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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American football players Leo Nomellini (1924 – 2000), defensive tackle of the San Francisco 49ers, tries to sack Chicago Bears quarterback Bill Wade, 1960s. (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images) /

5. DT/T Leo Nomellini

It was only natural that a player with the first name Leo would eventually earned the nickname “The Lion.” But this versatile member of the San Francisco 49ers brought a lot of roar to the franchise and would excel on both sides of the ball.

Defensive tackle and offensive tackle Leo Nomellini was the 11th overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 1950, the franchise’s first year in the NFL after four seasons in the All-America Football Conference. He would be named to 10 Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors six times. But a closer look at those figures show that the former University of Minnesota standout received those accolades on offense and defense.

Nomellini was a two-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro tackle in 1951 and ’52. The other eight instances as a Pro Bowler was at defensive tackle, where he was named All-Pro on four occasions. Nomellini, who never missed a game in 14 seasons in the league, had plenty of passion for the game.

“I really like to play football,” said the legendary performer via the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “It’s tough and it’s hard and no pro football owners can pay a player enough for the punishment they take. You just have to like it – and I do.”