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49ers All-Time Outside Linebacker #2

After a re-opening of the polls, Charles Haley widened his leadd enough to declare him the first outside linebacker on our all-time team.  Thanks to all those who voted.  We'll now open the polls for the second outside linebacker position.  As I mentioned before, rather than go with a 4-3 or 3-4, we decided to go 4-4 to fit the one extra DL and one extra LB.  We have three options left for one spot.  Vote wisely.

Dave Wilcox (1964-1974): Wilcox is an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, inducted in 2000.  In 11 seasons with the 49ers, Wilcox was named to 7 Pro Bowls and was a 5-time All-NFL player.  While I missed out on seeing him play, his Hall of Fame site calls him out as one of the finest linebackers of his era, particularly when it came to jamming the tight end off the line.  One of his finest seasons came in 1973 when he recorded 104 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, two interceptions and 13 tackles for a loss.  Coaches gave him the nickname "The Intimidator."

Keena Turner (1980-1990): Turner spent 11 seasons with the 49ers serving as a standout linebacker on four Super Bowl teams.  Turner's finest season came on the dominant 1984 defense that led the league in points allowed at 14.2 per game.  Turner earned a trip to the Pro Bowl behind 4 interceptions, two sacks and general leadership abilities.  Since retiring, Turner has remained active in the Bay Area, including doing television work for the 49ers preseason broadcasts  This past January, Turner was named 49ers Vice President of Football Affairs.  The position deals with all aspects of player well being, including counseling and player development programs.

Julian Peterson (2000-2005): Consider this a combination of what he did and what he could have been.  I realize this is about production, but I'll always have a soft spot for Julian Peterson.  He made a national name for himself when he shut down Tony Gonzalez in 2002, holding the all-world tight end to 1 reception for 6 yards..  Before injuring his achilles tendon (leading to his eventual departure), Peterson was an absolute freak of nature for hte 49ers.  How many outside linebackers can capably play linebacker, defensive end, cornerback AND safety?  Now, I'm not planning on voting for him but I think he earned a spot on the ballot nonetheless.

Poll
Who should be our all-time #2 OLB?
Dave Wilcox
83 votes
Keena Turner
70 votes
Julian Peterson
38 votes

191 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 5 comments

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Tough call

I love Keena Turner. I grew up watching Keena Turner. Keena Turner was a key player during the Team of the 80’s dynasty. Keena Turner is one of my all-time favorite players, and still a part of the organization today.

But he’s not a Hall of Famer. Or a 7 time Pro Bowler. Or a 5 time All-NFL player.

I never saw Dave Wilcox play, but I have to vote for him here just out of respect for those stellar credentials.

"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jul 31, 2008 12:10 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not your vote for Wilcox

but the fact that Turner is beating Wilcox.

by methodrampage on Jul 31, 2008 9:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

vote

I voted for Wilcox in large part because he’s in the Hall of Fame and had quite a few honors. At the same time, many fans grew up while Keena Turner was winning Super Bowl rings. I’m gonna leave this poll open for a little longer than normal because it’s so close.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Jul 31, 2008 10:17 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Peterson

I’m just curious as to how JP is stealing so many votes. I loved the guy’s play, but he has nowhere near the credentials. Im only young enough to have seen Julian play, but i still voted for Wilcox.

by good as gold on Jul 31, 2008 12:35 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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