Bob St. Clair
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (2.06 m)
263 lb (119 kg)
Born:
February 18, 1931
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Died:
April 20, 2015
Santa Rosa, California, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
San Francisco (1949–1951)
Tulsa (1952)
Bob St. Clair was one of the NFL’s most imposing and dependable offensive tackles, spending his entire professional career with the San Francisco 49ers from 1953 to 1963. Standing 6'9", he used his rare size, long reach, and strong technique to dominate defensive linemen and protect his quarterbacks during a pivotal era of offensive evolution. St. Clair was known for his toughness, consistent play, and leadership along the line.
He earned five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors, helping anchor some of the league’s most respected offensive fronts of the 1950s. Famous for his work ethic and intensity, St. Clair also became a fan favorite for his unique personality and community involvement. His contributions extended beyond the field as he later entered public service. Bob St. Clair was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, honoring a career built on reliability and elite line play.
Clair's Awards and Records
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1955, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1961)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1953, 1954, 1962, 1963)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1956, 1958–1961)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- San Francisco 49ers No. 79 retired
Notable Achievements
- One of the tallest players of his era at 6'9"
- Key anchor of the 49ers’ offensive line for a decade
- Known for exceptional pass and run blocking consistency
NFL Teams
San Francisco 49ers (1953–1963)
NFL Draft:
1953: 3rd round, 32nd overall pick
San Francisco 49ers
Number Worn:
79
NFL Stats
Seasons:
11 (1953–1963)
Games Played:
119
Games Started:
117
Fumble recoveries:
7
Pro Bowl:
5 (1956, 1958–1961)