Bob St. Clair, Hall of Fame 49ers lineman, dies at 84

Former 49ers offensive tackle Bob St. Clair, a hulking Hall of Famer and colorful San Francisco native who spent nearly his entire playing career in the city, died Monday at 84 in Santa Rosa.

SNIP

During his 11-year career with the 49ers, Mr. St. Clair, 6-foot-9 and 270 pounds, was known for his toughness, and also for his famous habit of eating raw meat. A five-time Pro Bowl selection who spent the early part of his career playing with a leather helmet, he broke his nose at least six times, played an entire quarter with a broken shoulder, once stayed in a game after a blocked kick resulted in the loss of five teeth and twice had Achilles tendon surgery.

Before he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, he was asked if the players of his era could have competed in the modern NFL.

“I don’t think the question should be “Could we play today?’” he said. “The question is, “Could these candy-asses have played with us?’”

MORE: http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Bob-St-Clair-dies-at-84-6212538.php

St. Clair blocked for the 49ers “Million Dollar Backfield:” quarterback Y.A. Tittle and running backs John Henry Johnson, Hugh McElhenny and Joe Perry.