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The Almost All-Time San Francisco 49ers Defense
Published: August 17, 2009
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The San Francisco 49ers were first born in 1946 when they joined the All American Football Conference. The AAFC was dominated by the Cleveland Browns, and the league folded after the 1949 season.
The 49ers joined the NFL for the 1950 season, and did not enjoy their first tangible success until 1957. That year saw them invent the “alley-oop” pass, as they tied the Detroit Lions for the divisional crown.
They faced the Lions for the rights to go to the NFL Championship, and were leading by twenty points in the third quarter. Detroit would storm back and win, becoming the eventual champions that season.
San Francisco featured several Hall Of Fame players during the 1950s. Quarterback Y.A. Tittle, fullback Joe “Jet” Perry, halfback Hugh McElhenny, and fullback John Henry Johnson all starred together in San Francisco, along with Hall of Fame defensive tackle Leo Nomellini and Hall of Fame offensive tackle Bob St. Clair.
Though San Francisco failed to win any titles in this era, they were always one of the most exciting teams in the league.
The team had many good squads the next thirty years, but none ever were able to get to a championship game. They played in the NFC Championship games in both 1970 and 1971, but lost to the Dallas Cowboys each time.
Fortunes began to turn when Bill Walsh was hired as head coach in 1978. He soon led the 49ers to Super Bowl Champions in 1981, and would repeat this feat again in 1984 and 1988. Walsh retired, and George Siefert was named his replacement.
Siefert’s first year as head coach saw the 49ers win Super Bowl XXIV in 1989. He would lead the team to one last championship in 1994. The list of players from this era are still well known by many today.
Joe Montana and Steve Young are both quarterbacks in the Hall of Fame, as is wide receiver Jerry Rice, defensive end Fred Dean, and defensive back Ronnie Lott. They were part of a solid team that hardly ever played a poor game in an era where teams like the Washington Redskins and New York Giants also won multiple championships.
Here is a look at some of the greatest players, who are not in the Hall Of Fame, from a great franchise.
Now Is The Time For NFL Fans To Unite
Published: August 11, 2009
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Those who may follow this blog know that it pays tribute to Professional Football Legends yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.
You also may be aware of CHRIS HANBURGER.
It is my personal mission to get Hanburger into Canton.
I am PLEADING for YOU ALL to sign my petition.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ChrisHanburgerHOF/
Your e-mail will NOT be displayed, and you can check off a box to not be bothered further.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS ALSO AND GET THEM TO SIGN AS WELL!
I would TRULY APPRECIATE it.
Chris Hanburger
Washington Redskins
Linebacker
6′2″ 220
1965 – 1978
14 Seasons
187 Games Played
19 Interceptions
5 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls
1972 NFL 101 NFC Defensive Player of the Year
Christian G. Hanburger was an 18th! Round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 245TH! player chosen that year. He was a 25 year old rookie, due to his service in the Army before going to the University of North Carolina. At UNC, he was a 2 way player who was named All ACC at Center his junior and senior years. In 1963, his team won the ACC Championship.
Hanburger played right away and was in the Pro Bowl by his second year in the league. He would then begin a string of Pro Bowl appearances until 1969.
He then resumed that string in 1972 until 1976.
Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a play maker. He is considered one of the best of his era. He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage.
Ever the complete player, he returned 3 fumbles for touchdowns, third most in NFL history, in his career to go with 2 on interceptions.
In 1972, Hanburger captained the Over The Hill gangs defense to a Super Bowl appearance.He was named the NFL 101 NFC Defensive Player of the Year, which is an award voted by 101 media members throughot the nation. It is the only award event dedicated exclusively to professional football.
Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional quickness. He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked. He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers. Coach George Allen liked to have a safety first defense, leaving the rest to Hanburger and his fellow linebackers.
Chris Hanburger’s nine Pro Bowl appearances are still the most by any player in the entire history of the Washington Redskins.
The game was played different for the most part in his era. The running game was most teams primary weapon. Tackling with sound fundamentals was a must then.
Few players lead with their heads for “kill shots” because they would be injured much faster than today with innovations of modern technology on equipment nowadays.
It also should be remembered that players then did not command the same level of salaries that they do today. Most players would work a second job in the off season, compared to the luxury players have today to train whenever they choose to.
As a kid, I once heard a long time local media type say that he figured Hanburger had over 50 quarterback sacks in his career. This, coupled by the facts that are allowed in the record book truly says that there is NO DOUBT that Chris Hanburger SHOULD BE in the NFL Hall of Fame.
IF you agree with me, then help me wake up the Senior Committee members by signing my petition DEMANDING that CHRIS HANBURGER be put into the Hall of Fame. If we all do it, maybe they will stop ignoring the facts!
