Bob St. Clair

Biography

Bob St. Clair established himself as one of the most physically imposing and versatile players in NFL history, using his towering 6-foot-9 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 USF's 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 $6,000 rookie salary before earning his roster spot by holding his own against defensive tackle Leo Nomellini in practice. He played his entire eleven-year career (1953-1963) in San Francisco, accumulating nine All-Pro selections (five first-team, four second-team), five Pro Bowl appearances (1956, 1958-1961), and recognition on the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team. Serving as team captain from 1957 through 1959, he protected the legendary Million Dollar Backfield featuring Hall of Famers Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry, Hugh McElhenny, and John Henry Johnson. St. Clair's 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 Brocklin's 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 three-game winning streak, receiving the game ball after a 27-17 victory over the New York Giants that clinched a playoff berth; his instrumental blocking on Abe Woodson's 105-yard kickoff return touchdown in 1959, showcasing a downfield blocking ability rare for offensive tackles. While still playing, St. Clair was elected to Daly City's 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 Stadium's 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.