Lott, who started as a corner and was moved to safety later in his career, made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, his first of nine Pro Bowl appearances. He was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Williamson, a safety, played in two Pro Bowls, as did Wright, a cornerback.
In 1984, all four made the Pro Bowl...and won their second Super Bowl together. Among them, they won a combined 12 Super Bowls. Lott and Wright played on all four Super Bowl teams in the 1980s. Williamson and Hicks both played on the 1981 and 1984 teams.
So is this the greatest secondary in 49ers history? When it comes to championships, you can't argue it is. But if it is not, which is? Here are a few other contenders.
1988-1989
We have already discussed Lott, who was one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. But in 1988 and 1989, the 49ers had two of the league's best corners in Tim McKyer and Don Griffin. And they had one of the hardest hitting safeties in football, Jeff Fuller. This secondary was dominant, and it helped the team win the Super Bowl in 1988 and 1989. Among its members, they won a combined 11 Super Bowls. Lott with four, Fuller with three, and McKyer and Griffin with two. Sadly, Fuller's career was cut short after a spinal injury in October 1989. He is able to walk, thankfully, but still suffers from the injury.1994
Any secondary that includes Deion Sanders will be a contender. He was, perhaps, the greatest corner to ever play the game. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, first ballot Hall of Famer, and won two Super Bowls (one with Dallas). In addition to Sanders, the 1994 secondary included Merton Hanks (a four-time Pro Bowler), Tim McDonald (a six-time Pro Bowler) and Eric Davis (a two-time Pro Bowler). Three of the four defensive backs made the Pro Bowl in 1994.2011-2012
Although this secondary won't get the attention of the others, it was really good. The secondary consisted of Tarrell Brown, Carlos Rogers, Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson. This secondary didn't win any Super Bowls together, but it was an effective group that played much better than expected.So which group are you going with? For my money, it has to be the 1981-1985 group. Cast your vote!
Written By:
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
@49ersCamelot
YouTube Channel
Marc Adams
Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
YouTube.com/@49ersCamelot
Find the 49ers Camelot show wherever you listen to your podcasts!
All articles by Marc Adams
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
49ers vs. Rams injury updates: Ji'Ayir Brown questionable to return
The San Francisco 49ers entered Thursday night's NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams without key players, most notably left tackle Trent Williams, who is sidelined for the fourth straight game with an ankle injury. On defense, standout rookie safety Malik Mustapha... -
49ers abandoned by bad teammate, fall to Rams: Rapid reactions
What a pathetic performance by the San Francisco 49ers. The offense was horrid and the defense, even though they played well for three quarters, couldn't hold off the Los Angeles Rams in the final quarter, as the 49ers lost 12-6. The loss didn't mathematically eliminate the... -
49ers vs. Bears final injury report: Williams won't play, Bosa doubtful
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 14 contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Both teams have released their official injury reports, which are provided below. San Francisco 49ers Out LB Dre Greenlaw...