ESPN analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder recently unveiled the outlet's NFL All Quarter Century Team, highlighting the top players since the year 2000. The San Francisco 49ers are well-represented on the prestigious roster, with several current stars making the cut, alongside former greats who once suited up for the team.
The current players are running back Christian McCaffrey, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and tackle Trent Williams. Here is what was written about each.
RB Christian McCaffrey
Teams: Panthers (2017-22), 49ers (2022-present)
Walder:
"As the best receiving back of the past 25 years, McCaffrey needs to be included on this roster. He averages 47 receiving yards per game, which is more than anyone else with at least 500 carries during that span.
"But he's not only a receiving back. What makes McCaffrey special is that he has maintained 4.7 yards per carry over his career, 14th-best among running backs this quarter century."
FB Kyle Juszczyk
Teams: Ravens (2013-16), 49ers (2017-present)
Schatz:
"Juszczyk's nine Pro Bowl selections are four more than the Ravens' Patrick Ricard and five more than former Charger Lorenzo Neal. He's a unique playmaker as a fullback in the passing game, with the ability to move around and run all kinds of different routes."
LT Trent Williams
Teams: Washington (2010-19), 49ers (2020-present)
Schatz:
"Williams was chosen for the Pro Bowl in 11 seasons from 2012 to 2023, the most by any offensive tackle since 2000. He was very good in his 20s for Washington before holding out the entire 2019 season over disagreements with the team's medical staff. He is even better in his 30s for San Francisco, leading all tackles in pass block win rate in 2023."
Former 49ers on the NFL All Quarter Century team
In addition to current stars, a few former 49ers legends were also named to the NFL All Quarter Century Team:
- WR Randy Moss (49ers in 2012)
- WR Terrell Owens (1996-2003)
- CB Richard Sherman (2018-2020)
While Moss played only one season in San Francisco, his legendary career earned him a spot. Owens, one of the most dominant receivers of his era, spent eight seasons with the 49ers, racking up over 8,500 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns during his time in the Bay.
Sherman, a key part of San Francisco's championship effort in 2019, brought veteran leadership and elite coverage skills to the 49ers secondary.