, throwing for over 3600 yards and completing 60% of his passes. Freddie Solomon also had a good year, with over 800 yards receiving. The running game was patchwork, with Paul Hofer leading the team with 615 yards and [[O.J. Simpson]], in his final season, rushing for only 460 yards and being sidelined with injuries.

The 49ers got off to a strong start in 1980, winning their first three games of the season. However, the team, still maturing, lost their next eight games in a row. Many of those games though were close, and the 49ers acquitted themselves well. During the season Walsh alternated DeBerg and Montana at quarterback. Though DeBerg had played well for the 49ers, Walsh felt the team's best chance to win in the long run was with Montana. He alternated the two QBs, giving Montana some experience while keeping opponents off guard. This strategy of alternating quarterbacks from game to game and during games is rare in football, although it had been employed by other successful teams in the past, specifically the [[Dallas Cowboys]] of the early 1970s who alternated [[Roger Staubach]] and [[Craig Morton]], and the [[Los Angeles Rams]] of the early 1949s alternating [[Norm Van Brocklin]] and [[Bob Waterfield]].

In all DeBerg started nine games, going 4–5 with 1,998 yards, 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Montana started seven games, going 2–5 with 1,795 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine picks; Montana also had a better completion percentage at 64.6 to DeBerg's 57.9.

The highlight of the 1980 season, and a sign of good things to come, came in Week 14. The 49ers trailed the [[New Orleans Saints]], who at the time were winless at 0–13, 35–7 at halftime. However, led by [[Joe Montana]], the 49ers made (what was then) the greatest comeback in NFL history, coming back to tie the score in regulation and winning the game in [[Overtime (sports)|overtime]] with a field goal by [[Ray Wersching]] to give the 49ers an incredible 38–35 victory. It was this game, which marked Montana's first big NFL comeback win, that won Montana the quarterback job full-time.

A number of key players emerged for the 49ers in 1980. Among them were [[Dwight Clark]], who led the 49ers with 82 receptions and just under 1000 yards receiving, and running back [[Earl Cooper (NFL)|Earl Cooper]], who ran for over 700 yards.

===1981–84: First two Super Bowls===
{{See also|1981 San Francisco 49ers season|The Catch (American football)}}
With the offense playing well consistently, Walsh and the 49ers focused on overhauling the defense in 1981. Walsh took the highly unusual step of overhauling his entire secondary with rookies and untested players, bringing on board [[Ronnie Lott]], [[Eric C. Wright|Eric Wright]] and [[Carlton Williamson]] and giving [[Dwight Hicks]] a prominent role. He also acquired veteran linebacker [[Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds]] and veteran defensive lineman and sack specialist [[Fred Dean]]. These new additions, when added to existing defensive mainstays like [[Keena Turner]], turned the 49ers into an offensively and defensively balanced, dominant team. After a 1–2 start, the 49ers won all but one of their remaining games to finish with a 13–3 record, up to this point in time it was the team's best regular season win-loss record in its history. Dean made the [[Pro Bowl]], as did Lott, and Hicks. Led by Montana, the unusual offense was centered around the [[west coast offense|short passing game]], which Walsh used as ball control. Both Dwight Clark and [[Freddie Solomon]] had excellent years receiving; Clark as the possession receiver, and Solomon as more of a deep threat. The 49ers running game, however, was among the weakest in the league. [[Ricky Patton]] led the 49ers with only 543 yards rushing. The 49ers' most valuable running back, however, might have been Earl Cooper, whose strength was as a pass-catching back. The 49ers faced the [[New York Giants]] in the divisional playoffs and won, 38–24. This set up an NFC Championship Game match-up with the [[Dallas Cowboys]], whom the 49ers historically could not beat during their playoff runs in the early 1970s. The 49ers played the Cowboys tough, but the Cowboys forced six turnovers and held the lead late. The 49ers were down 27–21 and on their own 11-yard line with 4:54 remaining. As Montana had done for Notre Dame and the 49ers so many times before, he led the 49ers on a sustained final 89-yard drive to the Cowboys' 6-yard line. On a 3rd-and-3 play, with his primary receiver covered, Montana rolled right and threw the ball off balance to Dwight Clark in the end zone, who leaped up and caught the ball to tie the game at 27 (now known as "[[The Catch (NFL)|The Catch]]"), with the extra point giving the 49ers the lead. Despite this, the Cowboys had one last chance to win. And indeed, on the first play of the next possession, Cowboys receiver [[Drew Pearson (American football)|Drew Pearson]] caught a pass from Danny White and got to midfield before he was pulled down by the jersey at the 49ers 44-yard line by Cornerback Eric Wright saving a potential late-touchdown. On the next play, White was sacked by [[Lawrence Pillers]] and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by [[Jim Stuckey]], giving the 49ers the win and a trip to their first ever Super Bowl against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], who were also in their first Super Bowl. In [[Super Bowl XVI]] The 49ers took a 20–0 halftime lead and held on to win 26–21 behind kicker [[Ray Wersching]]'s four field goals and a key defensive stand. Throughout the '81 season, the defense had been a significant reason for the team's success, despite residing in the shadow of the then-innovative offense. Montana won MVP honors mostly on the strength of leading the 49ers on a 92-yard, 12 play drive culminating in a touchdown pass to Earl Cooper. Thus did the 49ers complete one of the most dramatic and complete turnarounds in NFL history, going from a 2–14 season followed by a 4–12 season to a Super Bowl championship.

The 1982 season was a bad one for the 49ers, as they lost all five games at Candlestick Park en route to a 3–6 record in a strike-shortened season. This was the 49ers last losing season for the next 17 years. Joe Montana was the one highlight, passing for 2,613 yards in just nine games, highlighted by five straight games in which he broke the 300-yard barrier. In 1983, the 49ers won their final three games of the season, finishing with a 10–6 record and winning their 2nd NFC Western Divisional Title in three years. Leading the rebound was Joe Montana with another stellar season, passing for 3,910 yards and connecting on 26 touchdowns. In the NFC Divisional Playoffs, they hosted the Detroit Lions. The 49ers jumped out in front early and led 17–9 entering the 4th quarter, but the Lions roared back, scoring two touchdowns to take a 23–17 lead. However, Montana led a comeback, hitting wide receiver [[Freddie Solomon]] on a game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass with 2:00 left on the clock to put the 49ers ahead 24–23. The game ended when a potential game-winning FG attempt by Lions kicker [[Eddie Murray (football)|Eddie Murray]] missed. The next week, the 49ers came back from a 21–0 deficit against the [[Washington Redskins]] in the NFC Championship Game to tie the game, only to lose, after a questionable defensive holding call, 24–21 on a Mark Moseley field goal that sent the Redskins to [[Super Bowl XVIII]].

In 1984, the 49ers had one of the greatest seasons in team history by finishing the regular season 15–1–0, setting the record for most regular season wins that was later equaled by the 1985 [[Chicago Bears]], the 1998 [[Minnesota Vikings]], the 2004 [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], and finally broken by the 2007 [[New England Patriots]] (with 16 regular season victories). Their 18 wins overall is also still a record, tied by the 1985 Bears and the 2007 New England Patriots. The 49ers' only defeat in the 1984 season was a 20–17 loss to the Steelers; a late field goal attempt in that game by San Francisco kicker [[Ray Wersching]] went off the uprights and was no good. In the playoffs, they beat the [[New York Giants]] 21–10, shut out the [[Chicago Bears]] 23–0 in the NFC Championship, and in [[Super Bowl XIX]] the 49ers shut down a record-setting year by NFL MVP [[Dan Marino]] (and his speedy receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper), beating the [[Miami Dolphins]] 38–16. Their entire defensive backfield (Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks, and Carlton Williamson) was elected to the Pro Bowl—an NFL first.

===1985–87: Arrival of Jerry Rice===
In the [[1985 NFL Draft]], the team received the 28th overall pick after winning the Super bowl the previous year. On draft day, the 49ers traded its first two picks for New England's first-round choice, the 16th selection overall (the teams also swapped third-round picks as part of the deal), and selected [[Jerry Rice]] from [[Mississippi Valley State University|Mississippi Valley State]]. It was reported that the Dallas Cowboys, who had the 17th selection overall, were intending to pick him. In the 1985 season The 49ers were not as dominant as in 1984, they finished the regular season with a 10–6 record and a wild card berth. Jerry Rice struggled at times (dropping numerous passes), but he still impressed the NFL in his rookie season for the 49ers in 1985, especially after a 10-catch, 241-yard game against the [[Los Angeles Rams]] in December. Rice was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year after recording 49 catches for 927 yards, and averaging 19.9 yards per catch, [[Roger Craig (American football)|Roger Craig]] became the first NFL player to gain 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. In the 1985 playoffs the 49ers were quickly eliminated from the playoffs by the [[New York Giants]] 17–3.

In the 1986 NFL season the 49ers got off to a quick start after a 31–7 win over the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] on opening day. But the win was costly; Joe Montana injured his back and was out for two months, the injury was to a spinal disc in Montana's lower back and required immediate surgery. The injury was so severe that Montana's doctors suggested that Montana retire. On September 15, 1986, the 49ers placed Montana on the [[injured reserve list]], [[Jeff Kemp]] became the starting quarterback, and the 49ers went 4–3–1 in September and October. However, Montana returned to the team on November 6 of that year. In his first game back from injury Montana passed for 270 yards and three touchdown passes in a 43–17 49er victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 49ers caught fire, winning the next 5 of the final 7 games, including a 24–14 win over the [[Los Angeles Rams]], to clinch the NFC West title. Jerry Rice continued to show improvement from the previous season catching 86 passes for a league-leading 1,570 yards and 15 touchdowns. Montana was co-recipient of the 1986 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award, which he shared with Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer. However, the [[New York Giants]] would defeat the 49ers again in the playoffs, 49–3 in the teams worst post-season loss to date. Montana was again injured in the first half by a hit from the Giants' [[Jim Burt (football player)|Jim Burt]].

In the off-season, Bill Walsh was concerned about Montana's health going forward, and with no reliable back-up at quarterback he completed a trade for [[Steve Young]], then a quarterback with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]. During the strike-shortened 1987 season, the 49ers had become one of the NFL's elite teams once again with a league best 13–2. Joe Montana had a bounce back year after suffering from the injuries the previous year and being questioned by the media if he could still produce at a high level by throwing 31 touchdown passes, a career high. He also set the NFL record for most consecutive pass attempts without an incomplete pass (22), passed for 3,054 yards, and had a passer rating of 102.1. Rice had established himself as an elite receiver, he caught 65 passes for 1,078 yards and a then NFL-record 22 touchdowns in just 12 games. 1987 was the second of six seasons in which Rice would lead the NFL in receiving and/or touchdown receptions, he was named [[National Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award|Offensive Player of the Year]]. By the end of the regular season the 49ers were ranked No. 1 on both offense and defense and were heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl. However they were stunned in the [[NFL playoffs, 1987-88#NFC: Minnesota Vikings 36, San Francisco 49ers 24|NFC Divisional Round]] losing to what was believed to be an inferior [[Minnesota Vikings]] team 36–24, their third straight playoff loss in a row. Joe Montana had one of his worst post-season games of his career, and was eventually benched during the game in favor of Steve Young, who scored a rushing touchdown and threw another. After the game [[Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.|Eddie DeBartolo]] stripped Walsh of the team president title. [[Dwight Clark]] retired that off-season.

===1988–89: Back-to-back Super Bowls===

During the off-season, a quarterback controversy between Joe Montana and Steve Young had begun after Montana's poor performance in the playoffs the previous year. Many speculated that the 1988 season would be his last year with the team. In the [[1988 NFL season]], the 49ers struggled to start the season; Walsh would constantly switch QBs between Montana (who suffered an elbow injury week 1 that would linger for most of the season) and Young. At one point, they were 6–5 and the team was in danger of missing the playoffs. Before week 11, [[Ronnie Lott]] called a players-only meeting; after the meeting the team came together and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion [[1988 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] in a Monday night game, Montana had fully recovered from his injury and retook the starting quarterback job as the team eventually finished the season at 10–6. They gained a measure of revenge by routing the [[1988 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] 34–9 in the divisional playoffs. The 49ers then traveled to Chicago's [[Soldier Field]] for the NFC Championship against the [[Chicago Bears]], where the wind chill factor at game time was 26 degrees below zero. However, despite the weather, Joe Montana picked apart the Bears' top-rated defense by scoring three touchdowns as the 49ers dominated the Bears with a 28–3 victory, earning the team's third trip to the Super Bowl, to go against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]]. In [[Super Bowl XXIII]], despite numerous trips deep into Cincinnati territory by the 49ers, the game was tied 3–3 at halftime. Early in the fourth quarter, Montana tied the score at 13; however, Cincinnati regained the lead on a [[Jim Breech]] field goal to put the Bengals ahead 16–13 with just over three minutes left on the clock. Following the kickoff, and a holding penalty, the 49ers took over on their 8-yard line with 3:08 left on the clock. Joe Montana began the final drive by stepping into the huddle and remarking to offensive tackle [[Harris Barton]], during a television timeout, "hey, there's [[John Candy]]", as he pointed to the stands on the other side of the field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00016306.html |title=ESPN.com: Montana was comeback king |publisher=Espn.go.com |date=June 11, 1956 |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref> His calm demeanor reassured the 49ers, and he then engineered what some consider the greatest drive in Super Bowl history, as he drove the team 92 yards for the winning touchdown on a pass to [[John Taylor (American football)|John Taylor]] with only 34 seconds left, as they captured their third Super bowl championship with a score of 20–16. Jerry Rice was named Super Bowl MVP.

After Super Bowl XXIII, Bill Walsh retired as head coach; his defensive coordinator and handpicked successor, [[George Seifert]], took over as head coach. In the [[1989 NFL season]], Joe Montana threw for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns, with only 8 interceptions, giving him a 112.4 quarterback rating, which was then the highest single-season passer rating in NFL history, and was named [[NFL Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player]]. Jerry Rice, in his fifth year in the league, continued to dominate; he led the league with almost 1490 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. The 49ers clinched their fourth straight division title, beating the [[1989 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] 30–27 after a dramatic second-half comeback; they finished 14–2, gaining home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their two losses were by a combined five points. In the divisional playoffs, they easily defeated the Vikings, 41–13. In the NFC Championship, they played against the Rams for a third time; the previous two games were decided by a total of 4 points, but they were able to blow out the Rams 30–3 earning another trip to the Super bowl, where they defeated the [[1989 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] in relatively easy fashion by a score of 55–10 in [[Super Bowl XXIV]] – setting a record for points scored and widest margin of victory in a Super Bowl. Montana himself set many Super Bowl records (some since tied or surpassed) en route to his third Super Bowl MVP. In winning the Super Bowl, the 49ers became the only team to win back-to-back Super Bowls under different head coaches. This 1989 championship team is often regarded as one of the most dominant teams in NFL history, winning three playoff games by a combined 100 points.

===1990–93: Failed three-peat/Steve Young steps in===
[[Image:SF 49ers HQ tophy wall.JPG|thumb|right|49ers wall of trophies at the Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Center.]]

In [[1990 NFL season|1990]], the 49ers won their first ten games, and they eventually finished 14–2. They ripped through the season, and the coveted third consecutive Super Bowl victory seemed within reach. In the playoffs, the 49ers dispatched the [[1990 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] 28–10, setting up a conference championship game with the [[1990 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]. Despite not scoring a touchdown in the game, the Giants took advantage of a fourth-quarter injury to Montana and converted a faked punt attempt to thwart the 49ers attempt at a "three-peat." The Giants kicked a last-second field goal after recovering a Roger Craig fumble in the final minutes of the game, winning 15–13 and going on to win [[Super Bowl XXV]].

During their quest for a "three-peat" between 1988 and 1990, the 49ers set a league record with 19 consecutive road victories.

Joe Montana missed almost all of the following two seasons with a recurring elbow injury. Following the 1990 season, the 49ers left team stalwarts Roger Craig and Ronnie Lott unprotected and let them go to the [[Oakland Raiders|Los Angeles Raiders]] via Plan B free agency.

In [[1991 NFL season|1991]], [[Steve Young (American football)|Steve Young]] injured the thumb on his throwing hand and later was sidelined with an injured knee. After 10 games, the 49ers had a record of 4–6. Backup quarterback [[Steve Bono]] helped the team win five of its next six games with Young sidelined. In the final game of the season, Monday night versus the NFC's number two seed, Young returned and the 49ers embarrassed the [[1991 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] 52–14, finishing 10–6. However, the team missed qualifying for the playoffs by virtue of losing the head-to-head tiebreaker to the [[1991 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], which had beaten the 49ers on a last-second Hail Mary pass earlier in the season. The 1992 and 1993 seasons saw a resurgent 49er team under the leadership of Steve Young, but a subpar and aging defense could only take them to the NFC Championship game before falling to the [[1991 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] each time.

In [[1992 NFL season|1992]], Joe Montana came back after missing almost two full seasons due to an elbow injury in his throwing arm, and started the second half of a Monday night game versus [[1992 Detroit Lions season|Detroit]] on December 28, 1992. With the 49ers clinging to a 7–6 lead, Montana entered the game and looked as though he had not missed a single snap, completing 15–21 for 126 yards and 2 TDs, as the 49ers defeated the Lions 24–6. The 49ers finished the 1992 season with a 14–2 record and home field advantage in the playoffs. San Francisco defeated the [[1992 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] 20–13 in the divisional playoff game, but lost to the [[1992 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] 30–20 in the NFC Championship at Candlestick Park.

At the end of the 1992 season, partly fueled by media hype, the biggest quarterback controversy in football history was in full swing. After discussions with the owner and the coach, Montana asked for, and was granted, a trade to the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] prior to the 1993 season. Despite Eddie DeBartolo wanting Montana to stay and start, Montana realized that he and Young could not stay with the 49ers without a controversy. Montana was later quoted as saying, "If I had stayed and started, there would have been problems. If I had stayed and Steve Young had started, there would have been problems."

The 49ers finished the [[1993 NFL season|1993 season]], the team's first without Joe Montana on the roster, with a 10–6 record and no. 2 seed in the playoffs. San Francisco defeated the [[1993 New York Giants season|New York Giants]] 44–3 in the divisional playoff game, but lost to the [[1993 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] 38–21 in the NFC Championship at Texas Stadium.

===1994–98: Fifth Super Bowl, final glory years===
[[File:49ers Super Bowl ring.jpg|thumb|200px|A 49ers Super Bowl ring for [[Super Bowl XXIX]].]]
In [[1994 NFL season|1994]], the team spent large amounts of money on the addition of several star free agents from other teams, including [[Ken Norton (American football)|Ken Norton, Jr.]], [[Gary Plummer (American football)|Gary Plummer]], [[Rickey Jackson]], [[Bart Oates]], [[Richard Dent]], [[Charles Mann (American football)|Charles Mann]] and [[Deion Sanders]]. Additionally, several rookie players made key contributions to the team, some becoming season-long starters such as defensive tackle [[Bryant Young]], fullback [[William Floyd (American football)|William Floyd]], and linebacker [[Lee Woodall]]. Due to injuries to the offensive line, the 49ers had some tough times early in the season, including a 40–8 home loss to the [[1994 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], and a 24–17 loss to the [[1994 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]], led by former 49ers quarterback Joe Montana. Following the Eagles game, a poll conducted on local sports radio station [[KNBR]] showed that an overwhelming majority of 49er fans wanted head coach George Seifert fired. The game against the Eagles was a turning point for the 49ers despite the lopsided score. Young was benched in the 3rd quarter and was later seen livid on the sidelines, shouting profanities at Seifert. The following week in Detroit, the 49ers trailed the [[1994 Detroit Lions season|Lions]] 14–0. After throwing a pass, Young was hit, picked up, and driven into the ground by three Lions defenders. After the hit, Young was screaming with his face dark red in color. He crawled most of the way off of the field before refusing help from the trainers as he limped the remaining way off the field. He miraculously returned to the field one play later (NFL rules state that after trainers attend to an injured player, that player must leave the field for at least one play) to lead the 49ers to a 27–21 victory. The team rallied around Young to win 10 straight games, including a 21–14 victory over the two-time defending Super Bowl champion [[1994 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]]. During that span the 49ers' average margin of victory was nearly 20 points per game, a sustained dominance not seen since the [[1985 Chicago Bears season|1985 Chicago Bears]]. Despite scoring only 8 points in one game and 14 in another the 49ers set a new record for total regular season and post season combined points scored. That record was later broken by the [[2007 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in 2007 (the 1998 Minnesota Vikings scored 556 regular season points, but only 68 post season points, for a total of 624 points, while the 1994 49ers scored 495 regular season points and 131 post season points for a total of 636, the second highest mark in NFL history). Even after those initial rough spots early in the season, the 49ers finished the season 13–3 and with homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. In their first game, they easily defeated the [[1994 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]], 44–15, setting up the third straight 49ers-Cowboys NFC Championship Game. The 49ers took advantage of three early [[1994 Dallas Cowboys season|Cowboys]] turnovers, taking a 21–0 lead in the first quarter. Taking a 31–14 lead into halftime after a perfect 29-yard pass from Young to Rice in the closing seconds, the game appeared to be far out of reach for the Cowboys. A 49er fumble on the opening kick of the 3rd quarter led to a Cowboy score, cutting the lead to 31–21. Later, the 49ers responded with a Steve Young touchdown run, making it 38–21, before the Cowboys scored another touchdown in the final minutes for a final score of 38–28. The convincing win qualified the 49ers for their fifth [[Super Bowl XXIX|Super Bowl]] appearance, and the first to be played by two teams from California. The 49ers steamrolled the [[1994 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] 49–26,and at the time becoming the first team to win a record five Super Bowls. With a record 6 touchdown passes, Steve Young was named the game's MVP. Their run of five Super Bowl wins in 14 seasons (1981–1994) solidified them as one of the all time greatest NFL teams.

The 49ers made the playoffs in 1995 and again in 1996, being eliminated by the [[Green Bay Packers]] both times in the Divisional Round. On January 17, 1997, [[George Seifert]] retired as 49ers head coach. On the same day of Seifert's retirement, the 49ers hired [[California Golden Bears football|Cal]] head coach [[Steve Mariucci]] as his replacement. At the time, Mariucci only had one year of head coaching experience at any level. The first game of the [[1997 NFL season|1997 season]] against the [[1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] was a disaster, as both quarterback Steve Young and receiver Jerry Rice went down with injuries. Rice appeared to be out for the season with a serious knee injury, while Steve Young left the game with one of the many concussions he suffered throughout his career. However the team overcame adversity, Steve Young returned two weeks later, along with the league's number one defense,the 49ers finished the season with a 13–3 record which included an 11-game winning streak which was the longest by a rookie head coach at the time,and the 49ers became the quickest team in NFL history to clinch their division at the time. Rice returned for one and a half quarters in week 16 against the [[Denver Broncos]], before getting another injury to his knee (unrelated to the first one). In the playoffs the 49ers defeated the [[Minnesota Vikings]] 38–22, advancing to the [[NFC Championship]] game for the first time since 1994, where they again met the [[1997 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] at Candlestick Park, but lost 23–10. During that season Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. was involved in a corruption investigation regarding [[Louisiana]] [[Governor of Louisiana|Governor]] [[Edwin Edwards]] and one of his [[Mississippi River|Mississippi]] [[riverboat]] [[casino]]s. DeBartolo later pled guilty to a failure to report a felony charge in 1998. He was suspended from active control of the 49ers for one year. His sister, [[Denise DeBartolo York]], and her husband, Dr. [[John York]], took over operations of the team.

In [[1998 NFL season|1998]], Jerry Rice finally returned from his knee injury week 1 against the [[New York Jets]], a game best remembered for Running back [[Garrison Hearst]] 96-yard touchdown run in overtime to win the game. The 49ers had the 2nd most productive offense in league history, Steve Young who was questioned if his concussion history would put an end to his career had his best season throwing for 4,170 yards 36 touchdowns and only 12 Interceptions, a healthy Jerry Rice, 3rd year player [[Terrell Owens]], and 4th-year player [[J.J. Stokes]] became the first WR-trio in team history to catch at least 60 passes in the same season, Hearst ran for 1,570 yards and 7 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The 49ers finished 12–4 their 16th straight winning season (all with 10 wins or more), earning a wildcard berth. Once again, the 49ers faced the [[1998 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] in the playoffs. Things looked bleak when the 49ers trailed 27–23 in the waning seconds. However, in the games final moment, Young hit Terrell Owens( who was having a terrible game up to that point) on a dramatic, game-winning 25-yard touchdown pass, dubbed by many as "The Catch II". That put the 49ers ahead 30–27 with just three seconds left on the game clock, sealing the win. After finally beating the Packers, They went on to lose to the eventual NFC champion [[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]] in the Divisional round 20–18, in a game that was marked by Hearst suffering a gruesome broken ankle on the first play from scrimmage.

=== 1999–2002: Ownership change ===

Eddie DeBartolo returned from his suspension in 1999, but a series of lawsuits over control of the family's vast holdings led him to surrender controlling interest to the Yorks as part of a 2000 settlement. Denise York became chairwoman of the board, while John York became CEO. On the field, the [[1999 NFL season|1999]], 49ers got off to a 3–1 start, then in a nationally televised [[Monday Night Football]] game against the [[Arizona Cardinals]], Steve Young suffered a blindside hit from cornerback [[Aeneas Williams]] that eventually convinced him to retire. At the time it was believed the severe hit ended his career but Young later said in interviews he could have come back to play another season or two. After meeting with then GM Bill Walsh and being told about how the salary cap troubles would make the team non-competitive, Young chose to retire rather than risk his long-term health further for a likely losing club. Without their future Hall of Famer, 29-year old rookie [[Jeff Garcia]] took over as starting quarterback, but he would be benched for poor performances in favor of [[Steve Stenstrom]]. Garcia would be reinstated as the starting QB and in the final 5 games of the regular season. The 49ers lost 11 of their last 12 games, and suffered their first losing season in a non-strike year since 1980, which was also the last time that the 49ers did not win at least ten or more games in a season. [[Bobb McKittrick]], 49ers offensive line coach since 1979, also died of cancer following the 1999 season.

Before the 2000 NFL Season Jeff Garcia was named the starting quarterback despite the 49ers drafting two quarterbacks ([[Giovanni Carmazzi]] in the third round and [[Tim Rattay]] in the seventh). Garcia kept the starting job throughout the season and showed drastic improvement from the previous year, he broke a franchise record, for most passing yards in one season, with 4,278 Passing Yards with 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions, Garcia and Terrell Owens who established himself as the teams number one receiver both earned their first pro bowl selection. However the 49ers finished 6–10, missing the playoffs for the second straight season for the first time since 1979 and 1980 due to a defense that gave up 26.4 points per game and a total of 422 points. The 2000 season was the final year for Jerry Rice with the 49ers, he played 16 seasons with the team. In the [[2001 NFL Season]] The 49ers established themselves as a playoff team once again after two down years, they finished with a 12–4 record and a wildcard berth, a quarter of their wins came in 4th quarter comebacks, their defense also had a bounced back year, going from the 28th ranked defense in 2000, to the 9th ranked. Terrell Owens had become Jeff Garcia's favorite target, forming their own 49er duo. Garrison Hearst who was forced to retire from football after breaking his ankle in the 1998 divisional playoffs, finally returned to the line-up after over two years of rehabilitation. He became the first player in NFL history to come back to football after suffering avascular necrosis. He had an excellent season, rushing for 1,206 yards on a 4.8 average. His comeback earned him the [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award]]. In the final 6 weeks of the season the 49ers defense shut out 3 teams (the [[Buffalo Bills]], [[Miami Dolphins]], and [[New Orleans Saints]]), and had one of the most stupendous goal-line stands against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]]. In the teams first playoff game in 2 years, they played against [[Green Bay Packers]] at [[Lambeau Field]] in the NFC Wild Card, but lost 25–15.

The [[2002 NFL season]] began with the divisional realignment, the 49ers gained two divisional rivals, the [[Seattle Seahawks]] and [[Arizona Cardinals]], while former divisional foes [[Atlanta Falcons]], [[New Orleans Saints]], and [[Carolina Panthers]] moved to the newly formed [[NFC South]]. The teams production dropped from the previous year, Jeff Garcia went from having 31 and 32 TDs in the previous 2 seasons, to only 21 in 2002, the 49ers defense struggled at times, dropping from the 9th ranked defense from the previous season, to the 19th ranked. Even though the team did not have the same success as they did in the 2001 regular season, the 49ers won the NFC West for the first time since 1997, with the division clinching game coming on a last second TD pass to Terrell Owens against the [[Dallas Cowboys]]. They finished 10–6. In the [[2002 NFL Playoffs]] they and hosted the [[New York Giants]] in the 2002 NFC Wild Card, The Giants had a 38–14 lead late into the third quarter; however, the Giants defense, which had been highly ranked all year, began to collapse, and by the final minute in the 4th quarter Jeff Garcia had led the team back from the 24-point deficit. Giants QB [[Kerry Collins]] then led a drive in the game's final minute to put the Giants at the 49er's 23-yard line with six seconds left for a shot at a game-winning field goal. [[Trey Junkin]] who had been signed by the Giants that week had a bad snap so holder [[Matt Allen]] attempted a desperate pass down the field, which fell incomplete but there was a flag on the play. The initial thought by spectators and the Giants was a clear pass interference but it was to an inellegible receiver so the game ended like that. The next day the NFL says the referee blew the call and it was pass interference. A press conference was made and a reporter asked 49ers head coach [[Steve Mariucci]] about his thoughts on the NFL saying they blew the call and he replied "Bummer". It was the second biggest comeback victory in NFL playoff history, winning 39–38. The 49ers lost the next week to the eventual Super Bowl Champion [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in the Divisional round 31–6. This was the last postseason appearance for the 49ers until the 2011 Playoffs. Steve Mariucci, whose published statements about his degree of power in the organization had frayed already-strained relations with management, was fired by John York, despite a winning record.

===2003–10: Struggles ===
Former [[Seattle Seahawks]] and [[Oregon State University]] head coach [[Dennis Erickson]] was signed to a five-year contract to replace Steve Mariucci. The hiring of Erickson was highly criticized by the fans and the media. Erickson's offensive philosophy was very different from the West Coast Offense. The 2003 season was one of turmoil for the 49ers. The relationship between Garcia and Owens turned sour upon Garcia taking issue with Owens's public praise for the play of backup quarterback [[Tim Rattay]]. Garcia responded with a cryptic "we cannot let the sickness spread" remark, prompting Owens to wear a surgeon's mask at the following practice. This, and injuries to key players on both sides of the ball and the often reckless play of Jeff Garcia took a toll on him, as he was forced to miss 3 games during the season. The 49ers finished 7–9 and missed the playoffs for the first time in two seasons. Despite this disappointing result, Erickson was retained as coach for the 2004 season. The 2003 season also marked the final season for Terrell Owens with the 49ers;his on- and off-field antics led to the 49ers trading him to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] during the off season. Several other key 49er players were released due to salary cap concerns, including Garcia and Hearst. The team finished the 2004 season last in the NFC West Division with a 2–14 record, tying a franchise worst and finishing last for the first time since 1979 – ending what had been the NFL's longest active streak for not finishing last in a division. With the worst record in the NFL the team secured the rights to the first pick in the NFL Draft. [[Dennis Erickson]] and GM [[Terry Donahue]] were fired.
[[Image:Frankgore.png|thumb|left|49ers running back [[Frank Gore]] in action against the [[St. Louis Rams]] in 2007]]

After an extensive coaching search, the 49ers hired the defensive coordinator of the [[Baltimore Ravens]] [[Mike Nolan]] as their head coach. Nolan was the son of [[Dick Nolan (American football)|Dick Nolan]], who had led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 1970 to 1972. The 49ers did not hire a general manager. In Mike Nolan's first draft as head coach, he selected quarterback [[Alex Smith (quarterback)|Alex Smith]] from the [[Utah Utes football|University of Utah]] with the first overall pick of the [[2005 NFL Draft]]. It was a pick predicted by most, though many thought the 49ers might select local product [[Aaron Rodgers]] of the [[California Golden Bears football|University of California]]. Alex Smith's rookie season was a disaster, producing only one touchdown against eleven interceptions. The team finished 4th in the NFC West for the second consecutive year, with a 4–12 record. This earned the 49ers the 6th pick in the [[2006 NFL Draft]] which they used to draft tight end [[Vernon Davis]]. [[Alex Smith]] and the team improved greatly in 2006, led by second year player [[Frank Gore]] from the [[Miami Hurricanes football|University of Miami]]. Gore ran for a franchise record of 1,695 rushing yards, which led the NFC, along with 8 TDs. He was awarded his first Pro Bowl appearance. They also swept division rival and defending NFC Champion, [[2006 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], and kept the [[2006 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] from a playoff berth in the last game of the season. However, the team finished 7–9, their fourth consecutive losing season.

[[File:Alex Smith warm up 1.jpg|left|thumb|upright|49ers' former quarterback [[Alex Smith]]]]
In the off-season, the 49ers signed cornerback [[Nate Clements]] and safety [[Michael Lewis (safety)|Michael Lewis]] to improve their secondary. Clement's contract was worth $80 million for eight years, the largest contract given to a defensive player in NFL history at the time. In the [[2007 NFL Draft|NFL Draft]], the 49ers made another key addition to their defense, selecting middle linebacker [[Patrick Willis]] with the 11th overall pick. Willis would eventually be named the 2007 [[AP Defensive Rookie of the Year|AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]]. Before the beginning of the 2007 season, Hall of Fame coach [[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]] died of complications from [[leukemia]]. The 49ers started the season 2–0, for the first time since [[1998 NFL season|1998]]. In the fourth game of the season, against the [[2007 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Alex Smith suffered a separated shoulder on the third play of the game, an injury that severely hampered his play and ultimately led to an early end to his 2008 campaign after having shoulder surgery. Chiefly due to back up QB [[Trent Dilfer|Trent Dilfer's]] struggles and Alex Smith's injury, the 49ers lost eight straight consecutive games from week three through week twelve, ending the year with a disappointing 5–11 record. Questions were raised about the future of Alex Smith, whose first three seasons had been plagued by inconsistent play, injuries, and never having had the same offensive coordinator from one year to the next. Head coach Mike Nolan and new offensive coordinator [[Mike Martz]] stated that a competition between Smith, [[Shaun Hill]], and NFL journeyman [[J. T. O'Sullivan]] would run through the first two preseason games of 2008. O'Sullivan was named the 49ers starter because of his familiarity with the Martz offense and after performing better than Smith or Hill in the first three preseason games. On October 20, 2008, after a 2–5 start, Mike Nolan was fired. Assistant head coach [[Mike Singletary]], a [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] linebacker with the [[Chicago Bears]], was named as the interim head coach. Singletary proved to be a fan favorite when after his first game as head coach he delivered a memorable post game interview. Singletary said of their loss: "... right now, we've got to figure out the formula. Our formula. Our formula is this: We go out, we hit people in the mouth.".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.entertonement.com/clips/xjtxzdvvnb--Hit-People-in-the-Mouth | title=Hit-People-in-the-Mouth | accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref> The team went 5–4 overall under Singletary, winning five of its final seven games and ending the season with a 7–9 record. After the last game of the season, Singletary was named permanent head coach by Jed York, who had been appointed as team president just days before. [[Jed York]] is the oldest son of John York and Denise DeBartolo York.
[[File:49ers Offense.jpg|thumb|The offense of the 49ers in 2007. [[Quarterback]] [[Trent Dilfer]] is wearing #12.]]

On April 25, 2009, the 49ers selected Texas Tech WR [[Michael Crabtree]], a player many people thought would go in the top five, with the 10th pick in the first round of the [[2009 NFL Draft]]. The 2009 training camp became the first since 2005 that the 49ers failed to have all drafted rookies signed and in training camp on time, as Crabtree held out trying to reach a contract. He finally reached a contract agreement on October 7, 2009, having missed the first four games of the regular season. The 49ers posted an 8–8 record after a frustrating season, losing only 2 games by more than a touchdown. Nevertheless, it was the team's first non-losing season since 2002. Despite missing the playoffs for the seventh straight season, several key players showed signs of improvement. Alex Smith regained his role as the 49ers' starting quarterback (after Shaun Hill had won the starting job in training camp), passing for more than 2,000 yards with 19 touchdowns, while Frank Gore collected his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season, a 49ers record. Safety [[Dashon Goldson]] showed signs of potential in his first year as full-time starter, as he tallied 94 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two sacks. [[Vernon Davis]] in particular had a breakthrough year at tight end, earning Pro Bowl honors with 965 yards and 13 touchdowns (tying the NFL record for his position). 2010 saw five 49ers go to the Pro Bowl: Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Justin Smith, and punter Andy Lee.

The [[2010 NFL season|2010 season]] started with the 49ers heavy favorites to win the NFC West, after Cardinals QB [[Kurt Warner]] retired early in the offseason. But the season was a disaster. They started 0–5, their worst start since the dark days of 1979. In week 3, the 49ers fired offensive coordinator [[Jimmy Raye II|Jimmy Raye]], who had been hand-picked by Singletary in the 2009 offseason. Starting safety [[Michael Lewis (safety)|Michael Lewis]] demanded to be released after he was demoted in favor of rookie safety [[Taylor Mays]]. By mid-season, Singletary was switching QBs between [[Alex Smith]] and [[Troy Smith]], who had been picked up in free agency after the preseason, but with little effect. On December 27, 2010, the 49ers fired Mike Singletary as head coach, naming Defensive Line Coach Jim Tomsula as interim Head Coach for the last game of the season, where despite crushing the [[2010 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]] 38–7, they finished a sad and disappointing 6–10 and missed the playoffs yet again.

===2011: Harbaugh era and the return to prominence ===
On January 4, 2011, Jed York promoted interim General Manager [[Trent Baalke]] to be the permanent GM. Baalke had taken over the role after former GM [[Scot McCloughan]] was relieved of his duties the year before. Two days later, on January 7, 2011, former head coach of [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford University]] [[Jim Harbaugh]] was named the 49ers new head coach.<ref name="harbaugh">{{cite web |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5999744 |title=Sources: Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers agree to 5-year deal |accessdate=2011-01-07 |publisher=ESPN |work=ESPN.com |author=ESPN|date=January 7, 2011}}</ref> In the [[2011 NFL Draft]], the 49ers selected defensive end/linebacker [[Aldon Smith]] from the [[Missouri Tigers football|University of Missouri]] with the seventh pick of the first round. The 49ers also selected quarterback [[Colin Kaepernick]] from the [[Nevada Wolf Pack football|University of Nevada, Reno]] with the 36th overall pick in the second round.
[[File:Jim Harbaugh in 2007.jpg|thumb|upright|left|In 2011, [[Jim Harbaugh]] was named the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.]]

After the end of a labor dispute that nearly threatened to postpone or cancel the [[2011 NFL season|2011 season]] the 49ers made a controversial decision to re-sign [[Alex Smith]] to a one-year $4.8 million contract.<ref>{{cite news |last=Killion |first=Ann |title=New era begins for 49ers, but will San Francisco get any better? |date=August 1, 2011 |work=SI.com |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/ann_killion/08/01/49ers/?sct=hp_t11_a4 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/60hB9ZRtO |archivedate=August 4, 2011}}</ref> Because of the decision to retain Smith, and a shortened offseason with an entirely new coaching staff being hired, the team was expected to be among the league's worst by NFL prognosticators. Despite this, Harbaugh's first season was a huge success. After 10 weeks, was 9–1, highlighted by road wins against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], where the team came back from a 20-point deficit in the second half, and the previously unbeaten [[Detroit Lions]]. The 49ers defense became one of the most intimidating in the league, particularly against the run – not allowing a 100-yard rusher or a single rushing touchdown until week 16 of the regular season. Alex Smith blossomed in the new system, reviving his career while playing for yet another new offensive coordinator – his sixth in six years. In week 13 the 49ers won the NFC West with a victory against the [[St. Louis Rams]], finally ending their nine-year playoff drought. The 49ers finished the season with a 13–3 record, earning the second overall seed in the [[2011-12 NFL Playoffs|NFC Playoffs]]. In the [[NFL playoffs, 2011-12|Divisional Playoffs]] they defeated the [[New Orleans Saints]] 36–32 after a [[The Catch (American football)#The Catch III|touchdown pass]] from Alex Smith to [[Vernon Davis]] in the closing seconds of the game. The team reached the [[2011-12 NFL Playoffs|NFC Championship]] for the first time since 1997, and faced the [[New York Giants]]. They lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions with a 20–17 score in overtime after two critical fumbles by back up return man [[Kyle Williams (wide receiver)|Kyle Williams]], ending their 2011–2012 season with disappointment but great promise.

In 2012, the 49ers were predicted to be the NFC West champions and possibly make a run for the Super Bowl. Starting the season 6-2, the 49ers went on to face the rival [[St. Louis Rams]] in Week 10. [[Alex Smith]] suffered a concussion in the second quarter and exited the game. He was replaced by [[2011 NFL Draft|2011]] second-round pick [[Colin Kaepernick]], who led the 49ers back to tie the game. The next week, Kaepernick and the 49ers blew out the [[Chicago Bears]] 32-7, and Harbaugh chose Kaepernick as the starter next week against the [[New Orleans Saints]], despite Smith being cleared to play. A quarterback controversy began. Despite Smith leading the NFL in completion percentage (70%) and passer rating (104.1), Kaepernick was considered more dynamic with his scrambling ability and arm strength.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dodds|first=Eric|title=Examining the 49ers Quarterback Controversy|date=November 28, 2012|work=time.com|url=http://keepingscore.blogs.time.com/2012/11/28/examining-the-49ers-quarterback-controversy/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6CWHnQ6PK|archivedate=November 28, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sando|first=Mike|title=Reaching back for 49ers QB parallels|date=November 27, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/alex-smith|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6CWHtsyGT|archivedate=November 28, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref> Kaepernick eventually started the rest of the season, going 5-2. Kaepernick set the record for rushing yards for a quarterback in the playoffs with 168 yds against the [[Green Bay Packers]]. The 49ers defeated the [[Green Bay Packers]] and the [[Atlanta Falcons]] in the [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] and advanced to [[Super Bowl XLVII]], but were defeated 34–31 by the [[Baltimore Ravens]], who were coached by Harbaugh's brother, [[John Harbaugh|John]].

Another storyline towards the end of the season was the reliability of kicker [[David Akers]]. Towards the end of the season, he began to show signs of decline, missing one field goal from 20-30 yards, two field goals from 30-40 yards, and six field goals from 40-50 yards for a below-average conversion percentage of 69%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/akersdav01.htm |title=David Akers NFL Football Statistics |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com |date=1974-12-09 |accessdate=2013-07-06}}</ref> Akers was released on March 6, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gonzalez|first=Antonio|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/49ers-release-6-time-pro-235350216--nfl.html|title=49ers release 6-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers|publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|date=2013-03-06|accessdate=2013-03-06}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, the 49ers signed veteran kicker [[Phil Dawson]]. <ref><http://www.49ers.com/media-gallery/videos/49ers-Sign-Kicker-Phil-Dawson/19bd1f3b-cf93-4a55-a93f-6d6ba55c6398</ref>

==Logos and uniforms==
{{Main|Logos and uniforms of the San Francisco 49ers}}

===Logo===
The original 49ers logo was a mustached forty-niner gold miner from the 1849 [[California Gold Rush]], dressed in plaid pants and a red shirt, jumping in midair with his hat falling off, and firing pistols in each hand: one nearly shooting his foot, and the other pistol forming the word "Forty-Niners" from its smoke. An alternate logo with a shield-shaped crest formed from the number "49", with a football in the upper right quadrant and "SF" in the lower left quadrant was created in 1965 and used for marketing purposes until 1972. From 1962, the 49ers' logo has been the iconic "SF" within the center of a red oval; throughout the years the logo has had minor modifications, such as a black outlining on the intertwined "SF" that was added in 1989 and a gold trimming inside the oval that was added in 1996.

===Uniforms===
[[Image:49ers Unis.gif|thumb|400px|The evolution of the 49ers' uniform, 1946–present]]
The San Francisco 49ers currently have two different uniforms: red and gold home uniforms and white and gold road uniforms. However the 49ers have changed uniform designs and color combinations quite often throughout their history. From the team's inception in 1946, they wore dark or cardinal red, switching to scarlet red jerseys and gold pants for the 1948 season, with a gold helmet with one red stripe, with solid red socks and pants with no stripes. Entering the 1949 season, the first in the NFL, the 49ers adopted three stripes to their red jerseys, wearing gold helmets and pants, with no stripes and red socks with three white stripes. In the 1953, '54, and '55 seasons, the 49ers wore red helmets with a gold stripe in the middle, with silver pants with one single stripe of red. The socks also added the three stripes similar to the jersey's. 1955 was also unique in that the 49ers wore white pants with a black stripe bounded by two red stripes, and shadow drop numbers on their red jerseys, with black shadow drop borders on the white numerals. The following season, 1956, the team wore white helmets with no stripes, and white pants with a red stripe. In 1957 the Forty-Niners wore red jerseys, a gold helmet with no stripes, and gold pants with no stripes; for the first time the 49ers wore white on the road, as dictated by the NFL for all teams, to have at least one team wearing a light colored jersey during games. The first white jersey had two red stripes with a gold in the middle, as was their road socks: white, with two red stripes and gold in the middle. San Francisco wore red and gold in 1958 as well, with their white jersey having a single shoulder loop stripe, as well as adding TV numbers to the sleeves of their home and away jerseys. And in contrast to the socks at home, red with three red stripes, the away socks were solid red. In 1959 the team switched to red and platinum gold (looking more like silver), and for the next several years afterwards, with their white jerseys having double shoulder loop stripes (mimicking UCLA's), but continuing with the three white stripes on the sleeves above the elbow and below the TV numbers, with the red home jerseys. In 1960, the team added "Northwestern" red stripes to their helmets (a thicker middle stripe bordered by two thinner stripes), and that changed in 1962, with the addition of the helmet design the team has mostly worn since: white stripe bounded by two red, with the red oval and SF logo on the sides of the helmet. In 1964 the team's colors then changed again. All silver elements were changed to what was called "Forty-Niner Gold;" helmets were gold. New beige-gold pants with a red-white-red tri-stripe in the same style as the helmet were introduced. Uniform's basic design would be worn for practically the next thirty seasons with only some minor changes and adjustments, such as a gradual change over from sans-serif to serifed block numerals from 1970–74 and a switch from thin stripes to a very thick pant striping in 1976 (during which white jerseys were also worn at home for most of that season). The uniform ensemble of red and white jerseys, and beige-gold pants with thick striping were worn until 1995 with a few minor changes. During the 1994 season, many NFL teams wore "throwback uniforms" on occasional games to celebrate the NFL's 75th anniversary (a corresponding diamond-shaped 75th Anniversary patch was also worn by all teams) . The 49ers chose to wear a version of their 1955 uniforms as their throwbacks, with simpler sans-serif block numerals that were outlined and shadowed in black with White pants with thinner red-black-red striping were also worn, along with the old striped red socks. The regular 1989–95 design gold helmet was worn with this uniform, as there was no logo on the 1955 helmet.

In 1996, the 49ers celebrated their 49th anniversary by designing a commemorative jersey patch based on the earlier shield-crest logo. The team also debuted a substantially new uniform design, most notably changing the shade of red used in their jerseys from bright scarlet to a deeper, cardinal red a black dropshadow effect (along with gold trim) was added to the jersey numerals (which remained in the blocked serif style). As in 1994, the Niners donned white pants full-time for the 1996 season (also wearing them for the 1997 season and 1998 preseason,) though this time the pant stripes were marginally thicker and the colors were reversed to black-cardinal red-black (matching the striping on the helmets). For the 1998 regular season opener, the team switched back to gold pants,with a more metallic gold rather than the previous beige-matte gold of the past. The striping along the side of the pants remained black-cardinal red-black, though a thin gold trimming was added, along with further oval "SF" logos placed on both sides of the hip. The 1996 helmet and jersey design with the 1998 gold pants was worn as the team's regular uniforms until the end of the 2008 season. The 49ers once again changed uniforms in 2009, which are very similar to the classic design, albeit with several significant changes. The sleeve stripes are now set at an angle to accommodate the even shorter sleeves of modern jerseys, (though the stripes appear straight and parallel to the ground when worn by the players themselves). A modestly updated 49ers uniform with improved fit, and more breathable and moisture-resistant fabrics was debuted (alongside the rest of the NFL teams) by new league uniform manufacturer [[Nike Inc.|Nike]] on April 3, 2012. These are the team's current uniforms.

==Cheerleaders and mascot==

===Cheerleaders===

The 49ers official cheerleading squad is called the Gold Rush.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/gold-rush/squad.html |title=2012 Gold Rush |publisher=49ers.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref>
Started in 1983,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/gold-rush/history.html |title=Cheerleader History |publisher=49ers.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref> the team typically consists of anywhere from 34–40 young female dancers.
The Gold Rush have been featured on numerous local and national television shows, including ESPN, Entertainment Tonight, MTV, Extra!, The Leeza Show, The Total Football Network, and the FOX Network.
The most famous Gold Rush alumnus is [[Teri Hatcher]].

===Mascot===
The 49ers official mascot is [[Sourdough Sam]].
He wears jersey number 49.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.49ers.com/fans-only/kids-only/mascot.html |title=Mascot |publisher=49ers.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref>

==Rivalries==
The San Francisco 49ers have three rivals within their division: The [[St. Louis Rams]], the [[Arizona Cardinals]], and the [[Seattle Seahawks]]. They also have rivalries with other teams that arose from post-season games in the past, most notably the [[Dallas Cowboys]], [[New York Giants]], and [[Green Bay Packers]]. They also have an intense [[crosstown rivalry]] with the [[Oakland Raiders]] and share an intrastate rivalry with the [[San Diego Chargers]] (the two teams have played each other nearly every preseason, and every 4 years in the regular season, and also met in [[Super Bowl XXIX]]).

===Divisional rivals===

{{Main|49ers-Rams rivalry}}

* The rivalry between the [[St. Louis Rams]] and the San Francisco 49ers is considered by many to be one of the greatest NFL rivalries ever, placing No. 8 on ''Sports Illustrated'''s "Top 10 NFL Rivalries of All Time" list, compiled in 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.oldrivals/content.3.html |title= Top 10 NFL Rivalries of All Time|accessdate=2008-01-30 |work= [[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> Some{{Who|date=June 2013}} feel that the rivalry was more intense before the Rams moved from Los Angeles to St. Louis, as it seemed like the rivalry was coming to an end when the Rams relocated. However, some players did not agree. For instance, [[Roger Craig (American football)|Roger Craig]] stated in ''Tales from the San Francisco 49ers Sideline'' that "the Rams will always be the 49ers' biggest rival. It doesn't matter if they no longer play in Los Angeles. If the Rams played their home games on [[Mars]], it would still be a rivalry."<ref>Craig (2004) 37</ref> In fact, the Rams are the only team to have played the 49ers twice every season for the last 58 seasons<ref name="Knapp 1">{{cite news | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/03/SPA51A0S03.DTL | title=49ers must beat Rams | publisher=San Francisco Chronicle | accessdate=2009-10-04 | first=Gwen | last=Knapp}}</ref> to combine for more than 100 regular season games; the all-time regular-season series is tied 62–62–3. They have only met once in a playoff game, when the 49ers beat the Rams 30–3 in 1989.

* The [[Arizona Cardinals]] are a recent growing rival of the 49ers. Unlike most rivalries of this team, the Arizona Cardinals are in the same division as the 49ers (since 2002, when the Cardinals transferred from the [[NFC East]]). Recently, there has been much bad blood between these two teams' players; an example of this is a Twitter "battle" between [[Darnell Dockett]] of the Arizona Cardinals and [[Vernon Davis]] of the San Francisco 49ers.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2010/5/11/1468108/adrian-wilson-vs-vernon-davis-rotb |title=Adrian Wilson vs Vernon Davis; ROTB Announcement |publisher=Revengeofthebirds.com |date=May 11, 2010 |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref> Another clash was when Early Doucet of the Cardinals and Dashon Goldson of the Niners threw punches at each other. The clash of words between players of both teams, added with the decline of the other major rivalries of the 49ers, either from the rarity of meeting the rival teams (49ers rarely meet the Cowboys) or the move to different cities (Los Angeles Rams moving to St. Louis), has led to the rivalry between the 49ers and the Cardinals becoming heated and intense. The 49ers currently hold the edge over the Cardinals all-time 26–17.<ref>[http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2011/01/02/49ers-cardinals-pre-game-notes-lombardi-says-harbaugh-lookes-headed-for-michigan/ 49ers-Cardinals pre-game notes: Lombardi says Harbaugh looks headed for Michigan | 49ers Hot Read]</ref>

* The [[Seattle Seahawks]] have become a new rival of the 49ers, following the NFL's realignment in 2002 that put both teams in the same division (Seattle had been a brief former rival during their inaugural 1976 season, when the team was in the old pre-realignment NFC West). Prior to 2002, the teams played each other almost every season during the pre-season, but only every three years during the regular season when the AFC West and NFC West teams faced each other. So far, their rivalry has not been as intense as other division foes because for the most part both teams have not been good at the same time. In the early to middle part of the decade, the Seahawks ruled the division and their favorable record against the 49ers reflected this. In recent years,{{When|date=June 2013}} as the Seahawks have faded the 49ers have enjoyed more success than in earlier years. However, the games at [[CenturyLink Field]], one of the toughest stadiums to play at as the visiting team, have still been difficult to win. The 49ers have a 4-6 record all-time at that stadium, with their largest margin of victory there being ten points, and failed to score a touchdown in four of those losses. The rivalry has intensified after the 49ers hired [[Jim Harbaugh]] out of [[Stanford University|Stanford]] in 2011, as he and Seahawks and former [[University of Southern California|USC]] head coach [[Pete Carroll]] had an intense rivalry in college. The all-time series is led by the Seahawks at 14–13.

===Historic rivals===
{{original research section|date=January 2013}}
* The rivalry between the [[Dallas Cowboys]] and San Francisco 49ers has been going on since the 1970s. San Francisco has played Dallas in seven postseason games. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers in the 1970 and 1971 NFC Championship games, and again in the 1972 Divisional Playoff Game. The 1981 NFC Championship Game in San Francisco, which saw the 49ers' [[Joe Montana]] complete a game-winning pass to [[Dwight Clark]] in the final minute (now known as '''The Catch''') is one of the most famous games in NFL history. The rivalry became even more intense during the 1992–1994 seasons. San Francisco and Dallas faced each other in the NFC Championship Game three separate times. Dallas won the first two match-ups, and San Francisco won the third. In each of these pivotal match-ups, the game's victor went on to win the Super Bowl. Both the Cowboys and the 49ers are second all time in [[Super Bowl]] victories to the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] with five each. The 49ers-Cowboys rivalry is also part of the larger cultural rivalry between California and Texas. In recent years, this once great rivalry has greatly softened, with the recent struggles of both the Cowboys and 49ers. However, in its prime especially in the 1990s this rivalry was a very bitter one as both teams were the class of the NFL during this time. The all-time series is tied at 16–16–1, which includes a postseason record of 2–5.

* The [[New York Giants]] have the most playoff meetings versus the 49ers (eight). This rivalry is rooted in the 1980s when both teams were on the rise. In the first two playoff meetings against these two teams teams the [[Joe Montana]]-led 49ers would win both meetings 38–24 in [[1981 NFL Season|1981]] and 24–10 in [[1984 NFL Season|1984]] both in the divisional round at [[Candlestick Park]], 49ers would go on to win their first two Super Bowl Championships both seasons. The Giants would win the next three playoff meetings which included a 49–3 rout at [[Giants Stadium]] in [[1986 NFL Season|1986]], and the [[1990 NFL Season|1990 NFC Championship]], where they upset the 49ers 15–13, ruining the 49ers hopes of a Super Bowl three-peat after [[Roger Craig (American football)|Roger Craig]] lost a fumble late in the 4th quarter and let the Giants score on a last-second field goal, Giants also went on to win their first two Super Bowl Championships both seasons. The 49ers would defeat the Giants 44–3 in [[1993 NFL Season|1993]] in the divisional round. The [[2002 NFL Season|2002 NFC Wildcard]] was another memorable game. The Giants were ahead 38–14 late in the 3rd quarter, however the 49ers came back from the 24-point deficit to stun the Giants with a controversial 39–38 victory. Both teams met again in the [[2011 NFL Season|2011 NFC Championship]] at Candlestick Park, just like the 1990 NFC Championship it was a low-scoring game, the Giants won the game on a [[Lawrence Tynes]] 31-yard field goal in overtime 20–17. In an eerie similarity to Roger Craig's fumble 21 years earlier [[Kyle Williams (wide receiver)|Kyle Williams]] fumbled a punt in the crucial minutes of the game, and just like the last two times the Giants beat the 49ers in the playoffs, they went on to win the Super Bowl. The all-time series is lead by the Giants with a record of 15–14, and includes a postseason record of 4–4.

* The [[Green Bay Packers]] rivalry emerged in the mid-1990s when the Packers upset the 49ers in the 1995 NFC Divisional game at Candlestick Park,ending any chance of a Super Bowl repeat. From that point the Packers beat the 49ers 4 more times including 2 post-season games. San Francisco was finally able to exact revenge in the 1998 NFC Wild Card Round, a game that is remembered by a dramatic 25-yard game winning touchdown reception by [[Terrell Owens]] off a [[Steve Young]] pass (referred to by many as '''The Catch II''') lifting the 49ers over the Packers 30–27. Since that game the Packers had beaten the 49ers eight straight times including once in the 2001 post-season, a streak that would come to an end in the 2012 season when the 49ers beat the Packers in [[Lambeau Field]] week 1 for the first time since 1990, and again in the NFC Divisional game that same season. The 49ers trail the all-time series with a record of 28–34–1, which includes a postseason record of 2–4.

* The [[New Orleans Saints]] were division rivals with the 49ers up until realignment in 2002 when the Saints were placed in the newly formed [[NFC South]]. The 49ers dominated the rivalry when the Saints played in the [[NFC West]], but the Saints have held the upper hand since realignment winning the first six game since moving to the NFC South. They met most recently in the divisional round of the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011 playoffs]] at Candlestick Park. There were four lead changes in the final four minutes of the game culminating with [[Alex Smith]] throwing the game-winning touchdown to [[Vernon Davis]] with nine seconds left (referred by many as '''The Grab''' or '''The Catch III'''). Three months after that game it was revealed that then-Saints [[defensive coordinator]] [[Gregg Williams]] ordered his players to target certain players in certain areas in a profanity-laced speech as part of the [[New Orleans Saints bounty scandal|bounty]] scandal prior to that game. The 49ers lead the all-time series with a record of 47–24–2, which includes a postseason record of 1–0.

*The [[Atlanta Falcons]] were also division rivals with the 49ers until the Falcons moved to the NFC South in 2002 after the realignment. Just like the Saints, the 49ers had dominated the Falcons when they played in the NFC West, but the Falcons have won four straight against the 49ers since moving to the NFC South. Both teams met in the divisional round of the [[1998–99 NFL playoffs|1998 playoffs]] a game best remembered by [[Garrison Hearst]] suffering a gruesome ankle break when his foot was caught in the [[Georgia Dome]] turf and twisted severely as he tried to spin away from Falcons' defensive end [[Chuck Smith (football player)|Chuck Smith]] on the first play from [[Line of scrimmage|scrimmage]], 49ers lost that game 20–19. They met in the [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|2012 NFC Championship]], in which the 49ers, led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, defeated the top-seeded Falcons in Atlanta by a score of 28–24. The all-time series is lead by the 49ers with a record of 45–30–1, and includes a postseason record of 1–1.

==Season-by-season records==
{{Main|List of San Francisco 49ers seasons}}

==New stadium in 2014==
{{Main|Levi's Stadium}}
On November 8, 2006, reports surfaced that the 49ers ended negotiations with the city of San Francisco about building a new stadium and plan to do so in [[Santa Clara, California|Santa Clara]], 38.3 miles south of the team's current home field, Candlestick Park in San Francisco; Santa Clara already hosts the team's administrative headquarters and training facility. The Yorks and then-San Francisco mayor [[Gavin Newsom]] had been talking over the last few months about building a privately financed stadium at Candlestick Point that was intended to be part of the city's bid for the [[2016 Summer Olympics]]. The 49ers' final decision to move the stadium ended the [[San Francisco bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics]]. San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago were the three cities competing to be the U.S. Olympic Committee's choice to bid on the 2016 games, with Chicago emerging as the eventual victor. The team's current lease at [[Candlestick Park]] could extend through 2013. {{Citation needed|date=November 2011}}

The 49ers sponsored ''Measure J'', which appeared on the June 8, 2010 [[Santa Clara, California]] ballot, to build a new stadium as the future home of the San Francisco 49ers in that city. The measure passed with 58.2% of the total vote. This was seen as the first step for the 49ers stadium relocation to a new venue to be built in Santa Clara.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Santa_Clara_Stadium_for_the_49ers,_Measure_J_%28June_2010%29 |title=Santa Clara Stadium for the 49ers, Measure J (June 2010) |publisher=Ballotpedia |date= |accessdate=2013-01-28}}</ref> The 68,490-seat, [[Levi's Stadium]], landed rights for its first event. The stadium will be home to the [[Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_22034293/san-francisco-49ers-new-south-bay-stadium-gets |title=49ers' new South Bay Stadium gets college bowl game |publisher=Mercurynews.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-27}}</ref>

On the 49ers website, the team's owner, businessman John York had a letter stating that after a stadium is constructed in Santa Clara, the team would retain its name "San Francisco".<ref>{{cite web|last=York|first=John|title=Letter to 49ers Faithful|url=http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=2515|accessdate=2006-11-12|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070928071225/http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=2515|archivedate=September 28, 2007}}</ref> York will use the S.F. Brand because the team will continue to represent San Francisco and the entire San Francisco Bay Area. In addition, York wants to keep the team's legacy and marketability intact. In the history of the NFL, teams who have made a significant relocation embraced the city/community support for its stadium and name change. In this case, the stadium relocation to Santa Clara is not considered a significant move.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League_franchise_moves_and_mergers |title=National Football League franchise moves and mergers – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |publisher=En.wikipedia.org |date= |accessdate=2012-09-03}}</ref> United States Senator (D-CA) [[Dianne Feinstein]] and other leaders threatened an attempt to prevent the team from using "San Francisco" or the "49ers" in the team name, but probably would not have succeeded without changes to state or federal law.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2006-11-14/bay-area/17321038_1_feinstein-49ers-owner-john-york-long-beach-state-49ers|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|first=Edward|last=Epstein|title=Dianne Feinstein leads charge for keeping 49ers in S.F.|date=November 14, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author= |title=Senator Feinstein Announces Plans to Explore Legislative Options to Keep the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco |date=2006-11-14 |publisher=[[Dianne Feinstein]] |location=Washington, D.C. |url=http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7929e244-7e9c-9af9-7126-80d3b0b7f5e8 |accessdate=2013-06-4 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20120916192713/http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7929e244-7e9c-9af9-7126-80d3b0b7f5e8 |archivedate=2012-09-16 |deadurl=no |ref=ID }}</ref>

York later confirmed in a press conference on November 9, 2011, that the team would build a new state of the art stadium in Santa Clara in time for the 2014 season. Groundbreaking for the new stadium took place on April 19, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Santa Clara shovels begin end of 49ers in S.F. |first=Gwen |last=Knapp |url=http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Santa-Clara-shovels-begin-end-of-49ers-in-S-F-3496349.php |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |date=April 20, 2012 |accessdate=October 16, 2012 }}</ref>

==Players & personnel==
===Current roster===
{{San Francisco 49ers roster}}
{{San Francisco 49ers staff}}

===Pro Football Hall of Famers===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="5" style="background:#c80815; color:#fff;"| '''San Francisco 49ers Hall of Famers'''<ref>[http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/teams.html Franchises – Pro Football Hall of Fame]{{dead link|date=January 2013}}</ref>
|-
!No.
!Name
!Year Inducted
!Position(s)
!Years w/ 49ers
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| – ||'''Walsh, Bill''''''[[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1993 || Head coach || style="text-align:center;"| [[1979 San Francisco 49ers season|1979]]–[[1988 San Francisco 49ers season|1988]] (Head) [[1999 San Francisco 49ers season|1999]]–[[2001 San Francisco 49ers season|2001]] (VP and GM) [[2002 San Francisco 49ers season|2002]]–[[2004 San Francisco 49ers season|2004]] (Consultant)
|-
| – ||[[Jack Christiansen]]|| 1970 || Head coach ||1963–1967
|-
| – ||[[Mike Singletary]]|| 1998 || Head coach || 2008–2010
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''8''' ||'''Young, Steve''''''[[Steve Young]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2005 || [[Quarterback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1987 San Francisco 49ers season|1987]]–[[1999 San Francisco 49ers season|1999]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 14 ||'''Tittle, Y.A.''''''[[Y. A. Tittle]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1971 || [[Quarterback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1951 San Francisco 49ers season|1951]]–[[1960 San Francisco 49ers season|1960]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''16''' ||'''Montana, Joe''''''[[Joe Montana]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2000 || [[Quarterback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1979 San Francisco 49ers season|1979]]–[[1992 San Francisco 49ers season|1992]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 21 ||Sanders, Deion[[Deion Sanders]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2011 || [[Cornerback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1994 San Francisco 49ers season|1994]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 22 ||Hayes, Bob[[Bob Hayes]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2009 || [[Wide receiver]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1975 San Francisco 49ers season|1975]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 26 ||Woodson, Rod[[Rod Woodson]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2009 || [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|Safety]] / [[Cornerback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1997 San Francisco 49ers season|1997]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32 ||Simpson, O.J.[[O.J. Simpson]] || style="text-align:center;"| 1985 || [[Running back]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1978 San Francisco 49ers season|1978]]–[[1979 San Francisco 49ers season|1979]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''34''' ||Perry, Joe'''[[Joe Perry (American football)|Joe Perry]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1969 || [[Running back]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1948 San Francisco 49ers season|1948]]–[[1960 San Francisco 49ers season|1960]], [[1963 San Francisco 49ers season|1963]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 35 ||Johnson, John Henry[[John Henry Johnson]] || style="text-align:center;"| 1987 || [[Fullback (American football)|Fullback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1954 San Francisco 49ers season|1954]]–[[1956 San Francisco 49ers season|1956]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''37''' ||Johnson, Jimmy'''[[Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)|Jimmy Johnson]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1994 || [[Cornerback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1961 San Francisco 49ers season|1961]]–[[1976 San Francisco 49ers season|1976]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''39''' ||McElhenny, Hugh'''[[Hugh McElhenny]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1970 || [[Running back]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1952 San Francisco 49ers season|1952]]–[[1960 San Francisco 49ers season|1960]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''42''' ||Lott, Ronnie'''[[Ronnie Lott]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2000 || [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|Safety]] / [[Cornerback]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1981 San Francisco 49ers season|1981]]–[[1990 San Francisco 49ers season|1990]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 56 ||Doleman, Chris[[Chris Doleman]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2012 || [[Defensive end]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1996 San Francisco 49ers season|1996]]–[[1998 San Francisco 49ers season|1998]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 57 ||Jackson, Rickey[[Rickey Jackson]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || [[Defensive end]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1994 San Francisco 49ers season|1994]]–[[1995 San Francisco 49ers season|1995]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''64''' ||Wilcox, Dave'''[[Dave Wilcox]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2000 || [[Linebacker]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1964 San Francisco 49ers season|1964]]–[[1974 San Francisco 49ers season|1974]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 71 ||Allen, Larry[[Larry Allen]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2013 || [[Guard (American and Canadian football)|Offensive Guard]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[2006 San Francisco 49ers season|2006]]–[[2007 San Francisco 49ers season|2007]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''73''' ||Noellini, Leo'''[[Leo Nomellini]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 1969 || [[Defensive Tackle]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1949 San Francisco 49ers season|1949]]–[[1963 San Francisco 49ers season|1963]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''74''' ||Dean, Fred'''[[Fred Dean]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2008 || [[Defensive end]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1981 San Francisco 49ers season|1981]]–[[1985 San Francisco 49ers season|1985]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''79''' ||St. Clair, Bob'''[[Bob St. Clair]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2008 || [[Offensive Tackle]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1953 San Francisco 49ers season|1953]]–[[1963 San Francisco 49ers season|1963]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| '''80''' ||Rice, Jerry'''[[Jerry Rice]]''' || style="text-align:center;"| 2010 || [[Wide receiver]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1985 San Francisco 49ers season|1985]]–[[2000 San Francisco 49ers season|2000]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 95 ||Dent, Richard[[Richard Dent]] || style="text-align:center;"| 2011 || [[Defensive end]] || style="text-align:center;"| [[1994 San Francisco 49ers season|1994]]
|}

'''Bold''' – inducted as a 49er.

===Retired numbers and honorees===
[[File:49ers retired numbers at Candlestick Park 2009-06-13.JPG|thumb|right|350px|The 49ers' retired numbers displayed on the southeastern side of Candlestick Park in June 2009.]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
| colspan="5" style="background:#c80815; color:#fff;"| '''San Francisco 49ers retired numbers'''
|-
! style="width:40px;"| N°
! style="width:160px;"|Player
! style="width:90px;"|Position
! style="width:160px;"|Tenure
|-
| '''8''' || [[Steve Young]] ||[[Quarterback|QB]] ||[[1987 San Francisco 49ers season|1987]]–[[1999 San Francisco 49ers season|1999]]
|-
| '''12''' || [[John Brodie]] * || [[Quarterback|QB]] || [[1957 San Francisco 49ers season|1957]]–[[1973 San Francisco 49ers season|1973]]
|-
| '''16''' || [[Joe Montana]] ||[[Quarterback|QB]] ||[[1979 San Francisco 49ers season|1979]]–[[1992 San Francisco 49ers season|1992]]
|-
| '''34''' || | [[Joe Perry (American football)|Joe Perry]] || [[Fullback (American football)|FB]] || [[1948 San Francisco 49ers season|1948]]–[[1960 San Francisco 49ers season|1960]], [[1963 San Francisco 49ers season|1963]]
|-
| '''37''' || [[Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)|Jimmy Johnson]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || [[1961 San Francisco 49ers season|1961]]–[[1976 San Francisco 49ers season|1976]]
|-
| '''39''' || [[Hugh McElhenny]] || [[Running back|RB]] || [[1952 San Francisco 49ers season|1952]]–[[1960 San Francisco 49ers season|1960]]
|-
| '''42''' || [[Ronnie Lott]] || [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|S]], [[Cornerback|CB]] ||[[1981 San Francisco 49ers season|1981]]–[[1990 San Francisco 49ers season|1990]]
|-
| '''70''' || [[Charlie Krueger]] ||[[Defensive Lineman|DL]] ||[[1959 San Francisco 49ers season|1959]]–[[1973 San Francisco 49ers season|1973]]
|-
| '''73''' || [[Leo Nomellini]] ||[[Defensive Tackle|DT]] || [[1949 San Francisco 49ers season|1949]]–[[1963 San Francisco 49ers season|1963]]
|-
| '''79''' || [[Bob St. Clair]] || [[Offensive Tackle|OT]] ||[[1953 San Francisco 49ers season|1953]]–[[1963 San Francisco 49ers season|1963]]
|-
| '''80''' || [[Jerry Rice]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || [[1985 San Francisco 49ers season|1985]]–[[2000 San Francisco 49ers season|2000]]
|-
| '''87''' || [[Dwight Clark]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || [[1979 San Francisco 49ers season|1979]]–[[1987 San Francisco 49ers season|1987]]
|-
| – || [[Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.]] || Owner || [[1978 San Francisco 49ers season|1978]]–[[2000 San Francisco 49ers season|2000]]
|-
| – || [[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]] || Head Coach || [[1979 San Francisco 49ers season|1979]]–[[1988 San Francisco 49ers season|1988]] (Head) [[1999 San Francisco 49ers season|1999]]–[[2001 San Francisco 49ers season|2001]] (VP and GM) [[2002 San Francisco 49ers season|2002]]–[[2004 San Francisco 49ers season|2004]] (Consultant)
|}

* During his tenure with the 49ers from 2006–07, quarterback [[Trent Dilfer]], a long-time Brodie's friend, wore No. 12 with his permission, unofficially unretiring the number as a tribute.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2533021 "Dilfer to wear longtime hero Brodie's No. 12"], ESPN, July 28, 2006</ref>

===49ers in the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame===
* [[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]], Head Coach, 1979–88
* [[Buck Shaw]], Head Coach, 1946–54
* [[Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.|Eddie DeBartolo, Jr.]], Owner, 1979–2000
* 12 [[John Brodie]], QB, 1957–73
* 14 [[Y. A. Tittle]], QB, 1952–60
* 16 [[Joe Montana]], QB, 1979–92
* 16 [[Frankie Albert]], QB, 1946–52; Head Coach, 1956–58
* 16 [[Jim Plunkett]], QB, 1976–77 (elected mainly on performance with [[Oakland Raiders]]; grew up in San Jose)
* 32 [[O. J. Simpson]], RB, 1978–79 (elected mainly on performance with [[Buffalo Bills]]; born and raised in San Francisco)
* 33 [[Roger Craig (American football)|Roger Craig]], RB, 1983–90
* 34 [[Joe Perry (American football)|Joe Perry]], RB, 1949–60, 1963
* 35 [[John Henry Johnson]], RB, 1954–56 (Tittle, McElhenny, Perry and Johnson were called "The Million Dollar Backfield")
* 37 [[Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)|Jimmy Johnson]], CB, 1961–76 (not to be confused with the former [[Dallas Cowboys]] [[Jimmy Johnson (American football coach)|coach]])
* 39 [[Hugh McElhenny]], RB, 1952–60
* 42 [[Ronnie Lott]], CB-S, 1981–90
* 64 [[Dave Wilcox]], LB, 1964–74
* 73 [[Leo Nomellini]], DE, 1949–63
* 79 [[Bob St. Clair]], T, 1953–63 (grew up in San Francisco, attended [[University of San Francisco]])
* 80 [[Jerry Rice]], WR, 1985–2000
* 82 [[Gordy Soltau]], WR, 1949–58

===49ers Hall of Fame===
The Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame is the team's official hall of honor for the franchise's greatest players.

As of late 2013, the inductees are:
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
* 12 [[John Brodie]](QB)(2009)
* 87 [[Dwight Clark]](WR)(2009)
* 33 [[Roger Craig (American football)|Roger Craig]](RB)(2011)
* 74 [[Fred Dean]](DE)(2009)
* -- [[Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.|Edward DeBartolo, Jr.]](Owner)(2009)
* 37 [[Jimmy Johnson (cornerback)|Jimmy Johnson]](CB)(2009)
* 35 [[John Henry Johnson]]
* 70 [[Charlie Krueger]](DT) (2009)
* 42 [[Ronnie Lott]](CB/S)(2009)
* 39 [[Hugh McElhenny]](FB)(2009)
* 16 [[Joe Montana]](QB)(2009)
* -- [[Tony Morabito]] (Founder)(2010)
* -- [[Vic Morabito]] (Owner)(2010)
* 73 [[Leo Nomellini]](DT)(2009)
* 27 [[R.C. Owens]](WR)(2011)
* 34 [[Joe Perry (American football)|Joe Perry]](FB) (2009)
* 80 [[Jerry Rice]](WR) (2010)
* 79 [[Bob St. Clair]](T)(2009)
* 14 [[Y.A. Tittle]](QB) (2009)
* -- [[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]](HC)(2009)
* 64 [[Dave Wilcox]](LB)(2009)
* 8 [[Steve Young]](QB)(2009)
* 82 [[Gordon Soltau]](WR/K)(2013)

===Forty-Niner Ten Year Club===
The 10-Year Club is a shrine that honors members of the San Francisco 49ers who played 10 or more seasons with the organization, and is suspected to have been started by Bill Walsh<ref name="10yrclub">{{cite web | url=http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/the-story-behind-the-10-year-club/ce483983-9d0a-102c-ae14-8cc2288110cb | title=The Story Behind the 10-Year Club | publisher=San Francisco 49ers | accessdate=2009-10-19 }}</ref> to recognize players that have shown longevity, success and consistency. Each member is shown in a black-and-white photo on a scarlet and gold plaque with their name under the photo and the years in which they played. A plaque placed in the center of the photos of club members reads:

"Forty-Niner Ten Year Club. Dedicated to those Forty-Niners, who have served ten or more years proudly wearing the scarlet and gold."

{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
'''1949s:'''
* Joe Perry, 1948–60, 1963
* Leo Nomellini, 1949–63
* Y.A. Tittle, 1951–60
* Billy Wilson, 1951–60
* Bob St. Clair, 1953–64
* Matt Hazeltine, 1955–68
* Bruce Bosley, 1956–68
* John Brodie, 1957–73
* John Thomas, 1958–67
{{col-3}}
'''1960s:'''
* Tommy Davis, 1959–69
* Charlie Krueger, 1959–73
* Len Rohde, 1960–74
* Roland Lakes, 1959–73
* Jimmy Johnson, 1961–76
* Dave Wilcox, 1964–74
* Mel Phillips, 1966–76
* Frank Nunley, 1967–76
{{col-3}}
'''1970s:'''
* Woody Peoples, 1968–77
* Randy Cross, 1976–88
* John Ayers, 1976–86
* Ray Wersching, 1977–87
* Cas Banaszek, 1968–77
* Tommy Hart, 1968–77
* Skip Vanderbundt, 1968–77
* Cedrick Hardman, 1970–79
* Willie Harper, 1973–83
* Keith Fahnhorst, 1974–87
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
'''1980s:'''
* Mike Walter, 1984–93
* Jesse Sapolu, 1983–97
* Guy McIntyre, 1984–93
* Jerry Rice, 1985–2000
* John Taylor, 1986–95
* Steve Wallace, 1986–96
* Fred Quillan, 1978–87
* Dwaine Board, 1979–88
* Eric Wright, 1981–90
* Ronnie Lott, 1981–90
* Keena Turner, 1980–90
* Mike Wilson, 1981–90
* Joe Montana, 1979–92
{{col-3}}
'''1990s:'''
* Steve Young, 1987–99
* Harris Barton, 1987–98
* Brent Jones, 1987–97
{{col-3}}
'''2000s:'''
* Bryant Young, 1994–2007
* Jeff Ulbrich, 2000–2009
* Derrick Deese, 1992–2003
* Brian Jennings, 2000–2012
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}

==Achievements==

===Individual awards===
{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
'''[[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|NFL Most Valuable Player]]'''
*[[Joe Montana]] – 1989, 1990
*[[Steve Young]] – 1992, 1994
*[[John Brodie]] – 1970
{{col-3}}
'''[[National Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Offensive Player of the Year]]'''
*[[Jerry Rice]] – 1987, 1993
*[[Roger Craig (American football)|Roger Craig]] – 1988
*[[Joe Montana]] – 1989
*[[Steve Young]] – 1992
{{col-3}}
'''[[National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Player of the Year]]'''
*[[Deion Sanders]] – 1994
*[[Dana Stubblefield]] – 1997
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
'''[[National Football League Rookie of the Year Award|NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year]]'''
*[[Bruce Taylor (American football)|Bruce Taylor]] – 1970
*[[Dana Stubblefield]] – 1993
*[[Patrick Willis]] – 2007
{{col-3}}
'''[[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award|Super Bowl MVP]]'''
*[[Joe Montana]] – 1981, 1984, 1989
*[[Jerry Rice]] – 1988
*[[Steve Young]] – 1994
{{col-3}}
'''[[National Football League Coach of the Year Award|NFL Coach of the Year]]'''
*[[Bill Walsh (American football coach)|Bill Walsh]] – 1981
*[[Jim Harbaugh]] – 2011
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-3}}
'''[[National Football League Comeback Player of the Year Award|NFL Comeback Player of the Year]]'''
*[[Joe Montana]] – 1986
*[[Bryant Young]] – 1999
*[[Garrison Hearst]] – 2001

{{col-3}}
'''[[Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl MVP]]'''
*[[Jerry Rice]]- 1995
{{col-3}}
{{col-end}}

==Radio and television==
The 49ers' flagship radio stations are [[KSAN (FM)|KSAN]] 107.7 FM ("The Bone"), [[KNBR]] 680 AM, and [[KNBR|KTCT]] 1049 AM. KSAN airs all 49ers games on FM. On AM, they are simulcast on KTCT in August, September, and October and on KNBR from October to the end of the season. All three stations are owned by [[Cumulus Media]]. [[Joe Starkey]], best known as the voice of the [[University of California, Berkeley|University of California]] and [[The Play]], was previously the color commentator on the broadcasts next to legendary announcer [[Lon Simmons]] in 1987 and 1988 and took over as lead commentator in 1989. [[Lon Simmons]] and [[Gordy Soltau]] did the broadcasts on [[KSFO]] in the 1949s and 1960s. For a brief period in the late 1970s and early 1980s [[Don Kline]], the ''Voice of Stanford'' did the 49ers' games. Starkey first teamed with former [[Detroit Lions]]' and [[KPIX]] Sports Director, [[Wayne Walker]] and then former 49ers' linebacker [[Gary Plummer (American football)|Gary Plummer]] formed the broadcast team from 1998 to 2008, with Starkey retiring after the 2008 season. [[Ted Robinson (sportscaster)|Ted Robinson]] replaced Starkey and teamed up with Plummer for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Plummer was relieved of his color commentating duties for the 2011 season and replaced by former teammate [[Eric Davis (American football)|Eric Davis]].

Most preseason games are telecast on KPIX, channel 5, with announcers [[Dennis O'Donnell]] and [[Tim Ryan (American football)|Tim Ryan]].

The 49ers are a beneficiary of league scheduling policies. Both the 49ers and the [[Oakland Raiders]] share the San Francisco Bay Area market, and said market is on the West Coast of the United States. This means that the 49ers cannot play home games or most division games in the early 10:00 am [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific time]] slot, nor can they play interconference home games at the same time or network as the Raiders. As a result, both teams generally have more limited scheduling options, and also benefit by receiving more prime time games than usual ([[NFL on Television#49ers and Raiders|click here]] for further information). Thus, regardless of the previous season's record, the 49ers receive a disproportionate number of [[NBC Sunday Night Football|Sunday Night]], [[Monday Night Football|Monday Night]] and/or [[Thursday Night Football|Thursday Night]] games, compared to the rest of the league.

===Radio affiliates===
{{Location map+ |USA West |float=right |width=349 |caption=49ers radio affiliates |places=
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=37.649556 |long=-122.149556 |label= }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=37.688889 |long=-122.435278 |label= }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=37.546944 |long=-122.233611 |label= |mark=Gold pog.svg }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=39.88806 |long=-122.62722 |label= [[KTHU]] }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=40.853333 |long=-124.083333 |label=[[KATA (AM)|KATA]] |position=top }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=39.21490 |long=-121.01333 |label=[[KNCO (AM)|KNCO]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=42.31 |long=-122.811389 |label=[[KEZX]] }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=39.3425 |long=-123.780833 |label= [[KUNK]] |position=top }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=37.689722 |long=-120.953333 |label=[[KESP]] }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=35.654167 |long=-120.681111 |label=[[KPRL]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=38.63639 |long=-121.55249 |label=[[KCTC]] }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=35.264167 |long=-120.665556 |label=[[KKJL]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=36.733056 |long=-121.592222 |label=[[KION (AM)|KION]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=45.486944 |long=-122.908611 |label= [[KUIK]] |position=top }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=40.453611 |long=-120.570556 |label=[[KJDX]] }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=36.226111 |long=-121.123889 |label=[[KRKC (AM)|KRKC]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=40.191111 |long=-122.215 |label=[[KBLF]] |position=left }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=36.846944 |long=-119.662778 |label=[[KYNO]] }}
{{Location map~ |USA West |lat=40.48833 |long=-121.89944 |label=[[KKXS]] |position=top }}

{{Location map~ |USA West |mark=TransparentPlaceholder.png |marksize=1 |lat=32.25 |long=-126 |label='''Bay Area''' [[KNBR]] ([[San Francisco]], [[Flagship (broadcasting)|flagship]]) [[KNBR|KTCT]] ([[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]]) [[KSAN (FM)|KSAN]] ([[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]]) '''Not shown''' [[KPUA]] ([[Hilo]])}}
}}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!City !! Call Sign !! Frequency
|-
| San Francisco || [[KNBR]]-AM || 680 AM
|-
| San Francisco || [[KSAN (FM)|KSAN]]-FM || 107.7 FM
|-
| [[San Mateo, California]] || [[KTCT]]-AM || 1050 AM
|-
| [[Chico, California]] || [[KTHU]]-FM || 100.7 FM
|-
| [[Eureka, California]] || [[KATA (AM)|KATA]]-AM || 1340 AM
|-
| [[Grass Valley, California]] || [[KNCO (AM)|KNCO]]-AM || 830 AM
|-
| [[Medford, Oregon]] || [[KEZX]]-AM || 730 AM
|-
| [[Fort Bragg, California]] || [[KUNK]] || 92.7 FM
|-
| [[Modesto, California]] || [[KESP]]-AM || 970 AM
|-
| [[Paso Robles, California]] || [[KPRL]]-AM || 1230 AM
|-
| [[Reno, Nevada]] || [[KSGG]]-AM || 1230 AM
|-
| [[Sacramento, California]] || [[KCTC]]-AM || 1320 AM
|-
| [[San Luis Obispo, California]] || [[KKJL]]-AM || 1400 AM
|-
| [[Salinas, California]] || [[KION (AM)|KION]]-AM || 1460 AM
|-
| [[Hillsboro, Oregon]] || [[KUIK]]-AM || 1360 AM
|-
| [[Susanville, California]] || [[KJDX]]-FM || 93.3 FM
|-
| [[Hilo, Hawaii]] || [[KPUA]]-AM || 670 AM
|-
| [[King City, California]] || [[KRKC (AM)|KRKC]]-AM || 1490 AM
|-
| [[Red Bluff, California]] || [[KBLF]]-AM || 1490 AM
|-
| [[Redding, California]] || [[KKXS]]-FM || 96.1 FM
|-
| [[Fresno, California]] || [[KYNO]] || 1430 AM
|}

==See also==
* [[San Francisco 49ers draft history]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Portal|San Francisco Bay Area}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.sf49ers.com/}}
* [http://49ersfaithful.net/ Official San Francisco 49ers fan community]
* [http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/sf49/49ers.html Sports E-Cyclopedia.com]
* [http://49ersFanZone.net German-speaking 49ers fan community]
* [http://49ershistory.wordpress.com Blog Covering the 1980s and 1990s 49ers]
* [http://www.csnbayarea.com/pages/maiocco_blog Matt Maiocco's Blog up to date news on 49ers]
* [http://kids.aol.com/sports/san-francisco-49ers-pictures 49ers Training Camp Pics]
* [http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/ 49ers Pro-Football Reference]
{{S-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{Succession box
| title = Super Bowl Champions San Francisco 49ers
| years = [[Super Bowl XVI|1982]]
| before = [[Oakland Raiders]] [[Super Bowl XV|1981]]
| after = [[Washington Redskins]] [[Super Bowl XVII|1983]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title = Super Bowl Champions San Francisco 49ers
| years = [[Super Bowl XIX|1985]]
| before = [[Oakland Raiders|Los Angeles Raiders]] [[Super Bowl XVIII|1984]]
| after = [[Chicago Bears]] [[Super Bowl XX|1986]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title = Super Bowl Champions San Francisco 49ers
| years = [[Super Bowl XXIII|1989]] and [[Super Bowl XXIV|1990]]
| before = [[Washington Redskins]] [[Super Bowl XXII|1988]]
| after = [[New York Giants]] [[Super Bowl XXV|1991]]
}}
{{Succession box
| title = Super Bowl Champions San Francisco 49ers
| years = [[Super Bowl XXIX|1995]]
| before = [[Dallas Cowboys]] [[Super Bowl XXVIII|1994]]
| after = [[Dallas Cowboys]] [[Super Bowl XXX|1996]]
}}
{{s-end}}
{{San Francisco 49ers}}
{{Navboxes|titlestyle = background-color: #C80815; color:white; border: 2px solid #E6BE8A|list=
{{San Francisco 49ers seasons}}
{{Super Bowl XVI}}
{{Super Bowl XIX}}
{{Super Bowl XXIII}}
{{Super Bowl XXIV}}
{{Super Bowl XXIX}}
{{49ers Retired Numbers}}
{{NFL}}
{{Bay Area Sports}}
{{California sports}}
{{San Francisco Attractions}}
}}

[[Category:San Francisco 49ers| ]]
[[Category:American football teams in the San Francisco Bay Area]]
[[Category:National Football League teams]]
[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1946]]
[[Category:Sports in San Francisco, California]]

Austin Collie

2013-08-25T01:14:17Z

76.211.234.89:

{{Infobox NFL player
|name=Austin Collie
|image=Austin Collie.JPG
|image_size=250px
|caption=Collie preparing for a game against [[Denver Broncos|Denver]] in [[2010 NFL season|2010]].
|currentteam=San Francisco 49ers
|currentnumber=6
|currentpositionplain=[[Wide receiver]]
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1985|11|11|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Hamilton, Ontario]], [[Canada]]
|heightft=6
|heightin=0
|weight=204
|highschool=[[Oak Ridge High School (El Dorado Hills, California)|El Dorado Hills (CA) Oak Ridge]]
|college=[[BYU Cougars football|BYU]]
|draftyear=2009
|draftround=4
|draftpick=127
|debutyear=2009
|debutteam=Indianapolis Colts
|pastteams=<nowiki></nowiki>
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{NFL Year|2009}}−{{NFL Year|2012}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|2013}}−present)
|status=Active
|highlights=<nowiki></nowiki>
*NCAA leader in receiving yards (2008–09)
* [[AFC Championship Game|AFC champion]] ([[2009-10 NFL playoffs|2009]])
|statweek=
|statseason=2012
|statlabel1=Receptions
|statvalue1=173
|statlabel2=Receiving yards
|statvalue2=1,845
|statlabel3=Receiving average
|statvalue3=10.7
|statlabel4=[[Touchdown|Receiving TD]]s
|statvalue4=16
|nfl=COL397342
}}
'''Austin Kirk Collie''' (born November 11, 1985) is an [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was drafted by the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in the fourth round (127th overall) in the [[2009 NFL Draft]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[Brigham Young University]] [[Brigham Young University Cougars football|Cougars]].

==Pre-NFL years==
Collie was born in [[Hamilton, Ontario]], [[Canada]] to American parents Scott and Nicole Collie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/austincollie/profile?id=COL397342 |title=Austin Collie Profile |publisher=NFL |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref><ref name="scott">{{cite web|url=http://byucougars.com/athlete/m-football/scott-collie|title=Scott Collie|publisher=BYU Cougars|accessdate=August 5, 2013}}</ref> Father Scott Collie played football at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU) from 1979–1982 and played professionally in the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL) for the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] and briefly in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers during the 1983 pre-season.<ref>http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/19883912/why-is-concussionprone-austin-collie-still-in-nfl-hes-like-his-dad</ref> His older brother, Zac Collie, also played receiver for the [[BYU Cougars]] from 2003–2006. Austin served a mission for [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] in [[Buenos Aires, Argentina]]. He was recruited by [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]], [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]], [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]], [[Washington State Cougars football|Washington State]], [[Oregon State Beavers football|Oregon State]], [[Colorado Buffaloes football|Colorado]], [[Utah Utes football|Utah]], and [[UNLV Rebels football|UNLV]] before signing with BYU.

Collie starred as a wide receiver at [[Oak Ridge High School (El Dorado Hills, California)|Oak Ridge High School]] and garnered many awards. He was a PrepStar and SuperPrep All-American as well as being voted Northern California's Most Valuable Player. During his senior season he recorded 60 receptions for a total of 978 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 2004, Collie became an [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]].<ref name="collieeagle">{{cite web |title=Before Football, Colts Wide Receiver Snagged Accolades in a Different Uniform |work=Scouting |url=http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/02/before-football-colts-wide-receiver-snagged-accolades-in-a-different-uniform.html |date=February 3, 2010 |accessdate=February 9, 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100209125706/http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/02/before-football-colts-wide-receiver-snagged-accolades-in-a-different-uniform.html| archivedate= February 9, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In December 2009, Collie's hometown newspaper, [[The Sacramento Bee]] named him Sacramento Area's Player of the Decade (2000–2009).<ref>{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Joe|title=All decade team: This Collie a master of many tricks|url=http://www.sacbee.com/2009/12/27/2422210/all-decade-team-this-collie-a.html|accessdate=November 25, 2010|newspaper=Sacramento Bee|date=December 27, 2009}}</ref>

Austin married Brooke Pendleton during his college years in 2007; she is the sister to one of Austin's college teammates. The couple have one son, Nash (b. Dec. 2010)

==College career==
In 2004, Collie was named MWC Freshman of the Year. He was also named the MVP of the [[2007 Las Vegas Bowl]] and all–MWC first–team receiver in 2008.

Collie set a series of records during his three–year career at BYU (2004, 2007–2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2127 |title=Austin Collie Profile |publisher=BYUCougars.com |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"

'''Austin Collie, Reception Records in [[BYU Cougars football]] History'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espndb.go.com/nfl/draft/player/profile/_/playerId/24732/austin-collie-profile |title=ESPNDB: Austin Collie – College Career |publisher=Espndb.go.com |date=August 15, 2009 |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
|-
!Category
!Amount
!BYU All-time Rank
|-
|Career receptions
|215
|2nd ([[Dennis Pitta]] is 1st @ 221)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/stats?playerId=156974 |title=ESPN: Dennis Pitta Stats |publisher=ESPN |date=January 2, 2011 |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Career receiving yards
|3,255
|1st
|-
|Career receiving touchdowns
|30
|1st
|}
Additionally, Collie was also one of the highest rated [[wide receiver]]s in College Football during his junior season in which he was selected to the college football All–American team.

{| class="wikitable"
'''Austin Collie, 2008 NCAA receiving records'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&div=IA&site=org |title=NCAA.org: Player Reports – Offense |publisher=Web1.ncaa.org |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
|-
!Category
!Number
!NCAA Rank, 2008
|-
|Receiving yards per game
|118.31
|1st
|-
|Total yards receiving
|1538
|1st
|-
|Consecutive 100-yard receiving games
|11
|Tied for 1st with [[Michael Crabtree]]
|-
|Receiving yards per catch
|14.51
|3rd
|-
|Total receptions
|106
|3rd
|-
|Touchdowns receiving
|15
|4th
|-
|Total all–purpose yards (per game)
|162.46
|12th
|}

On January 9, 2009, Collie announced in a press conference that he would forgo his senior year and enter the [[2009 NFL Draft]].<ref>[http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=11637 BYU Cougars.com: Collie Declares for Draft]</ref> The [[Indianapolis Colts]] then drafted him in the fourth round.

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1
| weight = 200
| dash = 4.63
| ten split = 1.50
| twenty split = 2.60
| shuttle = 4.24
| cone drill = 6.78
| vertical = 34
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 0
| bench = 17
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 31
| hand span = 9
| note = All measurables were taken at the [[NFL Scouting Combine]].<ref name="combine report">{{cite web|title=Austin Collie combine results|url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/austin-collie?id=81282|publisher=NFL|accessdate=July 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name="NFL Draft Scout">{{cite web|title=Austin Collie|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=32859&draftyear=2009&genpos=WR|work=NFL Draft Scout|accessdate=July 14, 2013}}</ref>
}}
===Indianapolis Colts===
Collie impressed [[Indianapolis Colts]] Head Coach [[Jim Caldwell (American football)|Jim Caldwell]] in the preseason and was placed third on the depth chart at the wide receiver position for the [[2009 NFL season|2009 season]], placing ahead of [[Pierre Garçon]] for the slot receiver position. However, Garçon soon jumped Collie on the depth chart shortly thereafter.<ref>[http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=depth Colts.com Depth Chart Update]{{dead link|date=June 2012}}</ref> Collie finished his rookie season in the NFL among the top statistical leaders for all rookies at the wide receiver position.

{| class="wikitable"

'''Austin Collie – receiving statistics
|-
! Season
! 2009
! 2010
! 2011
! 2012
|-
|Receptions
|60
|58
|54
|1
|-
|Yards
|676
|649
|514
|6
|-
|Touchdowns
|7
|8
|1
|0
|}

Collie started his second year promising, making numerous TD catches and establishing himself as [[Peyton Manning]]'s "go-to guy", after [[Dallas Clark]] got a season-ending injury.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} However, on November 7, 2010, Collie was involved in a collision against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], in which he was hit on both sides of his head by [[Quintin Mikell]] and [[Kurt Coleman]]. Collie was taken off the field on a stretcher. According to a televised [[ESPN]] update, Collie was seen sitting up and moving after several minutes working with medics.<ref>{{cite web|last=CBSSports.com wire reports|title=Colts wideout Collie carted off field with head injury|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/14257351|publisher=CBSSports.com|accessdate=November 7, 2010}}</ref> Collie suffered a concussion as a result of the collision.<ref>{{cite news|last=Leahy|first=Sean|title=Colts' Austin Collie alert after concussion in scary hit vs. Eagles|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/11/colts-austin-collie-alert-after-concussion-in-scary-hit-vs-eagles/1|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=USA Today|date=November 7, 2010}}</ref> Coleman was penalized for unnecessary roughness for the hit on Collie, but neither player was fined, as the NFL later ruled that the contact that caused the injury was incidental as a result of Mikell's initial hit. On December 19, 2010, Collie was hit in the head by Daryl Smith (Jacksonville Jaguars) and was down for several minutes. It was his second concussion-related injury that year and ultimately ended his 2010 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chappell|first=Mike|title=With Collie recovering, Colts talk of crackdown on hits|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20101109/SPORTS03/11090316/With-Collie-recovering-Colts-talk-of-crackdown-on-hits?odyssey=tab{{!}}topnews|img|FRONTPAGE|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=November 9, 2010}}</ref> Despite the fact that no fines have been assessed, the highly visible injuries to Collie have added to the debate about violent hits in football.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Phillip|title=Repercussions from hit on Colts’ Austin Collie|url=http://blogs.indystar.com/philb/2010/11/08/repercussions-from-austin-collies-hit/|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=November 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bennett|first=Dashiell|title=Why Austin Collie's Injury Will Force Another NFL Rule Change|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/why-austin-collies-injury-will-force-another-nfl-rule-change-2010-11|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=Business Insider|date=November 8, 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101110212840/http://www.businessinsider.com/why-austin-collies-injury-will-force-another-nfl-rule-change-2010-11| archivedate= November 10, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> On December 22, 2010, Collie was placed on IR, the seventeenth Colt to end his season early in 2010. Collie played in all 16 games, making 5 starts, during the 2011 Regular Season but managed to only catch one touchdown pass among his 54 receptions. During a 2012 preseason game against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], Collie suffered his third concussion of his career. During the third game of the 2012 season against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], Collie suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, causing him to miss the rest of the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8420967/austin-collie-indianapolis-colts-miss-season-knee-injury|title=Austin Collie ruptured knee tendon|work=ESPN.com}}</ref>

On February 15, 2013, Collie was told he would not be re-signed by the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tracking.si.com/2013/02/15/colts-release-dwight-freeney-austin-collie/|title=Report: Colts release Dwight Freeney, Austin Collie|publisher=SI.com|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=February 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/15/report-colts-wont-re-sign-dwight-freeney-austin-collie/|title=Report: Colts won’t re-sign Dwight Freeney, Austin Collie|last=Alper|first=Josh|publisher=NBCSports.com|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=February 16, 2013}}</ref>

===San Francisco 49ers===
On August 2, 2013, the [[San Francisco 49ers]] signed Collie to a 1−year contract.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000225165/article/austin-collie-san-francisco-49ers-sign-1year-contract|title=Austin Colie, San Francisco 49ers sign 1-year contract|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|publisher=NFL.com|date=August 2, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2013}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[http://colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=564 Indianapolis Colts bio]

{{San Francisco 49ers roster navbox}}
{{Colts2009DraftPicks}}

{{Persondata
|NAME=Collie, Austin
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= [[American football]] player
|DATE OF BIRTH=November 11, 1985
|PLACE OF BIRTH=Hamilton, Canada
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Collie, Austin}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Players of American football from California]]
[[Category:Gridiron football people from Ontario]]
[[Category:Mormon missionaries in Argentina]]
[[Category:Eagle Scouts]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:BYU Cougars football players]]
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts players]]
[[Category:People from Hamilton, Ontario]]
[[Category:People from El Dorado Hills, California]]
[[Category:Canadian Latter Day Saints]]
[[Category:Canadian Mormon missionaries]]

Austin Collie

2013-08-25T01:13:49Z

76.211.234.89:

{{Infobox NFL player
|name=Austin Collie
|image=Austin Collie.JPG
|image_size=250px
|caption=Collie preparing for a game against [[Denver Broncos|Denver]] in [[2010 NFL season|2010]].
|currentteam=San Francisco 49ers
|currentnumber=6
|currentpositionplain=[[Wide receiver]]
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1985|11|11|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Hamilton, Ontario]], [[Canada]]
|heightft=6
|heightin=0
|weight=204
|highschool=[[Oak Ridge High School (El Dorado Hills, California)|El Dorado Hills (CA) Oak Ridge]]
|college=[[BYU Cougars football|BYU]]
|draftyear=2009
|draftround=4
|draftpick=127
|debutyear=2009
|debutteam=Indianapolis Colts
|pastteams=<nowiki></nowiki>
* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{NFL Year|2009}}−{{NFL Year|2012}})
* [[San Francisco 49ers]] ({{NFL Year|2013}}−present)
|status=Active
|highlights=<nowiki></nowiki>
*NCAA leader in receiving yards (2008–09)
* [[AFC Championship Game|AFC champion]] ([[2009-10 NFL playoffs|2009]])
|statweek=
|statseason=2012
|statlabel1=Receptions
|statvalue1=173
|statlabel2=Receiving yards
|statvalue2=1,845
|statlabel3=Receiving average
|statvalue3=10.7
|statlabel4=[[Touchdown|Receiving TD]]s
|statvalue4=16
|nfl=COL397342
}}
'''Austin Christopher Collie''' (born November 11, 1985) is an [[American football]] [[wide receiver]] for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He was drafted by the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in the fourth round (127th overall) in the [[2009 NFL Draft]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[Brigham Young University]] [[Brigham Young University Cougars football|Cougars]].

==Pre-NFL years==
Collie was born in [[Hamilton, Ontario]], [[Canada]] to American parents Scott and Nicole Collie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/players/austincollie/profile?id=COL397342 |title=Austin Collie Profile |publisher=NFL |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref><ref name="scott">{{cite web|url=http://byucougars.com/athlete/m-football/scott-collie|title=Scott Collie|publisher=BYU Cougars|accessdate=August 5, 2013}}</ref> Father Scott Collie played football at [[Brigham Young University]] (BYU) from 1979–1982 and played professionally in the [[Canadian Football League]] (CFL) for the [[Hamilton Tiger-Cats]] and briefly in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers during the 1983 pre-season.<ref>http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/19883912/why-is-concussionprone-austin-collie-still-in-nfl-hes-like-his-dad</ref> His older brother, Zac Collie, also played receiver for the [[BYU Cougars]] from 2003–2006. Austin served a mission for [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] in [[Buenos Aires, Argentina]]. He was recruited by [[Stanford Cardinal football|Stanford]], [[Arizona Wildcats football|Arizona]], [[Arizona State Sun Devils football|Arizona State]], [[Washington State Cougars football|Washington State]], [[Oregon State Beavers football|Oregon State]], [[Colorado Buffaloes football|Colorado]], [[Utah Utes football|Utah]], and [[UNLV Rebels football|UNLV]] before signing with BYU.

Collie starred as a wide receiver at [[Oak Ridge High School (El Dorado Hills, California)|Oak Ridge High School]] and garnered many awards. He was a PrepStar and SuperPrep All-American as well as being voted Northern California's Most Valuable Player. During his senior season he recorded 60 receptions for a total of 978 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 2004, Collie became an [[Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)|Eagle Scout]].<ref name="collieeagle">{{cite web |title=Before Football, Colts Wide Receiver Snagged Accolades in a Different Uniform |work=Scouting |url=http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/02/before-football-colts-wide-receiver-snagged-accolades-in-a-different-uniform.html |date=February 3, 2010 |accessdate=February 9, 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100209125706/http://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2010/02/before-football-colts-wide-receiver-snagged-accolades-in-a-different-uniform.html| archivedate= February 9, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref>

In December 2009, Collie's hometown newspaper, [[The Sacramento Bee]] named him Sacramento Area's Player of the Decade (2000–2009).<ref>{{cite news|last=Davidson|first=Joe|title=All decade team: This Collie a master of many tricks|url=http://www.sacbee.com/2009/12/27/2422210/all-decade-team-this-collie-a.html|accessdate=November 25, 2010|newspaper=Sacramento Bee|date=December 27, 2009}}</ref>

Austin married Brooke Pendleton during his college years in 2007; she is the sister to one of Austin's college teammates. The couple have one son, Nash (b. Dec. 2010)

==College career==
In 2004, Collie was named MWC Freshman of the Year. He was also named the MVP of the [[2007 Las Vegas Bowl]] and all–MWC first–team receiver in 2008.

Collie set a series of records during his three–year career at BYU (2004, 2007–2008).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.byucougars.com/Profile.jsp?ID=2127 |title=Austin Collie Profile |publisher=BYUCougars.com |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"

'''Austin Collie, Reception Records in [[BYU Cougars football]] History'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espndb.go.com/nfl/draft/player/profile/_/playerId/24732/austin-collie-profile |title=ESPNDB: Austin Collie – College Career |publisher=Espndb.go.com |date=August 15, 2009 |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
|-
!Category
!Amount
!BYU All-time Rank
|-
|Career receptions
|215
|2nd ([[Dennis Pitta]] is 1st @ 221)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/stats?playerId=156974 |title=ESPN: Dennis Pitta Stats |publisher=ESPN |date=January 2, 2011 |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
|-
|Career receiving yards
|3,255
|1st
|-
|Career receiving touchdowns
|30
|1st
|}
Additionally, Collie was also one of the highest rated [[wide receiver]]s in College Football during his junior season in which he was selected to the college football All–American team.

{| class="wikitable"
'''Austin Collie, 2008 NCAA receiving records'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2008&div=IA&site=org |title=NCAA.org: Player Reports – Offense |publisher=Web1.ncaa.org |accessdate= June 13, 2012}}</ref>
|-
!Category
!Number
!NCAA Rank, 2008
|-
|Receiving yards per game
|118.31
|1st
|-
|Total yards receiving
|1538
|1st
|-
|Consecutive 100-yard receiving games
|11
|Tied for 1st with [[Michael Crabtree]]
|-
|Receiving yards per catch
|14.51
|3rd
|-
|Total receptions
|106
|3rd
|-
|Touchdowns receiving
|15
|4th
|-
|Total all–purpose yards (per game)
|162.46
|12th
|}

On January 9, 2009, Collie announced in a press conference that he would forgo his senior year and enter the [[2009 NFL Draft]].<ref>[http://www.byucougars.com/Filing.jsp?ID=11637 BYU Cougars.com: Collie Declares for Draft]</ref> The [[Indianapolis Colts]] then drafted him in the fourth round.

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 1
| weight = 200
| dash = 4.63
| ten split = 1.50
| twenty split = 2.60
| shuttle = 4.24
| cone drill = 6.78
| vertical = 34
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 0
| bench = 17
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 31
| hand span = 9
| note = All measurables were taken at the [[NFL Scouting Combine]].<ref name="combine report">{{cite web|title=Austin Collie combine results|url=http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/austin-collie?id=81282|publisher=NFL|accessdate=July 14, 2013}}</ref><ref name="NFL Draft Scout">{{cite web|title=Austin Collie|url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=32859&draftyear=2009&genpos=WR|work=NFL Draft Scout|accessdate=July 14, 2013}}</ref>
}}
===Indianapolis Colts===
Collie impressed [[Indianapolis Colts]] Head Coach [[Jim Caldwell (American football)|Jim Caldwell]] in the preseason and was placed third on the depth chart at the wide receiver position for the [[2009 NFL season|2009 season]], placing ahead of [[Pierre Garçon]] for the slot receiver position. However, Garçon soon jumped Collie on the depth chart shortly thereafter.<ref>[http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=depth Colts.com Depth Chart Update]{{dead link|date=June 2012}}</ref> Collie finished his rookie season in the NFL among the top statistical leaders for all rookies at the wide receiver position.

{| class="wikitable"

'''Austin Collie – receiving statistics
|-
! Season
! 2009
! 2010
! 2011
! 2012
|-
|Receptions
|60
|58
|54
|1
|-
|Yards
|676
|649
|514
|6
|-
|Touchdowns
|7
|8
|1
|0
|}

Collie started his second year promising, making numerous TD catches and establishing himself as [[Peyton Manning]]'s "go-to guy", after [[Dallas Clark]] got a season-ending injury.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}} However, on November 7, 2010, Collie was involved in a collision against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], in which he was hit on both sides of his head by [[Quintin Mikell]] and [[Kurt Coleman]]. Collie was taken off the field on a stretcher. According to a televised [[ESPN]] update, Collie was seen sitting up and moving after several minutes working with medics.<ref>{{cite web|last=CBSSports.com wire reports|title=Colts wideout Collie carted off field with head injury|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/14257351|publisher=CBSSports.com|accessdate=November 7, 2010}}</ref> Collie suffered a concussion as a result of the collision.<ref>{{cite news|last=Leahy|first=Sean|title=Colts' Austin Collie alert after concussion in scary hit vs. Eagles|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/11/colts-austin-collie-alert-after-concussion-in-scary-hit-vs-eagles/1|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=USA Today|date=November 7, 2010}}</ref> Coleman was penalized for unnecessary roughness for the hit on Collie, but neither player was fined, as the NFL later ruled that the contact that caused the injury was incidental as a result of Mikell's initial hit. On December 19, 2010, Collie was hit in the head by Daryl Smith (Jacksonville Jaguars) and was down for several minutes. It was his second concussion-related injury that year and ultimately ended his 2010 season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chappell|first=Mike|title=With Collie recovering, Colts talk of crackdown on hits|url=http://www.indystar.com/article/20101109/SPORTS03/11090316/With-Collie-recovering-Colts-talk-of-crackdown-on-hits?odyssey=tab{{!}}topnews|img|FRONTPAGE|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=November 9, 2010}}</ref> Despite the fact that no fines have been assessed, the highly visible injuries to Collie have added to the debate about violent hits in football.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Phillip|title=Repercussions from hit on Colts’ Austin Collie|url=http://blogs.indystar.com/philb/2010/11/08/repercussions-from-austin-collies-hit/|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=November 8, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bennett|first=Dashiell|title=Why Austin Collie's Injury Will Force Another NFL Rule Change|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/why-austin-collies-injury-will-force-another-nfl-rule-change-2010-11|accessdate=November 9, 2010|newspaper=Business Insider|date=November 8, 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20101110212840/http://www.businessinsider.com/why-austin-collies-injury-will-force-another-nfl-rule-change-2010-11| archivedate= November 10, 2010 | deadurl= no}}</ref> On December 22, 2010, Collie was placed on IR, the seventeenth Colt to end his season early in 2010. Collie played in all 16 games, making 5 starts, during the 2011 Regular Season but managed to only catch one touchdown pass among his 54 receptions. During a 2012 preseason game against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], Collie suffered his third concussion of his career. During the third game of the 2012 season against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], Collie suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, causing him to miss the rest of the 2012 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8420967/austin-collie-indianapolis-colts-miss-season-knee-injury|title=Austin Collie ruptured knee tendon|work=ESPN.com}}</ref>

On February 15, 2013, Collie was told he would not be re-signed by the Colts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tracking.si.com/2013/02/15/colts-release-dwight-freeney-austin-collie/|title=Report: Colts release Dwight Freeney, Austin Collie|publisher=SI.com|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=February 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/15/report-colts-wont-re-sign-dwight-freeney-austin-collie/|title=Report: Colts won’t re-sign Dwight Freeney, Austin Collie|last=Alper|first=Josh|publisher=NBCSports.com|date=February 15, 2013|accessdate=February 16, 2013}}</ref>

===San Francisco 49ers===
On August 2, 2013, the [[San Francisco 49ers]] signed Collie to a 1−year contract.<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000225165/article/austin-collie-san-francisco-49ers-sign-1year-contract|title=Austin Colie, San Francisco 49ers sign 1-year contract|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|publisher=NFL.com|date=August 2, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2013}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
*[http://colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=564 Indianapolis Colts bio]

{{San Francisco 49ers roster navbox}}
{{Colts2009DraftPicks}}

{{Persondata
|NAME=Collie, Austin
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= [[American football]] player
|DATE OF BIRTH=November 11, 1985
|PLACE OF BIRTH=Hamilton, Canada
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Collie, Austin}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Players of American football from California]]
[[Category:Gridiron football people from Ontario]]
[[Category:Mormon missionaries in Argentina]]
[[Category:Eagle Scouts]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:BYU Cougars football players]]
[[Category:Indianapolis Colts players]]
[[Category:People from Hamilton, Ontario]]
[[Category:People from El Dorado Hills, California]]
[[Category:Canadian Latter Day Saints]]
[[Category:Canadian Mormon missionaries]]

Steve McNair

2013-08-24T13:57:25Z

76.211.234.89:

{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Infobox NFL player
|name=Steve McNair
|image=Steve McNair 2007-08-10.jpg
|image_size=200
|alt=
|caption=McNair as a member of the Ravens
|currentnumber=9
|position=[[Quarterback]]
|height_ft=6
|height_in=3
|weight_lbs=230
|birth_date={{Birth date|1973|2|14|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Mount Olive, Mississippi]]
|death_date={{Death date and age|2009|7|4|1973|2|14}}<ref
|death_place=[[Nashville, Tennessee]]
|highschool=[[Mount Olive High School (Mississippi)|Mount Olive (MS)]]
|college=[[Alcorn State Braves football|Alcorn State]]
|draftyear=1995
|draftround=1
|draftpick=3
|debutyear=1995
|debutteam=Houston Oilers
|finalteam=Baltimore Ravens
|finalyear=2007
|pastteams=
* [[Tennessee Titans|Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans]] ([[1995 NFL season|1995]]–[[2005 NFL season|2005]])
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ([[2006 NFL season|2006]]–[[2007 NFL season|2007]])
|highlights=
* [[American Football Conference|AFC Champion]] ({{NFL Year|1999}})
* 3× [[Pro Bowl]] selection ([[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]], [[2004 Pro Bowl|2003]], [[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]])
* [[All-Pro]] (2003)
* [[AP NFL MVP]] (2003)
* [[Walter Payton Award]] (1993)
|statseason=2007
|statlabel1=Pass attempts
|statvalue1=4,544
|statlabel2=Pass completions
|statvalue2=2,733
|statlabel3=Percentage
|statvalue3=60.1
|statlabel4=[[Touchdown|TD]]-[[Interception|INT]]
|statvalue4=174-119
|statlabel5=Passing yards
|statvalue5=31,304
|statlabel6=[[Passer rating]]
|statvalue6=82.8
|nfl=MCN033803
}}
'''Stephen LaTreal McNair''' (February 14, 1973 – July 4, 2009),<ref name="News5">[http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10643962 Steve McNair Found Dead]. ''[[WTVF]]'', 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> nicknamed '''Air McNair''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-07-04/remembering-air-mcnair |title=Remembering "Air McNair" - NCAA Football |publisher=Sporting News |date= |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-500151_162-5133395.html | work=CBS News | title=Remembering Air McNair}}</ref> was an [[American football]] [[quarterback]] who spent the majority of his [[National Football League]] (NFL) career with the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=733 Steve McNair Stats, News, Photos]. ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-07-08.</ref>

McNair played [[college football]] at [[Alcorn State University|Alcorn State]] in [[Lorman, Mississippi]], where he won the 1994 [[Walter Payton Award]] as the top player in [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|NCAA Division I-AA]]. He was [[1995 NFL Draft|drafted]] third overall by the NFL's [[Tennessee Titans|Houston Oilers]] in 1995, becoming the Oilers' regular starting quarterback in 1997, their first season in Tennessee (though he started six games over the prior two seasons in Houston), and remained the starting quarterback for the Titans through 2005. After the 2005 season, McNair was traded to the [[Baltimore Ravens]], with whom he played for two seasons before retiring after thirteen NFL seasons.<ref name="fox 07.06.09">[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530180,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r1:c0.190072:b26221114:z0 Shooting Unveils Very Different Sides of Ex-NFL Quarterback Steve McNair]. ''[[Fox News]]'', 2009-07-06. Retrieved 2009-07-06.</ref>

McNair led the Titans to the playoffs four times, and the Ravens once, and played in [[Super Bowl XXXIV]] with the Titans. He is the Titans' all-time leading passer. McNair was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] three times, was [[All-Pro]] and [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|Co-MVP]] in 2003, all as a Titan.<ref>[http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81124656&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true McNair helped bring stability and success to vagabond franchise]</ref>

On July 4, 2009, McNair was fatally shot by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi, in a [[murder–suicide]].

==Early life==
McNair was born in [[Mount Olive, Mississippi]], and attended Mount Olive High School as a freshman in the fall of 1987, where he played [[American football|football]], [[baseball]], and [[basketball]] in addition to running track. As a junior, McNair led Mount Olive to the state championship. McNair also played free safety in high school, and in 1990 alone, he intercepted fifteen passes, raising his career total to 30, which tied the mark established by [[Terrell Buckley]] at [[Old Pascagoula High School|Pascagoula High School]].<ref name="officialstevemcnair.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/biography.php |title=The Steve McNair Foundation |publisher=Officialstevemcnair.com |date=1973-02-14 |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref> An All-State selection, McNair was named an All-American by [[Super Prep]] magazine.<ref name="officialstevemcnair.com"/>

The [[Seattle Mariners]] drafted him in the 35th round of the [[1991 Major League Baseball Draft|1991 MLB amateur draft]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=name&name=mcnair}}</ref>

==College career==
McNair was initially offered a full scholarship to the University of Florida to play defensive back, but wanting to play quarterback, McNair chose division I-AA Alcorn State. McNair played college football for [[Alcorn State University]], a [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically black university]] which competes in the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]'s Division I-AA (now known as the [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|Football Championship Subdivision]]) [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC). In 1992, McNair threw for 3,541 yards and 29 touchdowns, and ran in for 10 more scores. The Braves fashioned a record of 7–4, including a last-second victory in their rematch with [[Grambling State University|Grambling]]. In that contest, McNair returned from an injury and helped Alcorn State, trailing late in the final period, move deep into Tigers' territory. Then, despite a leg injury, he tucked the ball under his arm and dove into the end zone for the winning touchdown. The victory over Grambling helped the Braves qualify for the I-AA playoffs. McNair helped Alcorn State to another good year in 1993, as the Braves upped their record to 8–3 while McNair threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was also named First-Team All-SWAC for the third year in a row.

In his senior season, McNair gained nearly 6,000 yards rushing and passing, along with 53 touchdowns. In the process, he surpassed more than a dozen records and was named an All-American. In addition, McNair won the [[Walter Payton Award]] as the top I-AA player and finished third in the [[Heisman Trophy]] voting behind [[Rashaan Salaam]] and [[Ki-Jana Carter]]. McNair set career records for the Football Championship Series with 14,496 passing yards, as well as the division record for total offensive yards with 16,283 career yards.<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/> The records still stand.<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/>

He was a member of the fraternity [[Omega Psi Phi]], highlighting his allegiance by tattooing “Omega Man” on his arm.<ref name="officialstevemcnair.com"/>

==Professional career==

===Houston Oilers===
With the third overall pick in the [[1995 NFL Draft]], the [[Houston Oilers]] and new head coach [[Jeff Fisher]] selected McNair, making him at the time the highest drafted African-American [[quarterback]] in [[NFL]] history and signing him to a seven-year contract. McNair did not see his first action until the last two series of the fourth quarter in a November game versus the [[Cleveland Browns]]. Late in the season, he also appeared briefly against the [[Detroit Lions]] and [[New York Jets]]. Meanwhile, starting quarterback [[Chris Chandler]] finished as the AFC's fourth-best passer. In 1996, McNair remained a backup to Chandler until starting a game in December against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].

===Tennessee Oilers/Titans===
McNair's first season as the Oilers' starter in 1997 (the team's first year in [[Tennessee]]) resulted in an 8–8 record for the team, which played its home games at the [[Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium|Liberty Bowl]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. McNair's 2,665 passing yards were the most for the Oilers since [[Warren Moon]] in 1993, and his 13 interceptions were the fewest for a single season in franchise history. He also led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight and ranked second behind running back [[Eddie George]] with 674 yards on the ground, the third-highest total for a quarterback in NFL history.

In 1998, McNair set career passing highs with 492 attempts, 289 completions, 3,228 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Oilers, now competing in Nashville. He also cut his interceptions to ten, helping his quarterback rating climb to 80.1.

The team officially changed its name from Oilers to Titans for the 1999 season as they debuted a new stadium, [[LP Field|Adelphia Coliseum]]. Early in the 1999 season, McNair was diagnosed with an inflamed disk following Tennessee's 36–35 win over the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], and needed surgery. In his stead entered [[Neil O'Donnell]], a veteran who had guided the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] to the Super Bowl four years earlier. Over the next five games, O'Donnell led the Titans to a 4–1 record. McNair returned against the [[St. Louis Rams]], and with McNair starting, Tennessee won seven of its last nine games, good for a record of 13–3 and second place in the [[AFC Central]].

Tennessee opened the [[NFL playoffs, 1999–2000|playoffs]] at home against the [[Buffalo Bills]] in a Wild Card game, winning on the "[[Music City Miracle]]" and eventually advancing to [[Super Bowl XXXIV]] in a re-match with the Rams. On the final play of the game, a McNair pass to [[Kevin Dyson]] was complete, but [[Final play of Super Bowl XXXIV|Dyson was unable to break the plane of the goal line]], giving the Rams the win. McNair signed a new six-year contract after the 1999 season worth [[United States dollar|$]]47 million.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2006-04-22-notes_x.htm?csp=34 Notes: Favre backs McNair; Leinart hires Condon]. ''[[USA Today]]'', 2006-04-22. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref>

Following a 13–3 season in 2000 which ended in a playoff loss to the [[Baltimore Ravens]], the 28-year-old McNair put together his most productive year as a pro in 2001. In 2001, McNair registered career passing highs in yards (3,350), completions (264), touchdowns (21) and quarterback rating (90.2). He was also the team's most effective rusher, tying George for the club lead with five scores. Named to the Pro Bowl for the first time, McNair sat out the game due to a shoulder injury.<ref>The Steve McNair Foundation, [http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/biography.php?pageid=3 Biography]. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref>

In 2002, Tennessee finished the regular season 11-5 and reached the playoffs. In the divisional playoff contest against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], McNair threw for a career postseason high 338 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions, while rushing for 29 yards and another score on the ground. The game had a controversial finish when, after missing a game winning field goal at the end of regulation time and a second failed kick in overtime was negated because of a controversial running-into-the-kicker penalty on Pittsburgh's [[Dewayne Washington]], kicker [[Joe Nedney]] won the game from 26 yards out 2:15 into overtime. Steelers coach [[Bill Cowher]] said that he called a timeout before the winning kick took place.
McNair and the Titans reached the AFC Championship game but were unable to reach the Super Bowl, losing to the [[Oakland Raiders]] 41-24.

Between the 2002 and 2003 seasons, McNair was arrested for DUI and illegal gun possession (in May 2003). His blood alcohol was above 0.10, and a 9-mm handgun had been sitting in the front of the car.<ref>[http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/7518506 Judge: Officer didn't have 'sufficient basis' to stop McNair for DUI]. ''[[CBSSports.com]]'', 2004-07-22. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> All charges related to the incident were later dropped.<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/>

In December of the 2003 season, an injured calf and ankle kept McNair on the sidelines for two games, though he still finished with the best numbers of his career, including 24 touchdown passes and a quarterback rating of 100.4. The Titans ended at 12–4, the same record as the Colts, but Indianapolis took the [[AFC South]] division championship by virtue of its two victories over Tennessee. McNair and Colts quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] were named co-NFL MVPs following the 2003 season, which ended the Titans' season in a playoff loss to the [[New England Patriots]]. McNair finished the '03 season as the league leader in [[passer rating]] and became the youngest player in NFL history to pass for 20,000 yards and run for 3,000 yards.

McNair missed the 2004 season's fourth game with a bruised sternum, an injury suffered the previous week against Jacksonville,<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2004/09/27/McNair-hospitalized-with-bruised-sternum/UPI-14731096324472/ McNair hospitalized with bruised sternum]. ''[[UPI]]'', 2004-09-27. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> and played in only five more games that season. In 2005 he played in 14 games because of a back injury.

This series of season-ending injuries prompted the Titans to make the business decision of locking McNair out of team headquarters in the 2006 offseason. The team wouldn't let him rehab in its building because it feared an injury would force the franchise to pay him $23.46 million (his contract had been restructured so often that his salary cap reached a hard-to-manage amount). The [[Players Association]]'s filed a grievance on his behalf, for which an arbitrator ruled that the team violated its contract, opening the possibility for a trade.<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3545105</ref>

===Baltimore Ravens===
[[File:Steve McNair Tackle.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McNair seen being tackled during an October 2006 game against the [[San Diego Chargers]].]]
Following the 2005 season, on April 30, 2006, the Titans allowed McNair and his agent, [[James "Bus" Cook]], to speak with the Ravens to try to work out a deal.<ref name="Walker">Walker, Teresa M. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/ravens/2006-06-08-mcnair-passes-physical_x.htm McNair introduced as Ravens' new starting QB]. ''[[USA Today]]'', 2006-06-08. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> On May 1, 2006, the [[Baltimore Sun]] reported that the Baltimore Ravens might wait for McNair to be released by the Titans during free agency.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} Speculation was that the Titans might hold onto McNair until the week before training camp in late July if the Ravens didn't come up with a satisfactory trade offer for McNair according to a league source.<ref>Clayton, John. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2473771 McNair could have playoff impact in Baltimore]. ''[[ESPN.com]]'', 2006-05-24. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> However, on June 7, 2006, the two teams worked out a deal to send McNair to the Ravens for a 4th-round pick in the [[2007 NFL Draft]]. On June 8, McNair flew to Baltimore, passed a physical, and was announced as the newest member of the Ravens.<ref name="Walker" />

The 2006 season saw McNair start each game for the Ravens, missing only portions of two games. In the week 14 game against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], McNair threw the longest touchdown pass in the Ravens' history, when he threw an 89-yard touchdown pass to receiver [[Mark Clayton (American football, born 1982)|Mark Clayton]],<ref>[http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-1/a-look-back-at-the-career-of-steve-mcnair/7bafa73a-0a67-4b0b-847d-c74e278737fb A Look Back at the Career of Steve McNair:Career Highlights, 2006 Baltimore] www.titansonline.com</ref>
McNair helped Baltimore to a 13–3 record and an [[AFC North]] Championship. McNair started at quarterback in his first playoff game as a Raven when his team faced the Colts on January 13, 2007. McNair was 18 of 29 for 173 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, as the Ravens lost 15–6.

On May 9, 2007 McNair was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving. Both the driver of the vehicle, his brother-in-law, and McNair were arrested for driving under the influence. Under Tennessee law, one can still be arrested for DUI even if a passenger in one's own car and the driver is believed to be under the influence. McNair owned the pick-up truck involved and was charged with DUI by consent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ravens' McNair arrested on DUI charge |publisher=Baltimore Sun |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-mcnair0510,0,2911203.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines |first=Jamison |last=Hensley |date=2007-05-10}}</ref> The charges were dropped on July 10, 2007.<ref>Walker, Teresa, [http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AmaAald2kNefNcRJ7iqCjZhDubYF?slug=ap-mcnair-chargesdropped&prov=ap&type=lgns DUI charge against McNair dropped] (July 10, 2007), Yahoo! Sports, Retrieved on July 10, 2007.</ref>

In 2007, McNair did not play in Week 2 against the Jets which the Ravens won 20–13. He also did not play the full game in Week 3, however, the game was won by the Ravens, 26–23. McNair missed nine more games during the rest of the season, including getting pulled after taking many hits from Steelers' linebacker [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] in Week 9, and fumbling the ball twice. McNair only started six games for the Ravens in 2007.

After thirteen seasons in the NFL, McNair announced his retirement in April 2008.<ref>[http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2008/04/McNair_Says_Goodbye_to_Ravens_NFL.aspx McNair Says Goodbye to Ravens, NFL]</ref>

In July 2012, McNair was named the thirty-fifth greatest quarterback of the NFL's post-merger era, according to Football Nation. As of October 2012, he is the only deceased quarterback on the list.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.footballnation.com/content/top-100-qbs-since-the-merger-40-21/15546/ | work=Football Nation | title=Top 100 Modern Quarterbacks: 40-21 | date=July 26, 2012}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Steve McNair in Titans uniform matryoshka front.JPG|thumb|100px|right|A Steve McNair [[matryoshka doll]]]]
McNair was married to Mechelle McNair<ref name=FoundationBiography>[http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/biography.php The Steve McNair Foundation, Biography]</ref> from June 21, 1997 until his death. He split his time between a farm in Mississippi and [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/>

McNair had two sons by Mechelle: Tyler and Trenton; and two sons - Steve LaTreal McNair and Steven O'Brian Koran McNair; - by two other women.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4364855|title=McNair's estate not a problem|work=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2009-07-29|accessdate=2010-06-09}}</ref>

McNair earned the nickname "Air McNair" in High School. He opened his own restaurant in Nashville, which he named Gridiron9.<ref>Humbles, Andy. [http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090622/COUNTY0103/90622060/McNair+s+new+restaurant+open McNair's new restaurant open]. ''[[The Tennessean]]'', 2009-06-22. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> In addition to that, Steve McNair was the mentor to former Titans' quarterback [[Vince Young]], who was greatly affected by the death of his teacher.

==Death==
On July 4, 2009, McNair was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds, along with the body of a young woman named Sahel Kazemi, in a condominium rented by McNair, at 105 Lea Avenue in downtown Nashville.<ref name=TennesseanKilled>{{cite news |title=Steve McNair and Sahel Kazemi killed |url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090704/SPORTS01/90704013/0/SPORTS01/UPDATED+9+05+p.m.++Steve+McNair+and+Sahel+Kazemi+killed+ |author1=Kate Howard |author2=Jaime Sarrio |author3=Chris Echegaray |work=[[The Tennessean]] |location=[[Nashville, Tennessee]] |date=2009-07-04 |accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> McNair had been shot twice in the body and twice in the head, with only one of the shots coming from closer than three feet.<ref name="AP McNair">[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090705/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_mcnair_killed Former NFL quarterback McNair killed in Tennessee]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5632LE20090705 | work=Reuters | title=Autopsy planned for slain NFL star Steve McNair | date=2009-07-05}}</ref><ref name=NashvillePublicRadio>{{cite news |title=Steve McNair Found Dead |url=http://wpln.org/?p=9180 |author=Blake Farmer |work=[[WPLN-FM|WPLN]]-[[FM broadcasting|FM]] |publisher=[[WPLN-FM]] |location=[[Nashville, Tennessee]] |date=2009-07-05 |accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> Kazemi had a single gunshot wound to the head, which was proved to have been fired from a gun that was held to her temple. McNair was believed to have been asleep on the couch when the shooting occurred. The bodies were discovered by McNair's friends Wayne Neely and Robert Gaddy, who called 911.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gridironfans.com/forums/latest-nfl-headlines/101576-police-release-911-tapes-steve-mcnair-case.html |title=[NFL] Police Release 911 Tapes In Steve McNair Case |publisher=Gridironfans.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref> The [[Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (Tennessee)|Nashville police]] declared McNair's death a murder-suicide, with Kazemi as the perpetrator<ref name="perp">[http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090708/NEWS03/90708043 Police Declare Murder-Suicide in Steve McNair case]</ref> and McNair as the victim.<ref>Fleeman, Mike. [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20290108,00.html Coroner: Steve McNair a Victim of Murder-Suicide] ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'', July 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-01.</ref> The 9-mm gun used was found under Kazemi's body and later tests revealed "trace evidence of (gunpowder) residue on her left hand."<ref name="perp"/> Kazemi had a worsening financial situation and also suspected that McNair was in another extramarital relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-mcnairkilled&prov=ap&type=lgns |title=Yahoo! Sports - Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref><ref>[http://www.police.nashville.org/docs/newsletter/2009/0710.pdf Official Newsletter of the Metro Nashville Police Department, July 10, 2009]</ref>

McNair, who was married at the time, had been dating the 20-year-old Kazemi in the months prior to their deaths.<ref>[[The News Journal]], [http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090705/NEWS/90705004/Police++Steve+McNair+death+is+apparent+murder-suicide+ Police: Steve McNair death is apparent murder-suicide]</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Woman's gun ID'd in Steve McNair death, but questions linger |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-07-07-mcnair-mainbar_N.htm |author=Kate Howard |work=[[The Tennessean]] |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=2009-07-07 |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref> Two days before their deaths, Kazemi was pulled over in a black 2007 [[Cadillac]] [[Cadillac Escalade|Escalade]] in Nashville with McNair in the passenger seat and Vent Gordon, a chef at a restaurant McNair owned, in the back seat. The vehicle was registered in the names of both McNair and Kazemi. She was charged with [[driving under the influence of alcohol]].<ref name=TennesseanKilled /> McNair was not arrested, instead leaving in a taxi with Gordon, despite Kazemi repeatedly asking the arresting officer to tell McNair he could come to the police car to talk to her. However, McNair later bailed Kazemi out of jail.<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/07102009/news/nationalnews/qb_gave_gal_a_goodbye_diss_178565.htm The New York Post: QB GAVE GAL A GOODBYE DISS]</ref>
Police later stated that after release from jail, Kazemi purchased the gun from a convicted murderer she met while looking for a buyer for her Kia.<ref>[http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090706/NEWS/90706013/Police++Kazemi+bought+gun+found+at+scene The Clarion-Ledger: Police: Kazemi bought gun found at scene]</ref>

Titans owner [[Bud Adams]] released a statement regarding McNair:<ref>[http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-1/statement-from-titans-owner-ks-bud-adams-jr-regarding-steve-mcnair/b73f4e09-7794-430d-95e5-fedf4645269d Statement From Titans Owner K.S. 'Bud' Adams, Jr. Regarding Steve McNair]. ''TitansOnline.com'', 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref>
{{cquote|We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing.}}

In a statement to the [[Associated Press|AP]], [[Ozzie Newsome]], executive vice president and general manager of the [[Baltimore Ravens]], stated:<ref name="AP McNair"/><ref>[http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2009/07/Steve_McNair_Found_Murdered.aspx Former QB Steve McNair Found Murdered] baltimoreravens.com</ref> {{cquote|This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years...}}

The Titans held a two-day memorial at LP Field on July 8 and 9, 2009, where fans could pay their last respects to McNair. Highlights from his career were played throughout each day and fans were able to sign books that were later given to the McNair family.

During the 2009 NFL season, every member of the Titans wore a commemorative "9" sticker placed on the back of each helmet to honor McNair. Funeral services were held for McNair at the Reed Coliseum on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi on July 11 at 11:00 AM (CST) and he is buried at Griffith Cemetery in [[Prentiss, Mississippi|Prentiss]], Mississippi.

On October 15, 2010 it was reported that McNair’s widow went to a Nashville judge and asked that at least a portion of the assets be unfrozen so that his children could have some sort of monetary source. The judge agreed and each of the four children received $500,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Judge Gives McNair's Widow, Children $500k each|publisher=Miami Herald|author=Associated Press|date=2010-10-15 |accessdate=2010-12-07}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{External media
|align=right

|video1=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d807d39d7/Back-in-the-Day-Steve-McNair-pt-3 McNair at Alcorn State]
|video2=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d807d3b4e/Back-in-the-Day-Steve-McNair-pt-4 McNair with the Tennessee Titans]
|video3=[http://www.baltimoreravens.com/media_library/Videos/2008/04/Steve_McNair_Retirement_PC.aspx?id=aa8c0ca16e744a47bdc698307d61e51a McNair's retirement press conference]
}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [[The Tennessean|The Nashville Tennessean]]:[http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tennessean/obituary.aspx?n=steve-mcnair&pid=129304792 AP Obituary]
* [http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/ The Steve McNair Foundation]
* [[ESPN.com]]: [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3114 Player profile - Steve McNair]
* Pro-Football-Reference.com: [http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/McNaSt00.htm Steve McNair Bio]
* [[Baltimore Ravens]]: [http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/McNair_Retires.aspx Steve McNair Retirement]
* [[Tennessee Titans]]: [http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-1/a-look-back-at-the-career-of-steve-mcnair/7bafa73a-0a67-4b0b-847d-c74e278737fb A Look Back at the Career of Steve McNair]
*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=39067686 Steve McNair] at [[Find A Grave]]

{{S-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{succession box | title=[[NFL Most Valuable Player Award|AP NFL Most Valuable Player]] | before=[[Rich Gannon]] | years=[[2003 NFL season|2003]] season (Co-MVP [[Peyton Manning]]) | after=[[Peyton Manning]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{“Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year}}
{{Walter Payton Award}}
{{1995 NFL Draft}}
{{TitansFirstPick}}
{{AP NFL MVPs}}
{{Tennessee Titans starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback navbox}}

{{Authority control|VIAF=18458767}}

{{Persondata
|NAME= McNair, Steve LaTreal
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Air McNair
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[American football]] [[quarterback]]
|DATE OF BIRTH=1973-2-14
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Mount Olive, Mississippi]]
|DATE OF DEATH=2009-7-4
|PLACE OF DEATH=[[Nashville, Tennessee]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McNair, Steve}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:2009 murders in the United States]]
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:Alcorn State Braves football players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football quarterbacks]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Mississippi]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Houston Oilers players]]
[[Category:Murdered African-American people]]
[[Category:Murdered players of American football]]
[[Category:Murder–suicides in the United States]]
[[Category:People from Covington County, Mississippi]]
[[Category:People murdered in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Mississippi]]
[[Category:Tennessee Oilers players]]
[[Category:Tennessee Titans players]]
[[Category:Walter Payton Award winners]]
[[Category:Murdered sportspeople]]

Steve McNair

2013-08-24T13:49:09Z

76.211.234.89:

{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Infobox NFL player
|name=Steve McNair
|image=Steve McNair 2007-08-10.jpg
|image_size=200
|alt=
|caption=McNair as a member of the Ravens
|currentnumber=9
|position=[[Quarterback]]
|height_ft=6
|height_in=3
|weight_lbs=230
|birth_date={{Birth date|1973|2|14|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Mount Olive, Mississippi]]
|death_date={{Death date|2009|7|4|mf=y}}
|death_place=[[Nashville, Tennessee]]
|highschool=[[Mount Olive High School (Mississippi)|Mount Olive (MS)]]
|college=[[Alcorn State Braves football|Alcorn State]]
|draftyear=1995
|draftround=1
|draftpick=3
|debutyear=1995
|debutteam=Houston Oilers
|finalteam=Baltimore Ravens
|finalyear=2007
|pastteams=
* [[Tennessee Titans|Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Tennessee Titans]] ([[1995 NFL season|1995]]–[[2005 NFL season|2005]])
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ([[2006 NFL season|2006]]–[[2007 NFL season|2007]])
|highlights=
* [[American Football Conference|AFC Champion]] ({{NFL Year|1999}})
* 3× [[Pro Bowl]] selection ([[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]], [[2004 Pro Bowl|2003]], [[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]])
* [[All-Pro]] (2003)
* [[AP NFL MVP]] (2003)
* [[Walter Payton Award]] (1993)
|statseason=2007
|statlabel1=Pass attempts
|statvalue1=4,544
|statlabel2=Pass completions
|statvalue2=2,733
|statlabel3=Percentage
|statvalue3=60.1
|statlabel4=[[Touchdown|TD]]-[[Interception|INT]]
|statvalue4=174-119
|statlabel5=Passing yards
|statvalue5=31,304
|statlabel6=[[Passer rating]]
|statvalue6=82.8
|nfl=MCN033803
}}
'''Stephen LaTreal McNair''' (February 14, 1973 – July 4, 2009),<ref name="News5">[http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10643962 Steve McNair Found Dead]. ''[[WTVF]]'', 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> nicknamed '''Air McNair''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-07-04/remembering-air-mcnair |title=Remembering "Air McNair" - NCAA Football |publisher=Sporting News |date= |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-500151_162-5133395.html | work=CBS News | title=Remembering Air McNair}}</ref> was an [[American football]] [[quarterback]] who spent the majority of his [[National Football League]] (NFL) career with the [[Tennessee Titans]].<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/stats?playerId=733 Steve McNair Stats, News, Photos]. ESPN.com. Retrieved 2009-07-08.</ref>

McNair played [[college football]] at [[Alcorn State University|Alcorn State]] in [[Lorman, Mississippi]], where he won the 1994 [[Walter Payton Award]] as the top player in [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|NCAA Division I-AA]]. He was [[1995 NFL Draft|drafted]] third overall by the NFL's [[Tennessee Titans|Houston Oilers]] in 1995, becoming the Oilers' regular starting quarterback in 1997, their first season in Tennessee (though he started six games over the prior two seasons in Houston), and remained the starting quarterback for the Titans through 2005. After the 2005 season, McNair was traded to the [[Baltimore Ravens]], with whom he played for two seasons before retiring after thirteen NFL seasons.<ref name="fox 07.06.09">[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530180,00.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a16:g2:r1:c0.190072:b26221114:z0 Shooting Unveils Very Different Sides of Ex-NFL Quarterback Steve McNair]. ''[[Fox News]]'', 2009-07-06. Retrieved 2009-07-06.</ref>

McNair led the Titans to the playoffs four times, and the Ravens once, and played in [[Super Bowl XXXIV]] with the Titans. He is the Titans' all-time leading passer. McNair was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] three times, was [[All-Pro]] and [[National Football League Most Valuable Player Award|Co-MVP]] in 2003, all as a Titan.<ref>[http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81124656&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true McNair helped bring stability and success to vagabond franchise]</ref>

On July 4, 2009, McNair was fatally shot by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi, in a [[murder–suicide]].

==Early life==
McNair was born in [[Mount Olive, Mississippi]], and attended Mount Olive High School as a freshman in the fall of 1987, where he played [[American football|football]], [[baseball]], and [[basketball]] in addition to running track. As a junior, McNair led Mount Olive to the state championship. McNair also played free safety in high school, and in 1990 alone, he intercepted fifteen passes, raising his career total to 30, which tied the mark established by [[Terrell Buckley]] at [[Old Pascagoula High School|Pascagoula High School]].<ref name="officialstevemcnair.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/biography.php |title=The Steve McNair Foundation |publisher=Officialstevemcnair.com |date=1973-02-14 |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref> An All-State selection, McNair was named an All-American by [[Super Prep]] magazine.<ref name="officialstevemcnair.com"/>

The [[Seattle Mariners]] drafted him in the 35th round of the [[1991 Major League Baseball Draft|1991 MLB amateur draft]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=name&name=mcnair}}</ref>

==College career==
McNair was initially offered a full scholarship to the University of Florida to play defensive back, but wanting to play quarterback, McNair chose division I-AA Alcorn State. McNair played college football for [[Alcorn State University]], a [[Historically black colleges and universities|historically black university]] which competes in the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]'s Division I-AA (now known as the [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|Football Championship Subdivision]]) [[Southwestern Athletic Conference]] (SWAC). In 1992, McNair threw for 3,541 yards and 29 touchdowns, and ran in for 10 more scores. The Braves fashioned a record of 7–4, including a last-second victory in their rematch with [[Grambling State University|Grambling]]. In that contest, McNair returned from an injury and helped Alcorn State, trailing late in the final period, move deep into Tigers' territory. Then, despite a leg injury, he tucked the ball under his arm and dove into the end zone for the winning touchdown. The victory over Grambling helped the Braves qualify for the I-AA playoffs. McNair helped Alcorn State to another good year in 1993, as the Braves upped their record to 8–3 while McNair threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was also named First-Team All-SWAC for the third year in a row.

In his senior season, McNair gained nearly 6,000 yards rushing and passing, along with 53 touchdowns. In the process, he surpassed more than a dozen records and was named an All-American. In addition, McNair won the [[Walter Payton Award]] as the top I-AA player and finished third in the [[Heisman Trophy]] voting behind [[Rashaan Salaam]] and [[Ki-Jana Carter]]. McNair set career records for the Football Championship Series with 14,496 passing yards, as well as the division record for total offensive yards with 16,283 career yards.<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/> The records still stand.<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/>

He was a member of the fraternity [[Omega Psi Phi]], highlighting his allegiance by tattooing “Omega Man” on his arm.<ref name="officialstevemcnair.com"/>

==Professional career==

===Houston Oilers===
With the third overall pick in the [[1995 NFL Draft]], the [[Houston Oilers]] and new head coach [[Jeff Fisher]] selected McNair, making him at the time the highest drafted African-American [[quarterback]] in [[NFL]] history and signing him to a seven-year contract. McNair did not see his first action until the last two series of the fourth quarter in a November game versus the [[Cleveland Browns]]. Late in the season, he also appeared briefly against the [[Detroit Lions]] and [[New York Jets]]. Meanwhile, starting quarterback [[Chris Chandler]] finished as the AFC's fourth-best passer. In 1996, McNair remained a backup to Chandler until starting a game in December against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].

===Tennessee Oilers/Titans===
McNair's first season as the Oilers' starter in 1997 (the team's first year in [[Tennessee]]) resulted in an 8–8 record for the team, which played its home games at the [[Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium|Liberty Bowl]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. McNair's 2,665 passing yards were the most for the Oilers since [[Warren Moon]] in 1993, and his 13 interceptions were the fewest for a single season in franchise history. He also led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight and ranked second behind running back [[Eddie George]] with 674 yards on the ground, the third-highest total for a quarterback in NFL history.

In 1998, McNair set career passing highs with 492 attempts, 289 completions, 3,228 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Oilers, now competing in Nashville. He also cut his interceptions to ten, helping his quarterback rating climb to 80.1.

The team officially changed its name from Oilers to Titans for the 1999 season as they debuted a new stadium, [[LP Field|Adelphia Coliseum]]. Early in the 1999 season, McNair was diagnosed with an inflamed disk following Tennessee's 36–35 win over the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], and needed surgery. In his stead entered [[Neil O'Donnell]], a veteran who had guided the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] to the Super Bowl four years earlier. Over the next five games, O'Donnell led the Titans to a 4–1 record. McNair returned against the [[St. Louis Rams]], and with McNair starting, Tennessee won seven of its last nine games, good for a record of 13–3 and second place in the [[AFC Central]].

Tennessee opened the [[NFL playoffs, 1999–2000|playoffs]] at home against the [[Buffalo Bills]] in a Wild Card game, winning on the "[[Music City Miracle]]" and eventually advancing to [[Super Bowl XXXIV]] in a re-match with the Rams. On the final play of the game, a McNair pass to [[Kevin Dyson]] was complete, but [[Final play of Super Bowl XXXIV|Dyson was unable to break the plane of the goal line]], giving the Rams the win. McNair signed a new six-year contract after the 1999 season worth [[United States dollar|$]]47 million.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2006-04-22-notes_x.htm?csp=34 Notes: Favre backs McNair; Leinart hires Condon]. ''[[USA Today]]'', 2006-04-22. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref>

Following a 13–3 season in 2000 which ended in a playoff loss to the [[Baltimore Ravens]], the 28-year-old McNair put together his most productive year as a pro in 2001. In 2001, McNair registered career passing highs in yards (3,350), completions (264), touchdowns (21) and quarterback rating (90.2). He was also the team's most effective rusher, tying George for the club lead with five scores. Named to the Pro Bowl for the first time, McNair sat out the game due to a shoulder injury.<ref>The Steve McNair Foundation, [http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/biography.php?pageid=3 Biography]. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref>

In 2002, Tennessee finished the regular season 11-5 and reached the playoffs. In the divisional playoff contest against the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], McNair threw for a career postseason high 338 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions, while rushing for 29 yards and another score on the ground. The game had a controversial finish when, after missing a game winning field goal at the end of regulation time and a second failed kick in overtime was negated because of a controversial running-into-the-kicker penalty on Pittsburgh's [[Dewayne Washington]], kicker [[Joe Nedney]] won the game from 26 yards out 2:15 into overtime. Steelers coach [[Bill Cowher]] said that he called a timeout before the winning kick took place.
McNair and the Titans reached the AFC Championship game but were unable to reach the Super Bowl, losing to the [[Oakland Raiders]] 41-24.

Between the 2002 and 2003 seasons, McNair was arrested for DUI and illegal gun possession (in May 2003). His blood alcohol was above 0.10, and a 9-mm handgun had been sitting in the front of the car.<ref>[http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/7518506 Judge: Officer didn't have 'sufficient basis' to stop McNair for DUI]. ''[[CBSSports.com]]'', 2004-07-22. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> All charges related to the incident were later dropped.<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/>

In December of the 2003 season, an injured calf and ankle kept McNair on the sidelines for two games, though he still finished with the best numbers of his career, including 24 touchdown passes and a quarterback rating of 100.4. The Titans ended at 12–4, the same record as the Colts, but Indianapolis took the [[AFC South]] division championship by virtue of its two victories over Tennessee. McNair and Colts quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] were named co-NFL MVPs following the 2003 season, which ended the Titans' season in a playoff loss to the [[New England Patriots]]. McNair finished the '03 season as the league leader in [[passer rating]] and became the youngest player in NFL history to pass for 20,000 yards and run for 3,000 yards.

McNair missed the 2004 season's fourth game with a bruised sternum, an injury suffered the previous week against Jacksonville,<ref>[http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2004/09/27/McNair-hospitalized-with-bruised-sternum/UPI-14731096324472/ McNair hospitalized with bruised sternum]. ''[[UPI]]'', 2004-09-27. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> and played in only five more games that season. In 2005 he played in 14 games because of a back injury.

This series of season-ending injuries prompted the Titans to make the business decision of locking McNair out of team headquarters in the 2006 offseason. The team wouldn't let him rehab in its building because it feared an injury would force the franchise to pay him $23.46 million (his contract had been restructured so often that his salary cap reached a hard-to-manage amount). The [[Players Association]]'s filed a grievance on his behalf, for which an arbitrator ruled that the team violated its contract, opening the possibility for a trade.<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3545105</ref>

===Baltimore Ravens===
[[File:Steve McNair Tackle.jpg|200px|thumb|right|McNair seen being tackled during an October 2006 game against the [[San Diego Chargers]].]]
Following the 2005 season, on April 30, 2006, the Titans allowed McNair and his agent, [[James "Bus" Cook]], to speak with the Ravens to try to work out a deal.<ref name="Walker">Walker, Teresa M. [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/ravens/2006-06-08-mcnair-passes-physical_x.htm McNair introduced as Ravens' new starting QB]. ''[[USA Today]]'', 2006-06-08. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> On May 1, 2006, the [[Baltimore Sun]] reported that the Baltimore Ravens might wait for McNair to be released by the Titans during free agency.{{Citation needed|date=February 2009}} Speculation was that the Titans might hold onto McNair until the week before training camp in late July if the Ravens didn't come up with a satisfactory trade offer for McNair according to a league source.<ref>Clayton, John. [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2473771 McNair could have playoff impact in Baltimore]. ''[[ESPN.com]]'', 2006-05-24. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> However, on June 7, 2006, the two teams worked out a deal to send McNair to the Ravens for a 4th-round pick in the [[2007 NFL Draft]]. On June 8, McNair flew to Baltimore, passed a physical, and was announced as the newest member of the Ravens.<ref name="Walker" />

The 2006 season saw McNair start each game for the Ravens, missing only portions of two games. In the week 14 game against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], McNair threw the longest touchdown pass in the Ravens' history, when he threw an 89-yard touchdown pass to receiver [[Mark Clayton (American football, born 1982)|Mark Clayton]],<ref>[http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-1/a-look-back-at-the-career-of-steve-mcnair/7bafa73a-0a67-4b0b-847d-c74e278737fb A Look Back at the Career of Steve McNair:Career Highlights, 2006 Baltimore] www.titansonline.com</ref>
McNair helped Baltimore to a 13–3 record and an [[AFC North]] Championship. McNair started at quarterback in his first playoff game as a Raven when his team faced the Colts on January 13, 2007. McNair was 18 of 29 for 173 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions, as the Ravens lost 15–6.

On May 9, 2007 McNair was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving. Both the driver of the vehicle, his brother-in-law, and McNair were arrested for driving under the influence. Under Tennessee law, one can still be arrested for DUI even if a passenger in one's own car and the driver is believed to be under the influence. McNair owned the pick-up truck involved and was charged with DUI by consent.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ravens' McNair arrested on DUI charge |publisher=Baltimore Sun |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-mcnair0510,0,2911203.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines |first=Jamison |last=Hensley |date=2007-05-10}}</ref> The charges were dropped on July 10, 2007.<ref>Walker, Teresa, [http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AmaAald2kNefNcRJ7iqCjZhDubYF?slug=ap-mcnair-chargesdropped&prov=ap&type=lgns DUI charge against McNair dropped] (July 10, 2007), Yahoo! Sports, Retrieved on July 10, 2007.</ref>

In 2007, McNair did not play in Week 2 against the Jets which the Ravens won 20–13. He also did not play the full game in Week 3, however, the game was won by the Ravens, 26–23. McNair missed nine more games during the rest of the season, including getting pulled after taking many hits from Steelers' linebacker [[James Harrison (American football)|James Harrison]] in Week 9, and fumbling the ball twice. McNair only started six games for the Ravens in 2007.

After thirteen seasons in the NFL, McNair announced his retirement in April 2008.<ref>[http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2008/04/McNair_Says_Goodbye_to_Ravens_NFL.aspx McNair Says Goodbye to Ravens, NFL]</ref>

In July 2012, McNair was named the thirty-fifth greatest quarterback of the NFL's post-merger era, according to Football Nation. As of October 2012, he is the only deceased quarterback on the list.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.footballnation.com/content/top-100-qbs-since-the-merger-40-21/15546/ | work=Football Nation | title=Top 100 Modern Quarterbacks: 40-21 | date=July 26, 2012}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Steve McNair in Titans uniform matryoshka front.JPG|thumb|100px|right|A Steve McNair [[matryoshka doll]]]]
McNair was married to Mechelle McNair<ref name=FoundationBiography>[http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/biography.php The Steve McNair Foundation, Biography]</ref> from June 21, 1997 until his death. He split his time between a farm in Mississippi and [[Nashville, Tennessee]].<ref name="fox 07.06.09"/>

McNair had two sons by Mechelle: Tyler and Trenton; and two sons - Steve LaTreal McNair and Steven O'Brian Koran McNair; - by two other women.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4364855|title=McNair's estate not a problem|work=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2009-07-29|accessdate=2010-06-09}}</ref>

McNair earned the nickname "Air McNair" in High School. He opened his own restaurant in Nashville, which he named Gridiron9.<ref>Humbles, Andy. [http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090622/COUNTY0103/90622060/McNair+s+new+restaurant+open McNair's new restaurant open]. ''[[The Tennessean]]'', 2009-06-22. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref> In addition to that, Steve McNair was the mentor to former Titans' quarterback [[Vince Young]], who was greatly affected by the death of his teacher.

==Death==
On July 4, 2009, McNair was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds, along with the body of a young woman named Sahel Kazemi, in a condominium rented by McNair, at 105 Lea Avenue in downtown Nashville.<ref name=TennesseanKilled>{{cite news |title=Steve McNair and Sahel Kazemi killed |url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090704/SPORTS01/90704013/0/SPORTS01/UPDATED+9+05+p.m.++Steve+McNair+and+Sahel+Kazemi+killed+ |author1=Kate Howard |author2=Jaime Sarrio |author3=Chris Echegaray |work=[[The Tennessean]] |location=[[Nashville, Tennessee]] |date=2009-07-04 |accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> McNair had been shot twice in the body and twice in the head, with only one of the shots coming from closer than three feet.<ref name="AP McNair">[http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090705/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_mcnair_killed Former NFL quarterback McNair killed in Tennessee]</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5632LE20090705 | work=Reuters | title=Autopsy planned for slain NFL star Steve McNair | date=2009-07-05}}</ref><ref name=NashvillePublicRadio>{{cite news |title=Steve McNair Found Dead |url=http://wpln.org/?p=9180 |author=Blake Farmer |work=[[WPLN-FM|WPLN]]-[[FM broadcasting|FM]] |publisher=[[WPLN-FM]] |location=[[Nashville, Tennessee]] |date=2009-07-05 |accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> Kazemi had a single gunshot wound to the head, which was proved to have been fired from a gun that was held to her temple. McNair was believed to have been asleep on the couch when the shooting occurred. The bodies were discovered by McNair's friends Wayne Neely and Robert Gaddy, who called 911.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gridironfans.com/forums/latest-nfl-headlines/101576-police-release-911-tapes-steve-mcnair-case.html |title=[NFL] Police Release 911 Tapes In Steve McNair Case |publisher=Gridironfans.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref> The [[Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (Tennessee)|Nashville police]] declared McNair's death a murder-suicide, with Kazemi as the perpetrator<ref name="perp">[http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090708/NEWS03/90708043 Police Declare Murder-Suicide in Steve McNair case]</ref> and McNair as the victim.<ref>Fleeman, Mike. [http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20290108,00.html Coroner: Steve McNair a Victim of Murder-Suicide] ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'', July 8, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-01.</ref> The 9-mm gun used was found under Kazemi's body and later tests revealed "trace evidence of (gunpowder) residue on her left hand."<ref name="perp"/> Kazemi had a worsening financial situation and also suspected that McNair was in another extramarital relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-mcnairkilled&prov=ap&type=lgns |title=Yahoo! Sports - Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more |publisher=Sports.yahoo.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-20}}</ref><ref>[http://www.police.nashville.org/docs/newsletter/2009/0710.pdf Official Newsletter of the Metro Nashville Police Department, July 10, 2009]</ref>

McNair, who was married at the time, had been dating the 20-year-old Kazemi in the months prior to their deaths.<ref>[[The News Journal]], [http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090705/NEWS/90705004/Police++Steve+McNair+death+is+apparent+murder-suicide+ Police: Steve McNair death is apparent murder-suicide]</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Woman's gun ID'd in Steve McNair death, but questions linger |url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-07-07-mcnair-mainbar_N.htm |author=Kate Howard |work=[[The Tennessean]] |publisher=[[USA Today]] |date=2009-07-07 |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref> Two days before their deaths, Kazemi was pulled over in a black 2007 [[Cadillac]] [[Cadillac Escalade|Escalade]] in Nashville with McNair in the passenger seat and Vent Gordon, a chef at a restaurant McNair owned, in the back seat. The vehicle was registered in the names of both McNair and Kazemi. She was charged with [[driving under the influence of alcohol]].<ref name=TennesseanKilled /> McNair was not arrested, instead leaving in a taxi with Gordon, despite Kazemi repeatedly asking the arresting officer to tell McNair he could come to the police car to talk to her. However, McNair later bailed Kazemi out of jail.<ref>[http://www.nypost.com/seven/07102009/news/nationalnews/qb_gave_gal_a_goodbye_diss_178565.htm The New York Post: QB GAVE GAL A GOODBYE DISS]</ref>
Police later stated that after release from jail, Kazemi purchased the gun from a convicted murderer she met while looking for a buyer for her Kia.<ref>[http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090706/NEWS/90706013/Police++Kazemi+bought+gun+found+at+scene The Clarion-Ledger: Police: Kazemi bought gun found at scene]</ref>

Titans owner [[Bud Adams]] released a statement regarding McNair:<ref>[http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-1/statement-from-titans-owner-ks-bud-adams-jr-regarding-steve-mcnair/b73f4e09-7794-430d-95e5-fedf4645269d Statement From Titans Owner K.S. 'Bud' Adams, Jr. Regarding Steve McNair]. ''TitansOnline.com'', 2009-07-04. Retrieved 2009-07-04.</ref>
{{cquote|We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing.}}

In a statement to the [[Associated Press|AP]], [[Ozzie Newsome]], executive vice president and general manager of the [[Baltimore Ravens]], stated:<ref name="AP McNair"/><ref>[http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2009/07/Steve_McNair_Found_Murdered.aspx Former QB Steve McNair Found Murdered] baltimoreravens.com</ref> {{cquote|This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years...}}

The Titans held a two-day memorial at LP Field on July 8 and 9, 2009, where fans could pay their last respects to McNair. Highlights from his career were played throughout each day and fans were able to sign books that were later given to the McNair family.

During the 2009 NFL season, every member of the Titans wore a commemorative "9" sticker placed on the back of each helmet to honor McNair. Funeral services were held for McNair at the Reed Coliseum on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi on July 11 at 11:00 AM (CST) and he is buried at Griffith Cemetery in [[Prentiss, Mississippi|Prentiss]], Mississippi.

On October 15, 2010 it was reported that McNair’s widow went to a Nashville judge and asked that at least a portion of the assets be unfrozen so that his children could have some sort of monetary source. The judge agreed and each of the four children received $500,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Judge Gives McNair's Widow, Children $500k each|publisher=Miami Herald|author=Associated Press|date=2010-10-15 |accessdate=2010-12-07}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{External media
|align=right

|video1=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d807d39d7/Back-in-the-Day-Steve-McNair-pt-3 McNair at Alcorn State]
|video2=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/09000d5d807d3b4e/Back-in-the-Day-Steve-McNair-pt-4 McNair with the Tennessee Titans]
|video3=[http://www.baltimoreravens.com/media_library/Videos/2008/04/Steve_McNair_Retirement_PC.aspx?id=aa8c0ca16e744a47bdc698307d61e51a McNair's retirement press conference]
}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [[The Tennessean|The Nashville Tennessean]]:[http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tennessean/obituary.aspx?n=steve-mcnair&pid=129304792 AP Obituary]
* [http://www.officialstevemcnair.com/ The Steve McNair Foundation]
* [[ESPN.com]]: [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3114 Player profile - Steve McNair]
* Pro-Football-Reference.com: [http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/McNaSt00.htm Steve McNair Bio]
* [[Baltimore Ravens]]: [http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/McNair_Retires.aspx Steve McNair Retirement]
* [[Tennessee Titans]]: [http://www.titansonline.com/news/article-1/a-look-back-at-the-career-of-steve-mcnair/7bafa73a-0a67-4b0b-847d-c74e278737fb A Look Back at the Career of Steve McNair]
*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=39067686 Steve McNair] at [[Find A Grave]]

{{S-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{succession box | title=[[NFL Most Valuable Player Award|AP NFL Most Valuable Player]] | before=[[Rich Gannon]] | years=[[2003 NFL season|2003]] season (Co-MVP [[Peyton Manning]]) | after=[[Peyton Manning]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{“Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year}}
{{Walter Payton Award}}
{{1995 NFL Draft}}
{{TitansFirstPick}}
{{AP NFL MVPs}}
{{Tennessee Titans starting quarterback navbox}}
{{Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback navbox}}

{{Authority control|VIAF=18458767}}

{{Persondata
|NAME= McNair, Steve LaTreal
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Air McNair
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=[[American football]] [[quarterback]]
|DATE OF BIRTH=1973-2-14
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Mount Olive, Mississippi]]
|DATE OF DEATH=2009-7-4
|PLACE OF DEATH=[[Nashville, Tennessee]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McNair, Steve}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:2009 deaths]]
[[Category:2009 murders in the United States]]
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:Alcorn State Braves football players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football quarterbacks]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Mississippi]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Houston Oilers players]]
[[Category:Murdered African-American people]]
[[Category:Murdered players of American football]]
[[Category:Murder–suicides in the United States]]
[[Category:People from Covington County, Mississippi]]
[[Category:People murdered in Tennessee]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Mississippi]]
[[Category:Tennessee Oilers players]]
[[Category:Tennessee Titans players]]
[[Category:Walter Payton Award winners]]
[[Category:Murdered sportspeople]]

Tila Tequila

2007-01-04T06:24:05Z

76.211.234.89:

{{Infobox musical artist 2
|Name = Tila Nguyen
|Img = Tila Tequila.jpg
|Img_capt =
|Background = solo_singer
|Birth_name = Tila Nguyen
|Alias = Tila Tequila, Tila
|Born = [[October 24]] [[1981]]
|Sign = Scorpio
|Died =
|Origin = [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], [[Texas]], [[United States|USA]]
|Instruments = [[Singing|Vocals]]
|Genre = [[Pop music|Pop]]
|Occupation(s) = [[Singer-songwriter]], [[glamour photography|glamour model]]
|Years_active = [[2005]]–Present
|Label = [[A&M Records|A&M Records]]
|Associated_acts = Jealousy, previously of Beyond Betty Jean
|URL = [http://www.tilashotspot.com www.tilashotspot.com]
}}

'''Tila Nguyen''' ([[International Phonetic Alphabet|IPA]]: {{IPA|[tiːˌlɑː ŋwiɜn]}}) (born [[October 24]], [[1981]] in [[Singapore]]), best known as '''Tila Tequila''', is an [[United States|American]] [[glamour photography|glamour model]], and [[singer]]. Residing in [[West Hollywood, California|West Hollywood]], [[California]], she is best known for her appearances in [[Import scene|automotive import magazines]], her role as host of the [[Fuse TV]] show ''[[Pants-Off Dance-Off]]'' and her position as the most popular artist on [[MySpace]] as of April 2006.<ref name="Slate">Weiner, Jonah (April 11, 2006). [http://www.slate.com/id/2139691/ "Tila Tequila for President"]. [[Slate (magazine)|Slate.com]]. Retrieved July 29, 2006.</ref> She is signed to [[A&M/Interscope Records]] by [[Will.I.Am]]. Raised in [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], [[Texas]], she is 3/4 [[Vietnamese]] and 1/4 [[French people|Jamaican]].

==Early years==
Nguyen was born in [[Singapore]], where her family [[boat people|emigrated]] after the [[Vietnam War]]. A few years later they moved again to the Houston neighborhood of [[Alief, Houston, Texas|Alief]], where they lived in rundown housing for most of Nguyen's childhood until they were admitted to a [[gated community]] run by a strict [[Buddhist]] [[List of Buddhist temples|temple]]. The family left the community when Nguyen was eight.

As soon as she entered middle school, Nguyen developed a [[tomboy]] attitude and started getting in fights. Her behavior eventually got her sent to a [[boarding school]] for six months before she was transferred to another school. As she got older, she used her sister's identification card to enter nightclubs, where she began [[Recreational drug use|experimenting with drugs]] and joined a [[gang]]. In an interview with ''Import Tuner'', Nguyen said she had been searching for a sense of identity: "I was really confused then, 'cause at first I thought I was black, then I thought I was Hispanic and joined a cholo gang." Nicknaming herself, "Dangerous Tila".<ref name="ImportTuner">[http://www.importtuner.com/models/archives/0211_cover_model_tila_nguyen/index.html/ "Up Close & Personal: Tila Nguyen"]. (2006). ''Import Tuner''. Retrieved October 12, 2006.</ref> Later she made some friends outside the gang who briefly helped turn her life around, however her past caught up with her, and she fled to [[Queens, New York]]. When she returned to Texas she had a [[Polyamory|three-way relationship]] with two girlfriends, but eventually decided she could no longer handle her lifestyle. She began to focus on her studies and her jobs. <ref name="TilasHotSpotBio">Nguyen, Tila.
[http://www.tilashotspot.com/popups/biography.html "The truth about Tila"]. TilasHotspot.com. Official autobiography. Retrieved November 21, 2005.</ref>

==Modeling==
{{Female adult bio|
photo=[[Image:Tila Nguyen import model.jpg|200px]] Nguyen at Hot Import Nights
|birth= [[October 24]], [[1981]]
|sign= Scorpio
|birthname= Tila Nguyen
|death=
|location= Singapore
|measurements= 34B-24-36 <ref name="TilasHotSpotResume">[http://www.tilashotspot.com/popups/resume.html Resume] at TilasHotpot.com.</ref>
|height= 4 ft 11 in
|weight= 98 lb (44.5 kg)
|eye color= Brown
|hair color= Black
|natural bust= No <ref name="ImportTuner"/>
|ethnicity= Vietnamese and French
|alias= Tila Tequila Tila
|homepage=http://www.tilashotspot.com/
}}

Nguyen realized her life would get worse if she continued living in Texas, so she moved to [[Hollywood, California|Hollywood]] to pursue her career in entertainment. She claims her career began at the age of eighteen when she was spotted at a mall by a ''[[Playboy]]'' scout and was offered a chance to model nude for the magazine. She declined at first, but she was featured as ''Playboy''’s Cyber Girl of the week on [[April 22]], [[2002]], and soon thereafter she became the first Asian Cyber Girl of the Month. <ref name="TilasHotSpotQuickBio">Nguyen, Tila. [http://www.tilashotspot.com/popups/short_biography.html "Quick Bio"]. TilasHotspot.com. Biography covering Nguyen's modeling years. Retrieved November 29, 2005. </ref>

Nguyen gained further popularity through the import racing scene. She has been featured on the cover of ''Import Tuner'' magazine, at car shows such as Hot Import Nights, and in the video game ''[[Street Racing Syndicate]]''.<ref name="GameProSRS">[http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/previews/36729.shtml "Hands-On: SRS: Street Racing Syndicate"] (July 13, 2004). ''[[GamePro]]''. Retrieved December 1, 2005.</ref> In 2003 she was a contestant on [[VH1]]'s ''Surviving Nugent'', a [[reality television|reality TV]] show where participants performed compromising tasks and stunts for rock star [[Ted Nugent]]. <ref name="VH1NugentInterview">[http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/surviving_nugent/series_interviews_int.jhtml?start=1 VH1's ''[[Surviving Nugent]]'' interview with Nguyen]. Retrieved November 29, 2005.</ref> She was also the most frequent host on the first season of Fuse TV's dance show, ''Pants-Off Dance-Off'', on which a motley group of contestants [[striptease|strip]] to [[music video]]s.

In [[2005]], Nguyen signed an exclusive mobile entertainment content deal with Motek Mobile which was subsequently picked up by [[Cingular]] [[AT&T Wireless]], [[T-Mobile]], Sprint Nextel, Boost Mobile and several other wireless carriers.

Nguyen was featured on the cover of the April 2006 issue of ''[[Stuff (magazine)|Stuff]]'' magazine; in the interview, she claimed that her nickname "Tila Tequila" came about when she was in middle school after she had experimented with alcohol but then had a severe allergic reaction to it. <ref name="Stuff0406">Gilbert, Laura (April 2006). "Enter the Dragon". ''Stuff''.</ref> She was later included in ''Stuff''’s 100 Sexiest Women Online. She appeared on the August 2006 [[Maxim (magazine)|''Maxim'' UK]] cover and was named #88 in their Hot 100 List. <ref> ''Maxim''. August 2006. </ref> <ref name="MaximHot2006">[http://www.maximonline.com/slideshows/index.aspx?slideId=1993&imgCollectId=94&src=wiki Maxim 2006 Hot 100]. Maximonline.com. Retrieved August 9, 2006.</ref>

==Music clips==
Prior to signing with A&M Records, Nguyen was the lead singer of a band called Jealousy. The following are demo clips encoded in the [[Ogg Vorbis]] sound format:

{{listen |
| filename =Tila Tequila - No Woman No Cry.ogg
| title = "No Woman, No Cry"
| description = Clip of Nguyen's cover of "[[No Woman, No Cry]]" by [[Bob Marley]] (0:39; Ogg Vorbis, 272 KB)}}

{{listen |
| filename =Tila Tequila - Playgirl Central.ogg
| title = "Playgirl Central"
| description = Clip of "Playgirl Central", Nguyen's [[signature song]] prior to signing with A&M (0:32; Ogg Vorbis, 241 KB)}}

==Films==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Film
! Year
! Notes
|-
|''[[I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry]]''
| [[2007]]
|}

==References==
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>

==External links==

{{commons}}

*{{imdb name|id=1712094|name=Tila Nguyen}}
*{{myspace|tilatequila|Tila Nguyen}}
*[http://www.tilashotspot.com/ Tila's official website]
*[http://www.tilazone.com/ TilaZone, official MySpace accesories site].
*[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1570728,00.html TIME magazine profile]

[[Category:1981 births|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:American adult models|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:American bloggers|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:American female singers|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:American models|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:American pop singers|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:Internet celebrities|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:Living people|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:MySpace people|Nguyen Tila]]
[[Category:People from Houston|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:People from Los Angeles|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:Vietnamese Americans|Nguyen, Tila]]
[[Category:Vietnamese singers|Nguyen Tila]]
[[Category:Bisexual musicians|Nguyen, Tila]]

[[de:Tila Nguyen]]
[[it:Tila Tequila]]