49ers All-Time Center
In a less than shocking result, Steve Young blew out the field in the race for the backup QB position, finishing with 91% of the vote. Not too shabby I'd say. Later tonight I'll make sure and update the left column with our recent results.
In the meantime, I thought we'd move on to the Center position today. The 49ers have had some solid centers in their history, particularly since the beginning of the dynasty years. It's fitting that we vote on this position next considering the recent retirement of former 49er center Jeremy Newberry. While I have an idea of how the results will end up, a guy like Newberry deserves some recognition for his contributions. Also, I've added Eric Heitmann to the group. He's still hopefully got a good deal of time left in his career, but he's definitely stepped up at center and deserves recognition. I don't know if he'll ever go down as the best center in 49ers history, but he's proven he's very solid at what he does.
Jesse Sapolu (1983-1997): For those of us who came of age in the 80s and 90s, Jesse Sapolu was a rock on the 49ers offensive line. Sapolu spent 13 seasons with the 49ers and is one of six 49ers to win four Super Bowl rings. He earned two trips to the Pro Bowl late in his career in 1993 and 1994. Personally, I can't think of any 49ers who were quietly as popular as Sapolu. During the 49ers 80s/90s dynasty, the offensive line play was a key factor in the continued success. Having an anchor like Jesse Sapolu was essential for a quality offensive line.
Forrest Blue (1968-1974): A first round pick of the 49ers in 1968, Blue was named to 4 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1971-1974, as well as first team All-Pro in 1971 and 1972. Blue was just the second offensive lineman to be drafted by the 49ers in the first round.
Bruce Bosley (1956-1968): Bosley was originally drafted as a defensive end in the second round out of West Virginia. After being moved to left guard, he settled in at center in 1962, where he produced 3 Pro Bowl appearances and 1 All-Pro selection. Bosley was referred to as one of the most underrated centers of the '60s and was well respected around the league.
Jeremy Newberry (1999-2005): I've included Newberry based on a combination of his production and potential. Newberry was a 2-time Pro Bowler before micro-fracture surgery more or less ended his career with the 49ers. Newberry was always one of my favorite 49ers and if he had remained healthy, I think he would have legitimately challenged Sapolu and Blue as the best center in 49ers history.
Eric Heitmann (2002-2008): Heitmann started out as a guard, before taking over at center when the team cut ties with Jeremy Newberry. His first full season as center was in 2006 and it ended in December with a broken right tibia. Heitmann returned in 2007 to play every game. While he struggled in 2007 in returning to form, 2008 saw Heitmann step up as arguably the best offensive lineman on the team. Not too shabby for a former seventh round pick. Heitmann is signed through 2011.
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14 comments
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Comments
very supprised not see Randy Cross on this list?
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 27, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yea, your right they did move him around a bit.
Hell of player though..I voted for Sapolu though
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 27, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I voted Sapolu
Never really seemd to miss a lot of time, was always a force, and most importantly played his entire career in a 49ers uniform. Two pro bowls, 4 Super Bowl rings (!) and a stretch from 1988-1993 without missing a game? Not bad for an 11th round draft selection.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 27, 2009 1:04 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
People do realize that Newberry was way better than Heitman, right?
Was 2002 so long ago? =\
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Jul 27, 2009 2:49 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
This.
What a shame.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 27, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Newberry best memory
When he took on 2 stupid idoit corners trying to fight him in the Giants Wild Card game. Epic! Memorable!
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
by maveric_87 on Jul 27, 2009 2:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Heitmann?
How did 40 people vote for a guy that only played 3 seasons as a center, one ending in injury, one in which he struggled, and one in which he was the best lineman on a line that gave up 55 sacks and not one player made the Pro Bowl. So ONE solid year and he is best center of all time for the Niners? You guys are sick in the head I tell ya. It’s Sapolu for SURE.
by hudd07 on Jul 27, 2009 3:10 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
What about Bart Oates?
He had to be better than Newberry and Heitman. He was the center for then Niners when they won the Super Bowl in 84 and had some good seasons after that.
by Thor W on Jul 27, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agree
he’s one of the few centers i actually have a football card of. its with the giants, though…
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
by these3words on Jul 27, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he spent
just two seasons with the 49ers.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 27, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on guys!
Bill Johnson was a five-time Pro Bowler who was tough as nails and was one of the top two of three centers who ever played for the Niners. He later became a Head Coach.
Randy Cross never made a Pro Bowl as a center.
Kezarvet
by kezarvet on Jul 28, 2009 8:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
it is a shame that none of the younger fans remeber this guy. He was one of the best centers to play the game. i remember one time going to Keazar and the 9’ers were playing the Falcon and they had a MLB named Tommy Nobbis who was great and a sign hung over the players tunnel that read “Nobbis sings the Forest Blues”. This guy is the best center the 9’ers ever had. No disrespect to Jessie.
by bosco56 on Jul 28, 2009 1:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So I'm an old guy but you'r older than me. Kinda like my big brother or somthing,
So what does "…sings the Forest Blues". mean?
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 28, 2009 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

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