When you think of the most consistent and dominating franchises in the history of the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers are right there at the top of the conversation.
The team has continued the dominant play as of late, as the 49ers have made the NFC championship in four of the last five seasons. However, they have made only one Super Bowl during that time, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
So, as the 49ers once again try and make the Super Bowl, how many times have the 49ers made the big game?
The 1980s, a Decade of Dominance
The 49ers have made the Super Bowl seven times in the franchise’s history. In the 1980s, the 49ers were dominant, making the Super Bowl four times during that decade.
Not only did they make four Super Bowls during that time frame, they won all four of them. The first Super Bowl came in 1981 when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21. The 49ers were in complete control of the game as they led 20-0 at one point before hanging on to get the win.
The next championship came in 1984. They dominated that season, as their 18 total wins are still tied with the Chicago Bears (1985) and New England Patriots (2007) for the most in a season.
Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks, and Carlton Williamson were all elected to the Pro Bowl, which is the first time an entire secondary made the Pro Bowl. The 49ers were matched up against Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl.
San Francisco completely dominated the game, winning 38-16. The defense played a huge role in the game. Not only did they win the Super Bowl that year, but in the following draft they took Jerry Rice.
The team ended the decade with consecutive Super Bowls in 1988 and 1989. Bill Walsh was the coach for the first three, while George Seifert was in charge for the final run. A big talking point in San Francisco that year was a brewing quarterback controversy. Joe Montana had been the man for some time, but young quarterback Steve Young was showcasing his potential as well.
Steve Young Finally Gets His Ring in 1994
Young had to endure some tough times in San Francisco, but he was finally able to go out and get a ring of his own in the 1994 season. The season got off to a slow start, as the team lost to Montana and the Kansas City Chiefs. Young was benched later in the season, but the year turned around against the Detroit Lions.
Trailing 7-0, Young was hit so hard that he had to crawl on the field to try and get in the huddle. After being looked at by the trainer, he came back in after two plays and helped the team come back. The team won its next 10 games.
In the NFC Championship Game that year, the 49ers knocked off the two-time defending Super Bowl champions 38-21 to advance to the Super Bowl.
In the Super Bowl against the San Diego Chargers, Young had arguably the greatest game in Super Bowl history. He finished the game with six passing touchdowns, helping the 49ers win 49-26. The win made the 49ers the first franchise to ever win five Super Bowls.
The 49ers started 5-0 in Super Bowls but have lost their last two games. The first one was to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-31, in the Harbaugh Bowl in 2012.
MORE: List of Most Super Bowl Wins by Team
With a win on Sunday, the 49ers will be headed to Las Vegas in search of their sixth Super Bowl victory.
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