49ers All-Quarter Century Offense
Who would round out the 49ers' starting offense from the last quarter century?
ESPN just recently released their “All Quarter Century Team,” highlighting the best of the best since 2000. The 49ers were well represented on this team, with seven players on the list who spent time with the team. This brings up the question: Who would round out the 49ers All Quarter Century Offense?
Quarterback: Brock Purdy (2022-Present)
The only fitting place to start is the most highly dissected position in the sport, the Quarterback.
While the 49ers have had an extensive list of quarterbacks to take snaps for the team over the last quarter century, only a few have left a positive lasting memory on fans. Some options include Alex Smith after his resurgence led by former head coach Jim Harbaugh or his successor Colin Kaepernick. Each had statistically strong seasons for the team and also some of the most exciting wins in team history.
Another option is Jimmy Garoppolo who kick started the Shanahan era with a 5-0 start and a couple deep playoff runs with one ending in a Super Bowl appearance. While each of these quarterbacks has an argument the debate comes down to current 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and early 2000’s starter Jeff Garcia. The starting quarterback of the team should be none other than Brock Purdy. While Jeff Garcia rivals Purdy, Purdy’s 2023 MVP caliber campaign saw him break Garcia’s franchise passing yard record and eclipse Garcia’s best completion percentage ever while posting similar TD/INT ratios. When it comes down to individual accolades Garcia edged out Purdy in Pro Bowl appearances but Purdy’s top-five Most Valuable Player finish does hold some weight in this discussion.
This left the deciding factor to who elevated their team when it mattered the most? Advantage…Purdy. While quarterback discourse always comes down to preference of traits such as arm strength or mobility, we often even add in how successful the player was in the biggest moments. While you may prefer an alternate option at quarterback due to preference of skill set, you cannot argue with what Purdy has done statistically and also he has matched the highest heights of any quarterback in the quarter century as well.
Running Back: Frank Gore (2005-2014)
The running back position is one that comes with no debate. While Chrisitan McCaffrey’s 2023 season where he totaled over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns is certainly one of the best seasons by a running back in team history, he only had one full season with the team to try and make the list which will not be enough to capture the dominance of 10 years’ worth of work with the team. Frank Gore in the quarter century posted 16,000 yards rushing, good for the 3rd most in NFL history, while also adding nearly 4,000 yards receiving. He totaled almost 100 career touchdowns as well. Gore is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2026, and his likely inclusion puts him well above any other 49ers running back from the past 25 years.
Wide Receiver: Terrell Owens (1996-2003), Deebo Samuel (2019-2024), Brandon Aiyuk (2020-Present)
At the receiver position, while he did not spend much of the quarter century in the bay, he was dominant in that time, posting three seasons of 1,000 or more yards while totaling three seasons of 13+ touchdowns. This would be none other than Terrell Owens. Owens, who finished his career in the top three of receiving yards, touchdowns and top 10 in receptions put up his best statistical seasons with the 49ers. Owens is one of the most dominant receivers of all time which makes him a great addition to the all-century team.
Next would be Deebo Samuel. While his spot is not concrete, his 2021 season was so dominant, amassing over 1,700 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns, that he demands a spot on this list. Samuel makes himself a unique weapon due to his “wide-back” position he excelled in with the team. Over his time with the 49ers his physical make people tackle me attitude made him uniquely fit to line up in the backfield or out wide and still be an elite playmaker.
The final spot on this list goes to Deebo Samuel’s former counterpart and current 49ers’ receiver Brandon Aiyuk. While this final spot came down to a mix of Aiyuk, Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, Aiyuk’s contributions have been something that neither Crabtree nor Boldin were able to reach. Aiyuk has amassed more receiving yards and touchdowns than Boldin over his time but came short of Crabtree by 22 yards and 1 singular touchdown. With that being said, Crabtree also competed in 10 more games to this point and had 124 more receptions during his 49er tenure. Aiyuk’s back-to-back 1,000+ yard receiving seasons was also something Crabtree was unable to replicate.
Tight End: George Kittle (2017-Present)
Much like the 49ers running back spot, the team has been graced with the best tight end in team history this quarter century with George Kittle. Kittle has cemented himself in 49ers history as he currently sits third all-time in receiving yards and receptions with his eyes set on second place after his new extension keeping him in red and gold. Kittle also sits second all-time in receiving yards in a season and just four yards short of the most receiving yards in a single game by a tight end in NFL history after a historic 2018 season.
Another option worth an honorable mention is the tight end who sits right behind Kittle in franchise history, Vernon Davis. Davis is well known for his receiving numbers he put up over his career with the team. He eclipsed 13 touchdowns twice and had an All-Pro season in 2013. Without Kittle, Davis takes this spot without competition.
Tackle: Trent Williams (2020-Present), Joe Staley (2007-2019)
The tackle spot has Trent Williams or Joe Staley as terrific options. Williams after being traded from the Washington Commanders in 2020 has been nothing short of dominant. He has been named a pro bowler four out of his five seasons with the team but also has been a First-Team All-Pro three out of his five seasons in red and gold. Williams has cemented himself as one of the best tackles in NFL history making his spot unmistakable on this list.
The other tackle spot will go to 49ers fan favorite Joe Staley. After being drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. Staley amassed six Pro Bowl appearances and was named a Second-Team All-Pro three different times with the team. Staley spent all of his 13 NFL seasons with the 49ers and during that time secured himself a place on the All-2010’s team. While his resume speaks for itself, he also was able to add three receptions for 26 yards over his career.
Guard: Mike Iupati (2010-2014), Larry Allen (2006-2007)
The guard position will be held down by All-Pro and 3x Pro Bowler Mike Iupati and Hall of Fame guard Larry Allen. Iupati put together a strong career with the 49ers as he helped anchor one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL during his tenure. Allen on the other hand came to the 49ers after already having a Hall of Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys. During his time with the 49ers he earned Pro Bowl honors. Some other options included Laken Tomlinson who also received Pro Bowl honors with the 49ers and Alex Boone who spent several seasons with the 49ers. Allen takes the edge over these two due to his accolade but also his dominance of his career even including an All-Pro honor during this quarter century. This is something the other two cannot say, leaving him above the field.
Center: Alex Mack (2021)
The center position is filled by one-year 49er Alex Mack. Mack has been the best center over the Shanahan era and will go down as one of the best centers to play the game. He enjoyed one of his seven Pro Bowl seasons in 2021 with the team while helping anchor a physical 49ers run game that carried them to an NFC Championship game. While only spending a season with the team, no options popped up as a slam dunk. It is a position that hasn’t been as well anchored in recent memory, thus we’re taking the short, but elite play of Alex Mack.