A Basic History of the San Francisco 49ers Football Team

The San Francisco 49ers are a professional football team that plays in the National Football League. The 49ers play in the West Division of the National Football Conference.

The San Francisco 49ers were founded in 1946 when they began playing in the Western Division of the All-America Football Conference. In 1950, the 49ers joined the National Football League, playing in the National Conference from 1950-1952. From 1953-1969, the 49ers played in the Western Conference, including playing in the Coastal Division of the Western Conference from 1967-1969.

Following the AFL-NFL merger, the San Francisco 49ers began playing in the NFC West, where they continue to play today.

The San Francisco 49ers have won a total of seventeen NFC West Division Championships in 1970-1972, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986-1990, 1992-1995, 1997, and 2002. The 49ers have won the NFC Championship five times in 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994. All five NFC Championships for the 49ers led to Super Bowl Championships.

When the San Francisco 49ers first began playing, the team played its home games at Kezar Stadium until 1970. Following the 1970 season, the 49ers moved to their current location, Monster Park. When the team moved, the stadium was known as Candlestick Park. The stadium has also been known as 3Com Park and San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point.

Twelve former San Francisco 49ers are currently enshrined in the National Football Hall of Fame. Those players are Steve Young, Y.A. Tittle, Joe Montana, O.J. Simpson, Joe Perry, John Henry Johnson, Jimmy Johnson, Hugh McElhenny, Ronnie Lott, Dave Wilcox, Leo Nomellini, and Bob St. Clair.

Former head coach Bill Walsh is also in the Hall of Fame. Walsh led the team to its first three Super Bowl victories. Former wide receiver for the 49ers, Jerry Rice, will also be in the Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible for induction.

The San Francisco 49ers have retired twelve numbers. The players whose jersey numbers have been retired are Steve Young - 8, John Brodie - 12, Joe Montana - 16, Joe Perry - 34, Jimmy Johnson - 37, Hugh McElhenny - 39, Ronnie Lott - 42, Charlie Krueger - 70, Leo Nomellini - 73, Bob St. Clair - 79, Jerry Rice - 80, and Dwight Clark - 87.

The San Francisco 49ers are currently owned by Denise DeBartolo York and John York. The head coach is Mike Nolan, and the general manager is Lal Heneghan.

The official colors of the 49ers are crimson red, metallic gold, and black. The mascot's name is Sourdough Sam.