Former 49er McElhenney dies at 93
Hugh McElhenny, the elusive Hall of Fame halfback who starred in the San Francisco 49ers' “Million Dollar Backfield” in the mid1950s, has died. He was 93.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame said Thursday that McEhlenny died of natural causes June 17 at his home in Nevada, and that son-in-law Chris Permann confirmed the death.
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, McElhenny's thrilling runs and all-around skills as a runner, receiver and kick returner made him one of the NFL's top players of the 1950s. With the 49ers from 1954-56, McElhenny was part of the “Million Dollar Backfield” with quarterback Y. A. Tittle, halfback John Henry Johnson and fullback Joe Perry — also all Hall of Famers.
McEhlenny was the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 1952 (before the award became official) and made two All-Pro teams, six Pro Bowls and the NFL's All-Decade squad of the 1950s.
From Los Angeles, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound McElhenny began his college career at Compton Junior College before starring at Washington, where he set several Pacific Coast Conference records.
McElhenny was selected ninth overall by the 49ers in the 1952 draft and made an immediate impact. He led the NFL in yards per carry (7.0) that season and had the longest run from scrimmage (89 yards) and the longest punt return (94 yards). He scored 10 touchdowns as a rookie.
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