The Legacy Of 49: Unveiling Every San Francisco 49ers Player Who Wore Jersey Number 49

The San Francisco 49ers franchise is one of the most storied in NFL history, and every jersey number, including the often-overlooked No. 49, carries a unique part of that legacy. As of late 2025, the number is currently worn by a promising young defensive back, but its history stretches back to the team’s dynasty years, featuring key contributors who helped secure multiple Super Bowl championships.

This deep dive explores the complete roster of athletes who have donned the number 49 for the Red and Gold, highlighting the Super Bowl champions, the defensive standouts, and the current player carrying the torch. The history of this number is a fascinating journey through the decades of 49ers football, revealing players who made critical impacts, even if their careers were cut short.

The Current Face of No. 49: Jakob Robinson

The most recent player to inherit the number 49 is cornerback Jakob Robinson, representing the latest chapter in the number's history. Robinson’s presence on the roster injects fresh, current relevance into the jersey, especially as the team continues its pursuit of another championship.

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Jakob Robinson Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: Jakob Robinson
• Position: Cornerback (CB)
• Jersey Number: 49
• Current Team: San Francisco 49ers
• Born: October 10, 2000, in Orem, UT
• Height/Weight: 5' 10", 181 lbs
• College: Brigham Young University (BYU) and Utah State
• College Career Highlights: Appeared in 54 games (36 starts) over five seasons, registering 190 tackles, 21 pass deflections (PDs), and 11 interceptions (INTs).
• Recent Status: As of the 2025 roster information, Robinson is listed as a rookie and was placed on Injured Reserve (IR) due to a forearm injury.

Robinson’s college career was highly productive, showcasing his ability to be a playmaker in the secondary with a high number of interceptions and pass breakups. His transition to the professional level with the 49ers, despite the early setback of an injury, marks him as a player to watch as he aims to contribute to the defensive backfield, a crucial position for the modern NFL defense.

Super Bowl Era Legends: Jeff Fuller and Earl Cooper

The number 49 is perhaps most famously associated with players from the 49ers' dominant Super Bowl dynasty years in the 1980s. Two names stand out: defensive back Jeff Fuller and the versatile offensive player Earl Cooper. Their careers highlight the diverse roles the number has represented on the field.

Jeff Fuller: The Defensive Back Standout (1984–1989)

Many historians and fans consider Jeff Fuller the best 49er to ever wear the number 49. A safety, Fuller played six seasons for the team and was a key component of the defense during the franchise’s championship era.

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Fuller’s career was marked by his hard-hitting style and defensive versatility. He recorded a career-high 2.0 sacks in a single game against the Atlanta Falcons in 1987, demonstrating his ability to rush the passer from the secondary. Tragically, his professional career was cut short due to a severe spinal injury, leaving fans to wonder what more he could have accomplished.

Earl Cooper: The Versatile Offensive Weapon (1980–1985)

Before Fuller, the number 49 was worn by Earl Cooper, a first-round draft pick (13th overall) in 1980. Cooper was a versatile offensive threat, playing both running back and tight end during his time in San Francisco.

Cooper was an integral part of the early Super Bowl success under coach Bill Walsh. He spent six seasons with the 49ers and was a two-time Super Bowl champion, winning titles with the team. Over his career, he amassed 213 catches for 1,908 yards and scored 18 total touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target and blocker in the West Coast Offense.

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A Complete History: Every 49ers Player Who Wore Number 49

The full history of jersey number 49 reveals a cast of special teams contributors, defensive backs, and versatile offensive players who have all contributed to the 49ers' rich history. This comprehensive list provides topical authority by documenting the full lineage of the number. Note that some players may have worn the number only briefly during training camp or a single season.

The following athletes are confirmed to have worn the number 49 for the San Francisco 49ers:

• Earl Cooper (1980, 1982) - RB/TE, Two-time Super Bowl Champion.
• Jeff Fuller (1984–1989) - DB, Defensive standout of the dynasty era.
• Adrian Cooper (1996) - DB
• Jayson DiManche (2016) - LB
• Jim Dray (2016) - TE
• Jakob Robinson (2025–Present) - CB, Current player.

The number has historically been assigned to players in the defensive backfield (like Robinson and Fuller) or on special teams, as well as versatile offensive players (like Cooper). Its intermittent use throughout the years shows that it has been a jersey that is passed down to new contributors, rather than a permanently retired or continuously occupied number.

The Topical Authority of Number 49

While jersey numbers 16 (Joe Montana) and 80 (Jerry Rice) are retired and instantly recognizable, the number 49 holds a unique significance. It represents the "49ers" identity itself, making it a symbolic number for the franchise. The players who wear it, though often not the biggest stars, are part of the team's working fabric—the defensive backs, the special teams aces, and the utility players who are essential for a Super Bowl run.

From the Super Bowl-winning contributions of Earl Cooper to the defensive intensity of Jeff Fuller, and now the potential of rookie Jakob Robinson, the number 49 continues to represent a key piece of the San Francisco 49ers' ongoing story. Fans will be watching Robinson closely to see if he can carry the number into a new era of dominance and add his name to the distinguished history of players who wore number 49.