San Francisco 49ers: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The San Francisco 49ers, based in the Bay Area, are a well-known and one of the oldest teams in the NFL. They lie in the National Football Conference West division, and have come a long way since joining professional football in 1946. Initially part of the AAFC, they later merged into the NFL. 

The team became famous for their "Million Dollar Backfield" from 1951 to 1953, though success took time, with their first division title coming only after one of the backline stars left. Today, the 49ers are among the top nine most valuable teams in the world, with over 4 millions of loyal fans online.

Overview of the San Francisco 49ers

Historical Background of the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers' legacy is filled with legendary moments, heart-stopping victories, and unforgettable comebacks. The franchise was established by the DeBartolo family, notably Denise DeBartolo York in 1946. According to the reports, “The family has controlled the interest of the team for 43 years and saw instant success with five Super Bowl titles coming within the first 17 years of their takeover. Under Denise DeBartolo, the franchise moved from Candlestick Park to an exclusive football arena, The Levi's Stadium in 2014.”  

Imagine starting out strong in the 1940s, battling fiercely against rivals like the Cleveland Browns, but still falling short. Yet, despite those early challenges, the 49ers never gave up. It wasn't just about the talent-they had five future Hall of Famers at one point. But even that wasn't enough to bring them the success they craved in the 1950s. Their story took a dramatic turn in 1979 when the stars aligned. 

Joe Montana entered the scene, and with him came a revolutionary new strategy from coach Bill Walsh ”“ the “West Coast offense.” It wasn't just a game plan; it was magic. Together, they led the 49ers to their first Super Bowl win, and the journey was just getting started. Who could forget that iconic play ”“ “The Catch” ”“ in the NFC Championship, a moment that forever tied Montana and wide receiver Dwight Clark to football lore? The team didn't stop there. The 1980s became their era of dominance.

With the addition of Jerry Rice, Montana and Rice became a duo that took the league by storm. Victory after victory followed, including one of the most lopsided Super Bowl wins ever when the 49ers crushed the Denver Broncos. But just like life, football is full of highs and lows. When Montana left and Steve Young took over, the 49ers still kept fighting and added another Super Bowl win in the 90s. Yet, after Young's retirement, the team went through a tough period.

Seasons passed without the same spark, and it felt like the golden days had slipped away. Then came Jim Harbaugh in 2011. The 49ers found their way back to the playoffs, even reaching the Super Bowl once more, though heartbreakingly falling to the Ravens. The ups and downs continued, but hope was reignited when Kyle Shanahan became head coach.

Under his leadership, with stars like Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Bosa, the 49ers surged again, making it back to the Super Bowl in 2019. The road was tough, and while they came close to ultimate victory, they fell just short to the Kansas City Chiefs. Then once again in the 2023 season, Shanahan led the team to the Super Bowl, this time with another quarterback, Brock Purdy, against the same team, the Chiefs. However, yet again, they failed! And this year, they will be looking to try for one more time.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Founded in 1946 as a member of the AAFC.
• The first NFL Championship in 1949, and their first Super Bowl victory came in 1981.
• Established a dominant run in the 1980s, winning four Super Bowls in nine years (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989).
• Won a fifth Super Bowl in 1994, further solidifying their legacy as one of the NFL’s premier franchises.
• Produced legendary players such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Charles Haley.
• Known for their highly successful “West Coast Offense,” first introduced by Bill Walsh.
• Made a dramatic Super Bowl appearance in 2019, though falling short to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Major Rivalries of the San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers vs Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers and 49ers, two of the NFL's most successful teams, have dominated the Super Bowl stage. Yet, they've never faced each other in the championship. Pittsburgh has appeared in eight Super Bowls, winning six, while San Francisco has seven appearances and five wins. Despite their rich histories, their battles have only taken place in the regular season. Since their first meeting in 1951, they've clashed 23 times, with the 49ers holding 13 victories. Though Pittsburgh struggled early, winning just two of the first seven games, they've turned things around, securing eight wins in the last 15. Their meeting in 2019 was a close 24-20 win for San Francisco. Additionally, the most recent matchup of 2023 where the 49ers defeated the Steel City with an impressive 30-7 victory, has further ignited the rivalry between them. 

San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks: It’s another divisional rivalry in the NFC West, because they are the most successful franchises in that division. This adds fuel to their rivalry. Till now, they have met 52 times, in which Seahawks won 30 games while the 49ers won just 22.  

San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams: It is one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL. The rivalry between the 49ers and Rams is one of the most enduring in the NFL. Since 1950, they've met twice every season, and their competition really intensified in the 1970s as both fought for the NFC West title. Despite the Rams relocating to St. Louis in 1995 and a further re-alignment in 2002, they stayed together in the NFC West. When the Rams moved back to Los Angeles in 2016, the rivalry only grew stronger, with both teams eyeing Super Bowl victories. The deep-rooted history and competition between these two teams make their matchups a must-watch. In total, they have met each other 150 times. The Rams have won 69 games and the 49ers 78. They have also tied for three games till now. 

San Francisco 49ers vs Cleveland Browns: The Browns and the 49ers have played a total of 21 games against each other. In which, the Browns have won 13 while the Niners are behind them with 8 wins. And the interesting fact is that it has been over 35 years since the 49ers traveled to Cleveland to beat the Browns. Last time, it was in 1984. Hence, these factors make Browns a rival team for San Francisco. 

Major Contracts of the San Francisco 49ers in 2025

• Brock Purdy (Quarterback): Purdy enters his second full season with a $5 million cap hit, with expectations of solidifying his position as the 49ers' long-term quarterback.
• Deebo Samuel (Wide Receiver): Samuel’s contract will carry a cap hit of $25 million, reflecting his dynamic role as one of the NFL's most versatile playmakers.
• Nick Bosa (Edge Rusher): The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Bosa’s contract for 2025 carries a $34 million cap hit as one of the top defenders in the league.
• Fred Warner (Linebacker): Warner remains the leader of the 49ers’ defense, with a $22 million cap hit for 2025.
• George Kittle (Tight End): One of the best tight ends in the NFL, Kittle’s contract carries a $17 million cap hit in 2025.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Bill Walsh (1979–1988): Walsh revolutionized the NFL with his West Coast Offense and led the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories.
• George Seifert (1989–1996): Seifert took over after Walsh and led the 49ers to two more Super Bowl championships.
• Jim Harbaugh (2011–2014): Harbaugh turned the 49ers into perennial Super Bowl contenders, reaching the Super Bowl in 2012.
• Kyle Shanahan (2017–present): Shanahan has transformed the 49ers into one of the most complete teams in the league, utilizing his offensive expertise to bring consistent success.
• Joe Montana (QB, 1979–1992): A Hall of Famer and four-time Super Bowl champion, Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
• Jerry Rice (WR, 1985–2000): The greatest wide receiver of all time, Rice holds countless NFL records, including career receiving yards and touchdowns.
• Steve Young (QB, 1987–1999): A two-time Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP, Young was the heir apparent to Joe Montana and a Hall of Famer in his own right.
• Charles Haley (OLB, 1986–1999): A five-time Super Bowl champion, Haley is one of the best pass rushers to ever play the game.
• Deebo Samuel (WR, 2019–present): A versatile offensive weapon, Samuel has been instrumental in the 49ers’ offensive success, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2019.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

Offense

• Quarterback: Brock Purdy
• Running Back: Christian McCaffrey
• Fullback: Kyle Juszczyk
• Wide Receivers:
  • WR1: Deebo Samuel
  • WR2: Brandon Aiyuk
  • Slot WR: Jauan Jennings
• Tight End: George Kittle
• Offensive Line:
  • Left Tackle: Trent Williams
  • Left Guard: Aaron Banks
  • Center: Jake Brendel
  • Right Guard: Spencer Burford
  • Right Tackle: Colton McKivitz

Defense

• Defensive Line:
  • Left Defensive End: Nick Bosa
  • Nose Tackle: Javon Kinlaw
  • Right Defensive End: Arik Armstead
• Linebackers:
  • Inside Linebacker: Fred Warner
  • Inside Linebacker: Dre Greenlaw
• Cornerbacks:
  • CB1: Charvarius Ward
  • CB2: Deommodore Lenoir
• Safeties:
  • Free Safety: Talanoa Hufanga
  • Strong Safety: Tashaun Gipson

Special Teams

• Kicker: Jake Moody
• Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky
• Long Snapper: Taybor Pepper
• Kick Returner: Ray-Ray McCloud
• Punt Returner: Ronnie Bell

The Schedule of the San Francisco 49ers in 2025

Home Games

• Seattle Seahawks
• Los Angeles Rams
• Arizona Cardinals
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Minnesota Vikings
• Cleveland Browns
• Washington Commanders
• New York Giants

Away Games

• Seattle Seahawks
• Los Angeles Rams
• Arizona Cardinals
• Dallas Cowboys
• Chicago Bears
• Green Bay Packers
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Tennessee Titans

These matchups are determined by the NFL's scheduling formula and will be announced later in the spring.