10 greatest San Francisco 49ers of all time

Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana (16) of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass during the 49ers 36-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the 1987 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 9, 1988 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Arthur Anderson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 28: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers gains territory against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /

9. RB Frank Gore

Joe Perry (who played with the franchise when it was still a member of the All-America Football Conference) was part of the fabled “Million Dollar Backfield” with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s. He was joined by fellow running backs Hugh McElhenny and John Henry Johnson as well as quarterback Y.A. Tittle. All four gentlemen have busts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

While Frank Gore will be playing for his fourth different team in as many seasons this year after signing with the New York Jets, the third-leading rusher in NFL history spent the first 10 years of his impressive career with the 49ers.

A third-round draft choice by San Francisco in 2005, Gore is the franchise’s all-time rushing leader with 11,073 yards. He ran for 1,000-plus yards eight times in 10 seasons and was named to five Pro Bowls with the club.

Gore was a pivotal part of Jim Harbaugh’s offense in 2011 when the Niners made the first of three straight trips to the NFC title game and an appearances in Super Bowl XLVII. The 15-year veteran has racked up 15,347 yards on the ground with the 49ers, Colts, Bills and Dolphins. Only Emmitt Smith (18,355) and Walter Payton (16,726) have run for more yards in NFL history.