49ers DE Fred Dean: 2008 NFL Hall of Famer

by David Fucillo on Aug 2, 2008 3:00 AM PDT in San Francisco 49ers News

Training camp is in full swing, but this weekend is as good a time as any to take a step back and recognize a great from the past. Fred Dean, former defensive end for the 49ers will be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame today at <b>6pm eastern time</b> in Canton, Ohio.

We've already established his greatness, as he was voted to our All-Time team as the #1 Defensive End. While his career was spent primarily in San Diego, Dean had a big impact in his 4+ seasons with the 49ers, stepping up as a leader on two Super Bowl winning defenses.

To be perfectly honest, Dean's time with the 49ers came before I watched sports, or at least before I knew what I was watching. His last year with the 49ers I was 5 years old and just starting to become the obsessive football fan I am now. As such, rather than talk about Dean, I thought I'd leave it to people who had a chance to watch him in action. So, we'll consider this sort of a Fred Dean Golden Nuggets link dump/open thread. For those of you who have memories of Fred Dean, feel free to share them.

49ers Official Fred Dean HOF page

Pro Football HOF Class of 2008 page - Dean is the first enshrinee listed and it includes links to his Hall of Fame bio, a photo montage, "Notes and Quotes," and career highlights via the NFL Network.

Former Cowboys chief scout Gil Brandt reflects on the amazing talents of Fred Dean from a scout's perspective.

Teammate Dwaine Board and former Falcons left tackle Mike Kenn reflect on Fred Dean

Fred Dean on his transition from San Diego to San Francisco.

As I see more links I'll throw them up, but feel free to contribute any you come across.

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This could be a dumb question but, is Dean going to be enshrined as a Niner or a Charger? I know he played most of his career with the Chargers but he won a couple of Super Bowls with the Niners.

by JAKE85 on Aug 2, 2008 7:45 AM PDT reply actions

Every time i’ve seen them talk about him on ESPN they have mainly mentioned the Niners years, and they always show him in a Niners uniform, so my guess is he will be enshrined a NIner.

Simply by pulling on both ends, Patrick Willis can stretch diamonds back into coal

by 49erLou on Aug 2, 2008 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

"Dean-fense"

That’s what they called it back in ‘81. Which should tell you something, seeing as he didn’t even start the year with the team. He came in sacking QB’s and smoking butts in the locker room at halftime, and the Niners defense was never the same. To be honest, DE’s in the NFL were never the same. Every time Dwight Freeney and Jason Taylor cash their paychecks they should thank god for Fred Dean.

"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 Aug 2, 2008 2:45 PM PDT reply actions