Hugh McElhenny

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Lore & Background

Nicknamed 'the King' and 'Hurryin' Hugh', McElhenny was noted for his explosive, elusive running style. He was a member of San Francisco's famed Million Dollar Backfield and one of the franchise's most popular players. His no. 39 is retired by the 49ers and he is a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

In Their Own Story

In 1954, with the addition of halfback John Henry Johnson, the 49ers formed their famed "Million Dollar Backfield" of McElhenny, Tittle, Perry, and Johnson. The team had championship aspirations, but McElhenny separated his shoulder against the Bears in the sixth game, ending his season. Before the injury, he led the league with 515 rushing yards and an 8.0 yards-per-carry average. He still managed to make the AP's second-team All-Pro team and was a first-team selection by the New York Daily News. Led by McElhenny and Tittle, the 49ers finished the 1957 regular season tied for the Western Conference title with the Detroit Lions. In the Western Conference tiebreaker, McElhenny carried 14 times for 82 yards and caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, but the Lions won with a comeback victory. Following the season, McElhenny was invited to the 1958 Pro Bowl and was named the player of the game.

Reader's Guide

McElhenny first rose to stardom at Compton Junior College in 1948, then transferred to the University of Washington, where he was a two-time All-Pacific Coast Conference fullback. He was selected by the 49ers with the ninth pick in the 1952 NFL draft. He earned five first-team All-Pro honors in his first six seasons, was selected for five Pro Bowls with the 49ers, and earned a sixth Pro Bowl appearance with the Vikings. He finished his career after short stints with the Giants and Lions. He retired with the third-most all-purpose yards in NFL history.

Did You Know?

• McElhenny's first play as a professional was a 40-yard touchdown run drawn in the dirt because he hadn't yet learned the team's playbook.
• He set school records at Washington with 296 rushing yards and five touchdowns in a game against Washington State.
• He was nicknamed 'the King' by 49ers quarterback Frankie Albert after returning a punt 96 yards for a touchdown as a rookie.