49ers All-Time Outside Linebacker #2
by David Fucillo on Jul 13, 2009 12:42 PM PDT
in 49ers All-Time Team
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PrintThe balloting is closing in on 700 votes and I think we can just about call the #1 OLB position for Charles Haley. It's worth noting that since the last vote, Haley dropped 10%, with Keena Turner being the primary beneficiary. People have pushed for Dave Wilcox (then and now) but Turner has the advantage of playing during the dynasty years and also continuing to work for the 49ers now. Plenty of face time for him.
We now move on to the second outside linebacker on our squad. The remaining 3 contenders all bring something special to the table. Wilcox is a Hall of Fame linebacker; Turner was a big part of those championship defenses; and Julian Peterson was an absolute athletic freak.
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 In early 2008, 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. And I have to say, although the 49ers will face Detroit this year, it's good to have Peterson out of the division.
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it was close between wilcox and turner
and it will be tight tight tight. its all about the haley votes. how will they distribute between the two stud lbs?
Here's to Joe Perry, all-time leading rusher for the 49ers.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 13, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions
my haley vote
went to wilcox.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
by these3words on Jul 13, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Here's to Joe Perry, all-time leading rusher for the 49ers.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 13, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
The All-Time 49er Team should be relabeled.
To something like, Players that you remember watching and thinking that they were good. There’s nothing “All-Time” about any of these votings.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
teams
That’s what happens the demographic skews a bit younger. People often vote for the person that impacted them the most. Personally, I voted for Dave Wilcox, but it doesn’t surprise me that Turner ends up with so many votes.
by David Fucillo on Jul 13, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe we could just change it to the 49er All-80's-and-90's Team
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Jul 13, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
some people
bring up the young guy theory, but was it the age demographic here at niners nation?
is it really full of youngbloods, or is it more of a balance?
I personally voted for Wilcox in both rounds of OLB voting, despite not having witnessed him play (nor does he have huge stats to look at considering sacks were not a stat).
In polls like these, generally its the players that bring home championships that dominate the winner’s circle.
Here's to Joe Perry, all-time leading rusher for the 49ers.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 13, 2009 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I voted for Turner and I'm only 22
Far too young to really remember him but know the impact he had on the team.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
I voted for Wilcox
because he is alreay in the HOF and althugh Keena will make someday. I had to go with Wilcox. This is one where you could flip a coin. both are legends..
And for the record methodrampage. I am an old guy.. Gues you have to be old enough to see enough talent come across the field of play to really appreciate the quality of the teams of the 80’s and 90’s..
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 13, 2009 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I've met Wilcox in Alaska
and he was a pretty chill dude.
I voted for him.
MURS for President!!!!!!!
Not even close.
There’s a reason Dave Wilcox is an HOF’er. He was a stud in an era that included some of the best to ever play the game from ANY linebacker position. That’s being really good. From day one I’ve always liked Keena Turner too, but “Dr Doom” as he used to be called, more than lived up to that moniker.
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