Hugh McElhenny

The Galloping Ghost of the 49ers

Few players in NFL history combined speed, elusiveness, and breakaway ability quite like Hugh McElhenny. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, six-time Pro Bowler, and one of the most electrifying open-field runners ever, McElhenny was a human highlight reel long before the era of instant replays.

Nicknamed "The King", McElhenny was one of the most graceful and explosive runners of the 1950s, dazzling fans and defenders alike with his dazzling footwork, incredible vision, and uncanny ability to make defenders miss. Whether he was juking tacklers out of their cleats, hurdling over diving defenders, or outrunning entire secondaries, McElhenny made the impossible look routine.

Playing most of his career with the San Francisco 49ers, he was part of the legendary "Million Dollar Backfield", alongside Joe Perry, John Henry Johnson, and Y.A. Tittle—the only full backfield in NFL history where every member made the Hall of Fame.

Even in an era dominated by bruising runners, McElhenny’s smooth, elusive, and electrifying running style made him a true game-changer and one of the first great dual-threat backs.

The Numbers Behind McElhenny’s Greatness

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1970, first-ballot)
• Six-time Pro Bowler (1952, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959)
• Five-time First-Team All-Pro (1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957)
• NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
• San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame
• Career Stats:
  • 5,281 rushing yards & 38 rushing touchdowns
  • 3,247 receiving yards & 20 receiving touchdowns
  • 11,375 all-purpose yards (including punt and kickoff returns)
  • 6.4 yards per carry as a rookie (1952) – still a 49ers record

McElhenny was one of the NFL’s first great all-purpose backs, excelling as a runner, receiver, and returner, making him a threat every time he touched the ball.

The College Years – A Star at Washington

Before dominating in the NFL, McElhenny was already a football icon at the University of Washington.

• Born in Los Angeles in 1928, McElhenny was a high school track and football star, known for his blazing speed and elite agility.
• At the University of Washington, he became one of the most dynamic players in the country, setting records that still stand today.
• In 1950, he set the single-game school record with 296 rushing yards against Washington State—a mark that remains untouched to this day.
• He averaged 7.0 yards per carry in college, showcasing the explosiveness that would define his NFL career.
• The San Francisco 49ers selected him 9th overall in the 1952 NFL Draft, setting the stage for a Hall of Fame career.

McElhenny’s college dominance made it clear: he was destined for greatness.

The 49ers Years – The Most Exciting Player of the 1950s

McElhenny burst onto the NFL scene like a comet, putting up one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time in 1952.

• He averaged 7.0 yards per carry as a rookie, a number unmatched by any 49ers running back since.
• Scored one of the most memorable touchdowns in 49ers history—a 94-yard run against the Bears, where he reversed field and outran the entire defense.
• Led the NFL in yards per carry (6.4) and was named First-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his first season.

For the next nine seasons, McElhenny was the heart and soul of the 49ers offense, dazzling crowds with his ability to turn routine plays into breathtaking touchdowns.

The "Million Dollar Backfield" – NFL’s Greatest Running Back Unit

McElhenny wasn’t just a star—he was part of one of the most legendary backfields in NFL history.

• In the mid-1950s, the 49ers assembled a backfield of McElhenny, fullback Joe Perry, running back John Henry Johnson, and quarterback Y.A. Tittle.
• The unit became known as the "Million Dollar Backfield", as all four players would eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• McElhenny’s ability to cut, spin, and accelerate made him the home-run hitter in a unit full of power backs.

Though the 49ers never won a championship in that era, McElhenny’s contributions set the foundation for future 49ers success.

The Vikings Years – A Franchise's First Star

After a decade with the 49ers, McElhenny was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1961 expansion draft, becoming the first superstar in franchise history.

• In the Vikings' inaugural season (1961), McElhenny led the team in rushing and receiving, showing he was still a force at age 33.
• He played two seasons in Minnesota, where his leadership helped establish a winning culture for the young franchise.

After his time in Minnesota, he played brief stints with the New York Giants (1963) and Detroit Lions (1964) before retiring as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.

Defining Moments of McElhenny’s Career

• 1952 – Rookie Sensation: Leads the NFL in yards per carry (7.0) and makes the Pro Bowl.
• 1953 – First 1,000-Yard Season: Becomes the NFL’s most feared open-field runner.
• 1954 – The Million Dollar Backfield Assembles: Teams up with Joe Perry, John Henry Johnson, and Y.A. Tittle to form one of the greatest offensive units ever.
• 1956 – Career-Best Season: Earns First-Team All-Pro honors, finishing top five in total yards.
• 1961 – Becomes the Vikings’ First Star: Helps launch Minnesota’s franchise as their best player in their first season.
• 1970 – Hall of Fame Induction: Becomes a first-ballot Hall of Famer, recognized as one of the greatest all-purpose backs ever.

The Most Iconic Hugh McElhenny Football Cards

McElhenny’s cards are highly collectible, representing one of the greatest open-field runners of all time.

• 1952 Bowman Large #29 Hugh McElhenny Rookie Card – One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 1950s.
• 1957 Topps #81 Hugh McElhenny – A classic card from his prime years with the 49ers.
• 1961 Fleer #63 Hugh McElhenny – Captures his transition to the Vikings as their first star.

These cards are prized collectibles, celebrating one of the most exciting players in football history.

A Legacy That Changed the Game

Hugh McElhenny wasn’t just a great running back—he was a game-changer.

• He was one of the first NFL players to make defenders miss with pure agility and speed, paving the way for Barry Sanders, Gale Sayers, and Marshall Faulk.
• His impact as a runner, receiver, and returner made him one of the most complete backs of all time.
• He was the 49ers’ first great offensive superstar, helping build a winning culture in San Francisco.

A Human Highlight Reel, A Hall of Fame Legend, and One of the Greatest Open-Field Runners in NFL History.