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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ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 14: Terrell Owens #81 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a touchdown catch in the last minute of the fourth quarter Aeneas Williams #35 of the St. Louis Rams defends on September 14, 2003 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams defeated the 49ers 27-24 in overtime. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

8. WR Terrell Owens

Productive but controversial. And when wide receiver Terrell Owens finally earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the third try, he opted to have his own ceremony at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com) and skipped the event in Canton, Ohio.

“There’s been a lot of speculation and false reports as to why I chose not to be there,” said Owens. “I would like to set the record straight: It’s not because how many times it took me to be voted to the Hall. It’s about the mere fact that the sportswriters are not in alignment with the mission and the core values of the Hall of Fame.”

When it comes to his days with the 49ers’ franchise, the 1996 third-round pick played in 121 regular-season games for the club and amassed an impressive 592 receptions for 8,572 yards and 81 scores. He also tacked two rushing touchdowns, give him 83 total TDs with the team. He earned four Pro Bowl invitations and was a three-time All-Pro with San Francisco.

Owens’ career would also include stops with the Eagles, Cowboys, Bills and Bengals. Only seven players in NFL history have totaled more receptions than Owens (1,078) – whose impressive 15,934 receiving yards trails only Jerry Rice (22,895) and Larry Fitzgerald (17,083).