Bob St. Clair

Bob St Clair established himself as one of the most physically imposing and versatile players in NFL history using his towering 6foot9 frame and exceptional intelligence to dominate as both an offensive tackle and a special teams force across eleven seasons with his hometown San Francisco 49ers Born on February 18 1931 in San Francisco St Clair attended San Francisco Polytechnic High School located across the street from Kezar Stadium before playing at the University of San Francisco He was part of USFs undefeated 1951 team that famously refused to play in the Orange Bowl when organizers demanded that Black players Ollie Matson and Burl Toler be excluded After USF discontinued football St Clair finished his college career at Tulsa in 1952 Drafted by the 49ers in the third round 32nd overall of the 1953 NFL draft St Clair successfully held out for a 6000 rookie salary before earning his roster spot by holding his own against defensive tackle Leo Nomellini in practice He played his entire elevenyear career 19531963 in San Francisco accumulating nine AllPro selections five firstteam four secondteam five Pro Bowl appearances 1956 19581961 and recognition on the NFL 1950s AllDecade Team Serving as team captain from 1957 through 1959 he protected the legendary Million Dollar Backfield featuring Hall of Famers YA Tittle Joe Perry Hugh McElhenny and John Henry Johnson St Clairs playing strengths transcended traditional offensive line play an unprecedented combination of extreme height with agility and speed a devastating blocking technique using long arms and powerful hands special teams dominance blocking nineteen career field goals mental toughness continuing to play after losing five teeth while blocking Norm Van Brocklins kick psychological warfare intimidating centers with physical play before leapfrogging over them on subsequent attempts His greatest moments included the remarkable 1956 season when he blocked ten field goals a record that stood for decades the crucial 1957 comeback from a shoulder injury when he returned to spark a threegame winning streak receiving the game ball after a 2717 victory over the New York Giants that clinched a playoff berth his instrumental blocking on Abe Woodsons 105yard kickoff return touchdown in 1959 showcasing a downfield blocking ability rare for offensive tackles While still playing St Clair was elected to Daly Citys council in 1958 and served as mayor from 1961 to 1962 with the 49ers flying him back for council business during road trips He later served as a San Mateo County supervisor from 1966 to 1974 and owned a liquor store at 24th and Sanchez in Noe Valley for many years Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 St Clair had his number 79 retired and Kezar Stadiums field renamed in his honor in 2001 recognizing the unique distinction of playing all of his high school college and professional home games at that venue He died on April 20 2015 at age 84