San Francisco 49ers History: Frank Gore and the Top 10 All-Time Rushers

Frank Gore is close to breaking the all-time rushing record for the San Francisco 49ers. In his honor, I will journey through the past and chronicle the top 10 all-time rushers in franchise history.

When I think of Frank Gore, my fondest memory will forever be the way his socks constantly fell down around his ankles. Defenders always tried to grab his legs, but Gore's ability to tap his toes and keep his legs churning would leave them with nothing but socks to try and hold on to.

My hope is that Gore can stay healthy for years to come. Any talk that the team would do better to start the rookie Kendall Hunter in his place is misguided and foolish. Gore is the heart and soul of the 49ers offense.

10. Johnny Strzykalski

The late, great Johnny Strzykalski played for the San Francisco 49ers during the early years of the franchise. Strzykalski was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers with the sixth overall pick of the 1946 NFL draft. He was cut by the Packers and picked up by the 49ers that same year.

In his seven year career with the franchise, Strzykalski made the Pro-Bowl one time. His career statistics are as follows:

• 662 rushes for 3,415 yards and 19 touchdowns
• 93 catches for 1,218 yards and 12 touchdowns

9. Steve Young

Steve Young is a legend in the history books of the 49ers franchise. He is also the only quarterback on this list. 

I love this picture of Young. He was a spiritual dynamo for the psyche of the teams he led. He always sold out, and he always came to play. He also was one of the most skilled quarterbacks to have ever played in the NFL.

His career rushing statistics are as follows:

• 606 carries for 3,581 yards and 37 touchdowns

Steve Young was one of a kind.

8. Kevan Barlow

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Kevan Barlow out of Pittsburgh with their third-round selection in the 2001 NFL draft. Barlow had some very productive years for the franchise, but he never quite became what the team had hoped for. Barlow later went on to play for the New York Jets.

2003 was Barlow's best season as a 49er. That season he rushed for 1,024 yards and six touchdowns. It was his only career 1,000-plus yard season.

His career statistics are as follows:

• 891 carries for 3,614 yards and 24 touchdowns
• 137 catches for 1,143 and three touchdowns

7. Hugh McElhenny

Hugh McElhenny was a first-round draft choice (ninth overall) for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1952 NFL draft. He was a big back for his era (6'1" and 195 pounds) and he was an effective running back for the franchise for nine years.

McElhenny was just as effective in the 49ers passing attack as he was in the running game. His best season was in 1956 when he rushed for 916 yards on 185 attempts along with eight touchdowns. 

McElhenny's career stats are as follows:

• 877 carries for 4,288 yards and 35 touchdowns
• 195 catches for 2,666 yards and 15 touchdowns

6. J.D. Smith

Originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 15th round of the 1955 NFL draft, J.D. Smith spent eight-and-a-half good seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Smith was brought in to compete with and play beside Hugh McElhenny, the No. 7 man on this list.

1959 was Smith's best season with the franchise, and McElhenny hardly saw the field. Smith ran 207 times for 1,036 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Smith's career stats are as follows:

• 1,007 carries for 4,370 yards and 37 touchdowns
• 121 catches for 1,109 yards and five touchdowns

5. Garrison Hearst

Garrison Hearst was the third overall draft pick for the Phoenix Cardinals in the 1993 NFL draft. Hearst spent three years with the Cardinals before spending one season in Cincinnati with the Bengals. Finally, in 1997, Hearst made his way to the city by the bay.

Hearst was an absolute stud for the 49ers offense. He also has the longest run from scrimmage in franchise history, running for 96 yards to win the game against the New York Jets 36-30 in 1998.

Hearst's career stats are as follows:

• 1,189 carries for 5,535 yards and 26 touchdowns
• 174 catches for 1,604 yards and seven touchdowns

4. Ken Willard

The San Francisco 49ers sure liked big running backs in the late 1950s and through the 1960s. First, the team drafted Hugh McElhenny, then they got J.D. Smith and finally they drafted Ken Willard out of North Carolina with the second overall pick of the 1965 NFL Draft.

Willard gave the 49ers nine years of steady production. While never managing to crack the 1,000 yard barrier, he was a workhorse who could also catch and had a knack for getting into the end zone.

Willard's career stats are as follows:

• 1,582 carries for 5,930 yards and 45 touchdowns
• 277 catches for 2,184 yards and 16 touchdowns

3. Roger Craig

Roger Craig was fortuitously picked 49th overall out of Nebraska by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1983 NFL draft. He is one of the players that revolutionized the game of football. 

Craig is the first player to rush for and receive for over 1,000 yards in a single season. He accomplished this rare feat in 1985. He also cracked the 1,000 yard barrier three times in his eight year tenure with the franchise and was a four time Pro-Bowler.

Craig is one of the key members of a team that won three Super Bowls. He is on the ballot for the Hall of Fame once again in 2011.

Craig's career stats are as follows:

• 1,686 carries for 7,064 yards and 50 touchdowns
• 508 catches for 4,442 yards and 16 touchdowns

2. Joe Perry

Joe Perry was an undrafted free agent. He was also a Hall of Famer for the San Francisco 49ers. Perry was a fullback for the 49ers for 14 seasons. Nicknamed Joe the Jet, Perry was more of a speedster than your traditional fullback. He was also a member of the "million dollar backfield".

Joe Perry was the greatest runner in 49ers team history until Gore overtook him in 2011. His legacy has set a high standard for this hallowed franchise. 

Perry passed away on April 25th, 2011. He will be missed.

Perry's career stats are as follows:

• 975 carries for 7,344 yards and 50 touchdowns
• 185 catches for 1,280 yards and 7 touchdowns

1. Frank Gore

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Frank Gore out of Miami in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft. Gore had been a talented runner at Miami, but he had been overshadowed by Willis McGahee and then suffered through a devastating knee injury. 

The 49ers struck a tremendous bargain because Gore has been the focal point for the 49ers offense since day one. He is one of the most dominant rushers in the NFL, and he is the 49ers all-time leader.

In this, Gore's seventh year, he is on pace to hit the 1,000 yard mark for the fifth time.  Gore has also followed in the 49ers' long tradition of running backs that can catch out of the backfield. 

Gore's career stats are as follows:

• 1,595 carries for 7,396 yards and 40 touchdowns
• 286 catches for 2,384 yards and nine touchdowns