Tom Rathman

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Rathman was a three-sport athlete at Grand Island High School in Grand Island, Nebraska, excelling as a fullback and linebacker, and winning the state championship in high jump as a junior in 1980. He was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. In college, he was a three-year letter winner at Nebraska, finishing with 1,425 rushing yards and averaging over six yards per carry. He set school position records including most yards rushing by a fullback in a single season (881 in 1985) and most career rushing touchdowns by a fullback (twelve). He averaged 7.5 yards per carry during his senior year in 1985. Drafted by the 49ers in the third round of the 1986 NFL draft (56th overall), he played nine professional seasons, the first eight with the 49ers and his last in 1994 with the Los Angeles Raiders. He helped lead the 49ers to two Super Bowl championships, rushing for 38 yards, catching four passes for 43 yards, and scoring two touchdowns in Super Bowl XXIV. In 1989, he led all NFL running backs in receiving with 73 receptions for 616 yards. He finished his NFL career with 2,020 rushing yards, 320 receptions for 2,684 yards, and 34 total touchdowns, plus five kickoff returns for 103 yards. He had 18 surgeries due to injuries. After retiring, he coached at the high school level in 1995, then at Menlo College in 1996, and joined the 49ers staff in 1997 as running backs coach through 2002. He later coached for the Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, returned to the 49ers from 2009 through 2016, then coached for the Indianapolis Colts before retiring on January 28, 2021.

In Their Own Story

During Super Bowl XXIV against the Denver Broncos, the 49ers' offense moved with surgical precision. Late in the first quarter, Joe Montana needed a spark to maintain momentum. He found Tom Rathman streaking across the middle of the field. The pass was crisp, and Rathman secured it instantly, using his size to shield defenders before breaking into open space. He sprinted toward the end zone, evading a desperate tackle attempt from a Bronco defender with a stiff arm that echoed through the Superdome. As he crossed the goal line for a touchdown, the stadium erupted. Rathman didn't celebrate wildly; he simply tapped his helmet, signaling to Montana that the protection held and the play worked. This moment encapsulated his value: not just a blocker or a runner, but a trusted weapon on the game's biggest stage.

Reader's Guide

Rathman is often considered an archetype of an all-around fullback due to his versatility as a blocker, runner, and pass catcher. He was the lead blocker for Roger Craig for the first five seasons with the 49ers. Known for his physical playstyle, he suffered numerous injuries during his career.

Did You Know?

• Rathman won two Super Bowl championships with the 49ers.
• He led all NFL running backs in receiving in 1989 with 73 receptions for 616 yards.
• He set Nebraska school records for most rushing yards by a fullback in a single season (881 in 1985) and most career rushing touchdowns by a fullback (12).
• Rathman had 18 surgeries due to injuries sustained during his playing career.