History, Common Players, and Fun Facts for Patriots-49ers

No NFL franchise has won more Super Bowls than the New England Patriots six. The San Francisco 49ers are atop the NFC leaderboard with five Lombardi Trophies. Despite playing on a combined 19 Super Bowl Sundays, the two teams have never faced each other in the title game. However, they do have some history.

A look at the common players, head-to-head matchups, statistical leaders, and more between the Patriots and 49ers.

Common Players

Fifty-six players have played an NFL game for both the Patriots and the 49ers. This includes current Patriots players Kendrick Bourne, JaMycal Hasty, and Joey Slye. Active NFL players Trent Brown and Jimmy Garoppolo also played for both franchises, but currently play for neither.

Also Read – Does Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt Need to Change His Philosophy?

Longest Tenures With Both Franchises

Of the 56 common players, 17 played more than one season for both franchises.

Russ Francis is the only player to appear in at least 75 games for both teams.

Two others played 40 or more games for both the Patriots and 49ers: Kendrick Bourne and Bob Windsor.

Original Patriots Who Were 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were an NFL franchise before the New England Patriots (then called the Boston Patriots) began play in 1960. Three former 49ers were members of the original Patriots team: OT Bobby Cross, OG Tony Sardisco, and DB Fred Bruney.

Super Bowl Champion

One player won a Super Bowl with both franchises. Wide receiver J.J. Stokes was a rookie on the 1995 San Francisco team that won Super Bowl 30. He joined New England during the 2003 season and added a Super Bowl 38 ring, despite not playing in the Super Bowl that season.

Head-to-Head Meetings

There have been 14 games between the two teams over the years, with San Francisco holding a 9-5 advantage. However, New England used to be 1-7 against San Francisco, so the Patriots have been trending in the right direction since 1998.

The first time they played was on Oct. 31, 1971, at Candlestick Park. The 49ers prevailed 27-10. San Francisco QB John Brodie threw three interceptions but connected with Gene Washington on a 71-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to help secure the win. Jim Plunkett connected with Randy Vataha for New England’s lone touchdown in the game.

New England and San Francisco last met on Oct. 25, 2020. Once again, it was the 49ers who left victorious, courtesy of a 33-6 win. San Francisco’s Jeff Wilson Jr. rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns. New England quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham combined to throw four interceptions.

He may be a Jr. but he's having a pretty big day.#SFvsNE x #FTTB pic.twitter.com/OnJjkpTrmy

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 25, 2020

Trade History

No trade had a bigger effect on these franchises than the one made at the 1985 NFL Draft. New England held the No. 16 overall selection. The Patriots chose to trade down. San Francisco gave New England the No. 28, No. 56, and No. 84 pick in the draft. The Patriots gave the 49ers No. 16 and No. 75.

The Patriots used their three acquired picks to select Trevor Matich, Ben Thomas, and Audray McMillan. With their picks, the 49ers took Jerry Rice and Ricky Moore. Rice became the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, helping the 49ers win three Super Bowls.

Statistical Leaders in the Patriots-49ers Series

Passing Yards
973 – Steve Young, SF

Passing Touchdowns
10 – Steve Young, SF

Passing Interceptions
9 – Steve Grogan, NE

Rushing Yards
206 – Roger Craig, SF

Rushing Touchdowns
3 – Jeff Wilson Jr., SF

Receptions
24 – Jerry Rice, SF

Receiving Yards
424  –Stanley Morgan, NE

Receiving Touchdowns
6 – Jerry Rice, SF

Points Scored
36 – Jerry Rice, SF

Tackles
29 – Patrick Willis, SF

Sacks
3.0 – Johnny Rembert, NE
3.0 – Ray McDonald, SF

Interceptions
3 – Merton Hanks, SF