Most Career Rushing Yards by a San Francisco 49ers Player
When you think of the San Francisco 49ers, your mind often drifts to Hall of Fame quarterbacks and the brilliance of the West Coast offense. But let’s not forget the running backs who shaped the team’s ground game over the years. With legendary backs like Frank Gore, Joe Perry, and Roger Craig, the 49ers’ rushing history is rich, powerful, and crucial to the team’s success.
Frank Gore, the ultimate ironman of NFL running backs, claims the top spot on the 49ers’ all-time rushing leaderboard with an incredible 11,073 yards. Known for his longevity, heart, and tough-as-nails style, Gore’s ability to sustain excellence over 16 seasons made him a franchise legend and a cornerstone of the team’s success during his tenure.
Right behind him is Joe Perry, a true pioneer for the franchise and the first African American NFL MVP. “The Jet” blazed through defenses with unparalleled speed, accumulating 8,689 yards in a career that cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in NFL history.
In third place, Roger Craig was the definition of versatility, becoming the first player in NFL history to rush and receive for 1,000 yards in the same season. His impact wasn’t just on the ground — Craig revolutionized the position, and his playmaking ability helped the 49ers win their first Super Bowl.
These three icons stand at the pinnacle of 49ers rushing greatness, but the list doesn’t stop there. Garrison Hearst, Willie Parker, and Matt Breida also etched their names in 49ers lore with dynamic performances that contributed to memorable playoff runs.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Johnny Strzykalski – 3,415 Yards
A throwback to the 1940s and ’50s, Strzykalski helped build the 49ers’ identity in their early days.
9. Steve Young – 3,581 Yards
Yes, the Hall of Fame QB. Young was a lethal scrambler who brought both precision and punishment on the ground.
8. Kevan Barlow – 3,614 Yards
Barlow gave the Niners solid production in the early 2000s, including a 1,000-yard season in 2003.
7. Hugh McElhenny – 4,288 Yards
One of the league’s first true breakaway threats, “The King” dazzled fans with his agility in the 1950s.
6. J.D. Smith – 4,370 Yards
A steady presence during a transitional era, Smith was a versatile runner and reliable option throughout the ’60s.
5. Garrison Hearst – 5,535 Yards
Hearst overcame devastating injuries to revive his career in San Francisco, peaking with a Pro Bowl season in 1998.
4. Ken Willard – 5,930 Yards
A four-time Pro Bowler in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Willard was a bruiser who defined tough-nosed football.
3. Roger Craig – 7,064 Yards
A true dual-threat weapon, Craig was the first player to ever record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.
2. Joe Perry – 8,689 Yards
Known as “The Jet,” Perry was the first African American to win the NFL MVP and remains one of the league’s earliest greats.
1. Frank Gore – 11,073 Yards
The ironman of NFL running backs. Gore’s longevity, heart, and physicality defined a generation of 49ers football.
Frank Gore leads the 49ers’ all-time rushing list, followed by legends like Joe Perry and Roger Craig
Top 50 Career Rushing Performances in 49ers History
This list includes every 49ers player to rush for 869 or more career yards — from Frank Gore’s iconic run to dual-threat legends like Roger Craig and Steve Young.
| Rank | Player Name | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frank Gore | 11073 |
| 2 | Joe Perry | 8689 |
| 3 | Roger Craig | 7064 |
| 4 | Ken Willard | 5930 |
| 5 | Garrison Hearst | 5535 |
| 6 | J.D. Smith | 4370 |
| 7 | Hugh McElhenny | 4288 |
| 8 | Kevan Barlow | 3614 |
| 9 | Steve Young | 3581 |
| 10 | Johnny Strzykalski | 3415 |
| 11 | Wendell Tyler | 3112 |
| 12 | Delvin Williams | 2966 |
| 13 | Wilbur Jackson | 2955 |
| 14 | Ricky Watters | 2840 |
| 15 | Carlos Hyde | 2729 |
| 16 | Christian McCaffrey | 2407 |
| 17 | Charlie Garner | 2371 |
| 18 | Colin Kaepernick | 2300 |
| 19 | Tom Rathman | 1902 |
| 20 | Matt Breida | 1902 |
| 21 | Norm Standlee | 1830 |
| 22 | Vic Washington | 1813 |
| 23 | Paul Hofer | 1746 |
| 24 | Larry Schreiber | 1734 |
| 25 | Jeff Wilson | 1733 |
| 26 | Raheem Mostert | 1610 |
| 27 | Joe Montana | 1595 |
| 28 | Jeff Garcia | 1571 |
| 29 | Elijah Mitchell | 1523 |
| 30 | Doug Cunningham | 1498 |
| 31 | John David Crow | 1474 |
| 32 | Gary Lewis | 1421 |
| 33 | Frankie Albert | 1272 |
| 34 | Jordan Mason | 1253 |
| 35 | Terry Kirby | 1235 |
| 36 | Kendall Hunter | 1202 |
| 37 | Len Eshmont | 1181 |
| 38 | John Brodie | 1167 |
| 39 | Earl Cooper | 1152 |
| 40 | Deebo Samuel | 1143 |
| 41 | Billy Kilmer | 1123 |
| 42 | O.J. Simpson | 1053 |
| 43 | Derek Loville | 1051 |
| 44 | John Henry Johnson | 1051 |
| 45 | Dexter Carter | 1042 |
| 46 | Verl Lillywhite | 1004 |
| 47 | Joe Arenas | 987 |
| 48 | William Floyd | 959 |
| 49 | Joe Cribbs | 890 |
| 50 | Maurice Hicks | 869 |
While the 49ers are often associated with West Coast passing brilliance, their rushing lineage is nothing short of legendary. Frank Gore’s place at the top was earned through grit and endurance, while icons like Joe Perry and Roger Craig added versatility and flair. It’s a list packed with power, speed, and rich franchise history.
FAQ SECTION
Who is the 49ers’ all-time rushing leader?
Frank Gore holds the record with 11,073 career rushing yards for the San Francisco 49ers.
Did Steve Young make the top 10 in rushing yards?
Yes — the Hall of Fame quarterback ranks 9th all-time in rushing yards for the franchise.
Which 49ers running back was also a top receiver?
Roger Craig is famous for becoming the first player in NFL history to post 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
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