Fan mail address
San Francisco 49ers
Levi’s Stadium
4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054-1100
USA
Address information
Levi’s Stadium
(Stadium)
4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way
Santa Clara, CA 95054-1100
USA
Phone: (415) 464-9377
The San Francisco 49ers, founded in 1946, are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Named after the gold prospectors who flocked to Northern California in the 1849 Gold Rush, the team became the first major professional sports franchise on the West Coast. They joined the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946 and, after the AAFC folded, were absorbed into the NFL in 1949. Known for their iconic red and gold colors, the 49ers built a legacy marked by innovation, dominant players, and an era of excellence during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Under head coach Bill Walsh in the 1980s, the 49ers introduced the West Coast offense, a strategic system characterized by short, precise passing plays. This innovative offensive approach, relying on timing and quick releases, revolutionized football and influenced offensive schemes across the NFL. At the heart of the 49ers’ success in this era were quarterback Joe Montana and wide receiver Jerry Rice. Montana, known for his calm under pressure and pinpoint accuracy, earned the nickname “Joe Cool” and led the team to four Super Bowl victories. Rice, regarded by many as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, set numerous records for receiving yards and touchdowns, often connecting with Montana for game-changing plays.
The 49ers captured their first Super Bowl title in 1981 by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals. That season was memorable for “The Catch,” an unforgettable touchdown pass from Montana to Dwight Clark in the NFC Championship Game against the Dallas Cowboys. This game-winning play cemented the 49ers as an elite team and marked the beginning of their dynasty. They repeated as Super Bowl champions in 1984, defeating the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX, thanks to a stellar offense and a strong defense led by Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott.
