Frankie Albert enjoys the distinction of being the first player signed by the San Francisco 49ers for competition in the All-American Football Conference. That 1946 event was preceded by Albert’s starring performance as quarterback for Stanford University. There the triple-threat kicked, passed and ran his way to lead the Cardinals to victory in the Pacific Coast Conference and the Rose Bowl against Nebraska. Named All-American in 1940 and 1941, Albert’s AAFC years brought him many titles and records as will; at the top is his 1948 designation as Most Valuable Player. His total of 108 touchdowns is an AAFC record, and in 1949 he set a single-game record when he threw five touchdown passes against Cleveland. Most thrilling in his three years as the 49ers head coach was the 1957 8-4 season, which brought the 49ers as far as the NFL Western Division Playoffs.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Plaque location: Stanford University