San Francisco 49ers All-Time Rushing Touchdown Leaders starts with Frank Gore, the franchise record-holder with 64 rushing touchdowns. For a team with Roger Craig, Joe Perry, Ken Willard, Steve Young, Hugh McElhenny and Christian McCaffrey in its rushing history, Gore still owning the rushing touchdown crown says everything about his consistency, durability and goal-line production.
Roger Craig and Joe Perry are tied behind him with 50 rushing touchdowns each, giving the top of this list a strong mix of Super Bowl-era versatility and old-school fullback power. Ken Willard sits next, while J.D. Smith and Steve Young share the No. 5 spot. Christian McCaffrey is the active name climbing fast, and Garrison Hearst and Tom Rathman round out the top-10 range in a tie.
For the full team index, visit our San Francisco 49ers all-time leaders and player rankings hub. This list uses regular-season rushing touchdowns recorded with the San Francisco 49ers only.
How This 49ers Rushing Touchdown List Works
This list ranks the San Francisco 49ers all-time rushing touchdown leaders by regular-season rushing touchdowns recorded with the franchise. It does not include playoff rushing touchdowns, preseason stats or rushing touchdowns scored with another NFL team.
That matters for players like Frank Gore, Christian McCaffrey, Roger Craig and Ricky Watters, who also played for other franchises. For this leaderboard, only their San Francisco 49ers production counts.
This ranking follows the franchise rushing touchdown leaderboard, with Frank Gore first, Roger Craig and Joe Perry tied for second, and Christian McCaffrey already inside the top 10.
Last updated: 2026 offseason. Christian McCaffrey is still active with San Francisco, so his total and rank can change during future seasons.
Rushing TDs vs. 49ers Backfield Legacy
Rushing touchdowns do not tell the entire running back story, but they are one of the cleanest ways to measure scoring value. Frank Gore leads this list because he combined longevity, volume and short-yardage reliability better than any runner in franchise history.
Roger Craig’s placement shows how complete he was inside Bill Walsh’s offense. He was famous for receiving value, but 50 rushing touchdowns prove he was also trusted to finish drives on the ground. Joe Perry’s tie with Craig connects the list to the franchise’s earliest power-running years.
The quarterback names also matter. Steve Young, Y.A. Tittle, John Brodie, Jeff Garcia, Joe Montana and Colin Kaepernick all appear in the broader table, which shows how much rushing value San Francisco has gotten from mobile quarterbacks across eras.
Christian McCaffrey is the modern wild card. His total is already high despite joining San Francisco during the 2022 season, and his combination of rushing, receiving and red-zone usage gives him a real chance to keep moving up.
Table of Contents
- How This 49ers Rushing Touchdown List Works
- Rushing TDs vs. 49ers Backfield Legacy
- 1. Frank Gore — 64 Rushing TDs
- 2. Roger Craig — 50 Rushing TDs
- 2. Joe Perry — 50 Rushing TDs
- 4. Ken Willard — 45 Rushing TDs
- 5. J.D. Smith — 37 Rushing TDs
- 5. Steve Young — 37 Rushing TDs
- 7. Hugh McElhenny — 35 Rushing TDs
- 8. Christian McCaffrey — 30 Rushing TDs
- 9. Garrison Hearst — 26 Rushing TDs
- 9. Tom Rathman — 26 Rushing TDs
- Biggest Takeaways
- Full Ranking Table
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- More 49ers and NFL Rankings
1. Frank Gore — 64 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 2005–2014 with San Francisco, franchise-record 64 rushing touchdowns, franchise-record 11,073 rushing yards, 2,442 rushing attempts, five Pro Bowls and one second-team All-Pro selection.
Frank Gore is the San Francisco 49ers all-time rushing touchdown leader. His 64 rushing scores sit at the top of the franchise record book, just like his rushing yards total.
Gore’s case is built on long-term toughness. He played through different offensive systems, different quarterbacks and different stages of the franchise, but he kept producing. Near the goal line, he gave San Francisco a reliable physical runner who could finish drives.
His rushing touchdown record is another piece of a résumé that already makes him one of the greatest 49ers offensive players ever. Gore was not just a compiler; he was the steady engine of the offense for a decade.
2. Roger Craig — 50 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1983–1990 with San Francisco, 50 rushing touchdowns, 7,064 rushing yards, 4,442 receiving yards, three Super Bowl championships and four Pro Bowls.
Roger Craig is tied for second in 49ers career rushing touchdowns with 50. He was one of the most complete offensive weapons in franchise history and a perfect fit for Bill Walsh’s system.
Craig could run inside, catch passes, block and create matchup problems. His rushing touchdowns show that he was not just a receiving back or open-field weapon; he was also trusted to finish drives.
His 1985 season, when he became the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same year, remains one of the most important all-around running back seasons ever. Craig’s 50 rushing TDs and three rings make his 49ers legacy elite.
2. Joe Perry — 50 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1948–1960 and 1963 with San Francisco, 50 rushing touchdowns on this leaderboard, 7,344 regular-season rushing yards in this format, multiple Pro Bowls and Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback.
Joe Perry is tied with Roger Craig at 50 rushing touchdowns. Perry was one of the first great power-speed backs in 49ers history and one of the franchise’s original offensive stars.
Known as “The Jet,” Perry had the size to run through contact and the speed to break long gains. He was a key part of the famous “Million Dollar Backfield” with Y.A. Tittle, Hugh McElhenny and John Henry Johnson.
Perry’s statistical totals can vary depending on how AAFC-era production is handled, but in this leaderboard format, he sits tied for second with 50 rushing touchdowns. Either way, his place near the top of 49ers rushing history is secure.
4. Ken Willard — 45 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1965–1973 with San Francisco, 45 rushing touchdowns, 5,930 rushing yards and four Pro Bowls.
Ken Willard ranks fourth in 49ers career rushing touchdowns with 45. He was a strong, reliable fullback who gave San Francisco steady scoring production through the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Willard was not always the flashiest runner, but he was dependable. He handled volume, finished runs and gave the 49ers a consistent inside rushing presence.
His combination of 5,930 rushing yards and 45 rushing touchdowns puts him high on both major rushing leaderboards. In a franchise loaded with famous backs, Willard’s production still deserves real respect.
5. J.D. Smith — 37 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1956–1964 with San Francisco, 37 rushing touchdowns, 4,370 rushing yards and 1,007 rushing attempts.
J.D. Smith is tied for fifth in 49ers rushing touchdowns with 37. He played during an older era of football, but his production still holds up inside the franchise top 10.
Smith brought toughness and steady rushing value to the offense after the early Perry and McElhenny years. He was not always mentioned first among 49ers backs, but his numbers show how important he was.
With 4,370 rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns, Smith remains one of the most productive runners in San Francisco history.
5. Steve Young — 37 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1987–1999 with San Francisco, 37 rushing touchdowns, 3,581 rushing yards, 29,907 passing yards, one Super Bowl championship as starter and two NFL MVP awards.
Steve Young being tied for fifth on this list is incredible because he was a quarterback. His 37 rushing touchdowns show how dangerous he was outside the pocket and near the goal line.
Young was one of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks ever. He could beat defenses with timing and accuracy, then punish them as a runner when the play opened up.
His rushing touchdown total is a major part of why his overall 49ers résumé is so special. He was not just a passer who could scramble; he was a true rushing weapon.
7. Hugh McElhenny — 35 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1952–1960 with San Francisco, 35 rushing touchdowns, 4,288 rushing yards, six Pro Bowls and Pro Football Hall of Fame halfback.
Hugh McElhenny ranks seventh with 35 rushing touchdowns. “The King” was one of the most exciting open-field runners in early 49ers history.
McElhenny had rare speed, elusiveness and highlight ability. He could score from distance, create space in the open field and give the offense a home-run threat.
His rushing touchdown total is strong, but his impact was even bigger than the number. McElhenny helped shape the 49ers’ early offensive identity and remains one of the franchise’s most electric skill players.
8. Christian McCaffrey — 30 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 2022–present with San Francisco, 30 rushing touchdowns, 3,609 rushing yards, 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and multiple All-Pro selections.
Christian McCaffrey ranks eighth already, and he is the active name most likely to keep climbing this leaderboard. His 49ers run has been one of the most explosive offensive stretches in recent franchise history.
McCaffrey is more than a traditional running back. He is a runner, receiver, red-zone finisher and matchup weapon. Kyle Shanahan’s offense has used him as the centerpiece of one of the league’s most dangerous attacks.
With 30 rushing touchdowns through the 2025 season, McCaffrey is already close to Hugh McElhenny, Steve Young and J.D. Smith. If he stays healthy, he can move up this list quickly.
9. Garrison Hearst — 26 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1997–1998 and 2000–2003 with San Francisco, 26 rushing touchdowns, 5,535 rushing yards, two Pro Bowls and 2001 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Garrison Hearst is tied for ninth in 49ers rushing touchdowns with 26. His rushing yardage total is higher than several players above him, but touchdown production was not always the strongest part of his résumé.
Hearst’s 1998 season was one of the best by a 49ers back, and his comeback after a devastating ankle injury remains one of the most respected stories in team history.
Even though he sits lower on the touchdown list than the yardage list, Hearst’s overall 49ers impact was huge. His 26 rushing TDs keep him inside the top-10 range.
9. Tom Rathman — 26 Rushing TDs
San Francisco 49ers Stats & Accolades: 1986–1993 with San Francisco, 26 rushing touchdowns, 1,902 rushing yards, 2,020 receiving yards and two Super Bowl championships.
Tom Rathman is tied with Garrison Hearst at 26 rushing touchdowns. He was not a classic feature back, but he was one of the most valuable fullbacks in 49ers history.
Rathman’s role was built around toughness, blocking, short-yardage work and reliable receiving. In the 49ers’ Super Bowl offense, he did the dirty work that helped the stars shine.
His 26 rushing touchdowns show how trusted he was near the goal line. Rathman’s value cannot be measured only by carries or yards, but his touchdown total gives him a deserved place in the top-10 range.
Biggest Takeaways From the 49ers Rushing TD List
The biggest takeaway is that Frank Gore owns both major rushing crowns. He leads the 49ers in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, making him the franchise’s most productive runner by volume.
The second takeaway is how balanced the old-school and dynasty-era names are. Joe Perry, J.D. Smith and Hugh McElhenny represent the early franchise years, while Roger Craig, Steve Young and Tom Rathman connect the list to the Super Bowl era.
The third takeaway is Christian McCaffrey’s climb. He is already eighth with 30 rushing touchdowns, and because he is still active, he can move toward the top five with a few more strong seasons.
Full Ranking Table: San Francisco 49ers All-Time Rushing Touchdown Leaders
Note: This table is sorted by regular-season rushing touchdowns with the 49ers only. The table uses 49ers years instead of games to keep the layout cleaner.
| Rank | Player | Position | 49ers Years | Rushing Yards | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frank Gore | RB | 2005–2014 | 11,073 | 64 |
| 2 | Roger Craig | RB | 1983–1990 | 7,064 | 50 |
| 2 | Joe Perry | FB | 1948–1960, 1963 | 7,344 | 50 |
| 4 | Ken Willard | FB | 1965–1973 | 5,930 | 45 |
| 5 | J.D. Smith | RB | 1956–1964 | 4,370 | 37 |
| 5 | Steve Young | QB | 1987–1999 | 3,581 | 37 |
| 7 | Hugh McElhenny | HB | 1952–1960 | 4,288 | 35 |
| 8 | Christian McCaffrey | RB | 2022–Present | 3,609 | 30 |
| 9 | Garrison Hearst | RB | 1997–1998, 2000–2003 | 5,535 | 26 |
| 9 | Tom Rathman | FB | 1986–1993 | 1,902 | 26 |
| 11 | Ricky Watters | RB | 1992–1994 | 2,840 | 25 |
| 12 | Kevan Barlow | RB | 2001–2006 | 3,614 | 24 |
| 13 | Y.A. Tittle | QB | 1951–1960 | 637 | 23 |
| 14 | John Brodie | QB | 1957–1973 | 1,167 | 22 |
| 15 | Jeff Garcia | QB | 1999–2003 | 1,571 | 21 |
| 15 | Carlos Hyde | RB | 2014–2017 | 2,729 | 21 |
| 17 | Joe Montana | QB | 1979–1990, 1992 | 1,595 | 20 |
| 17 | Deebo Samuel | WR | 2019–2025 | 1,143 | 20 |
| 17 | Delvin Williams | RB | 1974–1977 | 2,966 | 20 |
| 20 | Wendell Tyler | RB | 1983–1986 | 3,112 | 17 |
| 21 | Paul Hofer | RB | 1976–1981 | 1,746 | 16 |
| 22 | Billy Kilmer | QB/HB | 1961–1962, 1964, 1966 | 1,123 | 15 |
| 22 | Jeff Wilson | RB | 2018–2022, 2025 | 1,733 | 15 |
| 24 | Vic Washington | RB | 1971–1973 | 1,813 | 14 |
| 25 | William Floyd | FB | 1994–1997 | 959 | 13 |
| 25 | Colin Kaepernick | QB | 2011–2016 | 2,300 | 13 |
| 25 | Gary Lewis | RB | 1964–1969 | 1,421 | 13 |
FAQ: San Francisco 49ers All-Time Rushing Touchdown Leaders
Who has the most rushing touchdowns in San Francisco 49ers history?
Frank Gore has the most rushing touchdowns in San Francisco 49ers history with 64 regular-season rushing TDs.
Who is second in 49ers career rushing touchdowns?
Roger Craig and Joe Perry are tied for second in 49ers career rushing touchdowns with 50 rushing TDs each.
Who is fourth in San Francisco 49ers all-time rushing touchdowns?
Ken Willard ranks fourth with 45 rushing touchdowns for San Francisco.
Why are Roger Craig and Joe Perry both ranked No. 2?
Roger Craig and Joe Perry are tied with 50 rushing touchdowns each. Because they share the same total, both are listed at No. 2 and the next player is ranked No. 4.
Why are J.D. Smith and Steve Young both ranked No. 5?
J.D. Smith and Steve Young are tied with 37 rushing touchdowns each. Because they share the same total, both are listed at No. 5.
Where does Christian McCaffrey rank in 49ers rushing touchdowns?
Christian McCaffrey ranks eighth in 49ers career rushing touchdowns with 30 rushing TDs through the 2025 season.
Who has the most rushing yards in 49ers history?
Frank Gore has the most rushing yards in 49ers history with 11,073 rushing yards.
Are playoff rushing touchdowns included in this 49ers ranking?
No. This ranking uses regular-season rushing touchdowns with the 49ers only. Playoff rushing touchdowns are not included.
Conclusion: Frank Gore Still Leads the 49ers Rushing TD List
Frank Gore remains the San Francisco 49ers all-time rushing touchdown leader with 64. That record, combined with his franchise rushing yards record, makes Gore the most productive runner in team history.
Roger Craig and Joe Perry are tied behind him at 50, while Ken Willard, J.D. Smith, Steve Young and Hugh McElhenny give the leaderboard major historical depth. Tom Rathman adds fullback value from the dynasty era, and Garrison Hearst brings one of the best comeback stories in franchise history.
The active name to watch is Christian McCaffrey. He is already eighth with 30 rushing touchdowns, and if he stays healthy, he can keep moving toward the top five. For now, though, the rushing touchdown crown still belongs to Frank Gore.
More 49ers and NFL Rankings
For the full franchise picture, visit our San Francisco 49ers all-time leaders and player rankings hub and our best San Francisco 49ers players of all-time ranking.
You can also read our related 49ers pages for best San Francisco 49ers running backs of all-time, San Francisco 49ers all-time rushing yards leaders, San Francisco 49ers all-time passing yards leaders and San Francisco 49ers all-time receiving yards leaders.
For broader NFL history, check out our best NFL running backs of all-time ranking and the NFL team all-time player rankings hub. You can also follow SOG Football on Instagram for more NFL rankings, debates and football history graphics.
