The 49ers made Fahnhorst a second-round draft pick (No. 35 overall) in 1974. He spent all 14 of his NFL seasons with San Francisco, appeared in 193 games with 160 starts, and started all 10 of his playoff appearances.
Fahnhorst was a two-time first-team All-Pro (1983-84), Pro Bowl selection (1985), and two-time Super Bowl champion (XVI and XIX). He was also a two-time recipient (1981, 1986) of the Bobb McKittrick Award, which is awarded annually to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity, and sacrifice displayed by the longtime offensive line coach. Fahnhorst retired from football following a neck injury in 1987 that forced him to miss nine games.
Fahnhorst played college football at the University of Minnesota. A tight end at the time, he received All-Big Ten honors in 1973 and registered 28 receptions for 416 yards over his collegiate career.
Fahnhorst's younger brother, Jim, was a linebacker in the USFL and for the 49ers from 1984 until 1990. The two were 49ers teammates for four seasons and won a Super Bowl (XIX) together.
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