San Francisco 49er legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Fred Dean celebrates his 60th birthday today.
Two thoughts pop to mind:
1. Happy birthday No. 74!
2. Has it been that long?
Dean joined the 49ers early in the 1981 season following a trade with San Diego and his incredible pass-rushing skill immediately paid dividends. Dean delivered 12 sacks in 11 games in a memorable season that ended with the 49ers' first Super Bowl win.
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But his first season in San Francisco was only a prelude to the 1983 campaign, when Dean led the NFC with a career-high 17.5 sacks and set an NFL record with six sacks in a single game.
He was a member of five NFC West champions with San Francisco. He played in three NFC Championships and was a part of two Super Bowl-winning 49ers teams. Dean was named to four Pro Bowls (1980-'82, 1984) and voted All-Pro twice (1980,1981).
Following an 11-year career, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Tell us about your favorite memories of Dean's storied NFL career (among the first images that came to mind was that he wrote "Warrior" on his cleats before big games) and give your birthday wishes!