Bob St. Clair

The Towering Protector Who Redefined Toughness

Few offensive linemen in NFL history combined size, power, and legendary toughness like Bob St. Clair. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, five-time Pro Bowler, and the cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line for over a decade, St. Clair was one of the most physically imposing linemen of all time.

Standing at a towering 6’9” and 265 pounds, St. Clair was a giant in an era when most linemen barely reached 250 pounds. His ability to dominate defenders in both pass protection and run blocking made him one of the most feared offensive tackles in football. His career was defined by relentless physicality, unmatched durability, and a reputation as one of the toughest men to ever play the game.

Beyond his blocking ability, St. Clair was a San Francisco icon, having grown up in the city, played college football locally, and spent his entire 49ers career in the Bay Area. He also gained fame for his unusual diet—he reportedly ate raw meat regularly, further fueling his reputation as one of football’s toughest warriors.

This collection honors Bob St. Clair, the dominant tackle who protected quarterbacks, paved the way for legendary rushers, and built a legacy as one of the toughest linemen in NFL history.

Bob St. Clair’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

St. Clair’s impact wasn’t measured in touchdowns or passing yards, but in his ability to neutralize the best defenders in the game.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1953–1963)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1990)
Five-time Pro Bowler (1956–1958, 1960, 1961)
Nine-time team captain for the 49ers
Three-time First-Team All-Pro (1955, 1956, 1957)
Two-time Second-Team All-Pro (1958, 1960)
NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame & Ring of Honor
Played 119 career games
One of the most dominant offensive tackles of the 1950s
Blocked 10 field goals in a single season (NFL record at the time)

Even in an era when offensive linemen didn’t get much statistical recognition, St. Clair’s dominance was undeniable, and he remains one of the greatest tackles ever to play the game.

The College Years – A Bay Area Legend from the Start

Before becoming a 49ers icon, St. Clair was already a local football hero in the Bay Area.

Born in San Francisco, California, in 1931, St. Clair grew up as a dominant multi-sport athlete.
He attended San Francisco Polytechnic High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the best football players in the city.
St. Clair stayed close to home, playing college football at the University of San Francisco (USF), where he was teammates with future NFL Hall of Famers Ollie Matson and Gino Marchetti.
The 1951 USF Dons team went undefeated (9-0) but was denied a bowl game invitation due to its refusal to play without its Black players, including Matson.
The university disbanded its football program shortly after, forcing St. Clair to transfer to Tulane University for his senior year.

Despite the disruption to his college career, St. Clair’s raw size, power, and football IQ made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.

The 49ers Years – A Towering Figure in the Trenches

St. Clair was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 1953 NFL Draft, beginning his legendary 11-year career with his hometown team.

From the moment he stepped on the field, St. Clair immediately stood out, not just because of his unprecedented 6’9” frame, but because of his agility and intelligence as a blocker.
He became the team’s starting right tackle in his rookie season, setting the foundation for a dominant career.
St. Clair was known for his ferocious blocking ability, both in pass protection and in the running game, paving the way for legendary 49ers running backs like Hugh McElhenny, Joe Perry, and John Henry Johnson.

For over a decade, opposing defensive linemen and linebackers knew that when they lined up against Bob St. Clair, they were in for a long day.

The Enforcer – A Protector Like No Other

One of St. Clair’s most defining traits was his toughness and intimidating presence.

He was known for playing through countless injuries, including broken fingers, knee injuries, and even concussions.
His tenacity and leadership made him a nine-time team captain, and he was widely respected as the enforcer of the 49ers offense.
He was a brilliant technician, using his long arms and powerful hands to keep defenders at bay.

Even though sacks weren’t recorded in his era, St. Clair’s ability to neutralize elite pass rushers like Deacon Jones and Gino Marchetti made him one of the most valuable linemen in the league.

The Field Goal Blocking King

Beyond being a dominant tackle, St. Clair was also one of the greatest special teams players in NFL history.

Due to his height and athleticism, he became one of the best field goal and extra point blockers ever.
In one season alone, he blocked 10 field goal attempts, a record that stood for decades.
His ability to jump the line and swat kicks added another layer of dominance to his already legendary career.

Few players in history have ever been as valuable in so many different ways as Bob St. Clair.

The Toughest Man in Football – Eating Raw Meat & Playing Through Pain

St. Clair’s reputation for toughness extended beyond the football field.

He was famously known for eating raw meat, which he claimed helped him maintain his strength and endurance.
His diet became legendary among teammates and opponents, earning him the nickname "The Meat-Eater".
He played through countless injuries, refusing to come off the field even when he was clearly hurt.

In an era where players weren’t protected like they are today, St. Clair was one of the most resilient warriors in the game.

Life After Football – The Legacy of a 49ers Icon

After retiring in 1963, St. Clair continued to be a major figure in San Francisco.

He served as the Mayor of Daly City, California, proving that his leadership skills extended beyond the football field.
In 1990, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, finally receiving the recognition he had long deserved.
He remained a lifelong ambassador for the 49ers, frequently mentoring younger players and promoting the history of the team.

Few players have ever had such a lasting impact on both their franchise and their city as Bob St. Clair.

Defining Moments of St. Clair’s Career

1953 – Drafted by the 49ers (Third Round, 32nd Overall): Begins his journey as one of the greatest offensive linemen ever.
1956 – First Pro Bowl Selection: Establishes himself as one of the premier tackles in the game.
1956–1958 – Three Consecutive First-Team All-Pro Selections: Becomes the best right tackle in football.
1960 – Blocks 10 Field Goals in a Single Season: Sets an NFL record.
1963 – Retires After 11 Seasons with the 49ers: Ends a legendary career in San Francisco.
1990 – Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Officially recognized as one of the greatest linemen in NFL history.

A Legacy That Defined the Trenches

Bob St. Clair wasn’t just a dominant lineman—he was one of the toughest, most feared, and most respected players of all time.

He protected quarterbacks, led legendary rushing attacks, and blocked kicks, making him one of the most versatile and valuable linemen ever.
He was a 49ers icon, playing his entire career in San Francisco and remaining a beloved figure in the city.
His Hall of Fame induction and jersey retirement cemented his place as one of the greatest offensive linemen in football history.

A Giant on the Field, A 49ers Legend, and One of the Toughest Men in Football History.