The Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame has two new members, and they're both players fans will be excited about.
Linebacker Patrick Willis and wide receiver John Taylor were announced Wednesday night by team CEO Jed York as the next members of the 49ers Hall of Fame. The news was revealed during the team's annual State of the Franchise event.
"The first thing that comes to my mind is, am I dreaming or what?" Taylor said of his induction. "I came from such a small school. Probably half the people didn't know where Delaware was, let alone Delaware State. For me to be inducted into the Niners Hall of Fame is really... there's no words I can say. I'm just grateful and appreciative."
Willis added, "I'm truly honored, grateful. The 49ers have a rich tradition and history. To know that I'll be a part of a group of guys that are very few, I'm just truly honored."
Willis joined the 49ers in 2007 as a first-round draft pick out of the University of Mississippi. He quickly established himself as one of the NFL's top linebackers, winning the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year Award to go with first-team All-Pro honors in 2007. He went on to win first-team All-Pro honors five times before injuries drove him into retirement in 2014. He was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2010s All-Decade team in 2020. Willis finished his career with 950 tackles in 112 games with 20.5 sacks, eight interceptions, 60 tackles for loss, 16 forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.
Taylor played for the 49ers from 1987 to 1995 and totaled 347 receptions for 5,598 yards and 43 touchdowns. He played on three Super Bowl champion teams, was selected to two Pro Bowls, and was a member of the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team.
Willis and Taylor will be honored during the 49ers' Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons (December 19). York also said the team will honor defensive tackle Bryant Young, who was inducted in 2020 but was unable to have a ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"We'll be able to celebrate BY and his unbelievable career with the 49ers," York said.
Created in 2009, the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame honors players, coahes and administrators who have made significant contributions to the organization. New members have been inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame over the years since its inception. Below is a list of individuals who have been given the honor of enshrinement before this year (members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame are denoted with an asterisk).
QB John Brodie (2009)
WR Dwight Clark (2009)
RB Roger Craig (2011)
DE Fred Dean (2009) *
Owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. (2009) *
LB Charles Haley (2015) *
CB Jimmy Johnson (2009) *
FB John Henry Johnson (2009) *
DT Charlie Krueger (2009)
DB Ronnie Lott (2009) *
HB Hugh McElhenny (2009) *
Team executive John McVay (2013)
QB Joe Montana (2009) *
Founder/Owners Tony and Vic Morabito (2010)
DT Leo Nomellini (2009) *
WR R.C. Owens (2011)
WR Terrell Owens (2019) *
FB Joe Perry (2009) *
FB Tom Rathman (2017)
WR Jerry Rice (2010) *
Coach George Seifert (2014)
WR Gordy Soltau (2012)
T Bob St. Clair (2009) *
QB Y.A. Tittle (2009) *
Coach Bill Walsh (2009) *
LB Dave Wilcox (2009) *
DT Bryant Young (2020)
QB Steve Young (2009)