176. Billy Wilson

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Billy Wilson spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers, but this was in the 1950s when the Niners were not the world beaters that they would later become, which might be why he doesn’t get his proper due.

Wilson would be drafted in the 22^nd Round (yes, the 22^nd) in 1951, and he would emerge as their top Wide Receiver and their primary offensive weapon. In 1953, he would have 51 Receptions, and this season was pivotal as this would start a run where he was arguably in the top tier of Ends in the NFL through the rest of the decade. From 1953 to 1957, Wilson would never finish below fourth in Receiving Yards, and he would have three seasons (1954, 1956 & 1957), where he led the NFL in Receptions. He would be named to six straight Pro Bowls (1953-58) and is the first outstanding wide out in franchise history.

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Sayre, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1966
Position: Wide Receiver
Games Played: 103
Notable Statistics: 407 Receptions
5,902 Receiving Yards
49 Receiving Touchdowns
1 Kick Return
0 Kick Return Yards
1 Approximate Value*

No Playoff Games

*Approximate Value was calculated by Pro Football Reference as of the 1960 Season.
Played For: San Francisco 49ers
College: San Jose State
Drafted: 22nd Round, 283rd Overall in 1950
Major Accolades and Awards:
First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1957)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Pro Bowl Selection (6) (1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 & 1959)
Most Receptions (3) (1954, 1956 & 1957)
Most Receiving Touchdowns (1) (1953)
Most Receiving Yards per Game (1) (1957)
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten MVP Finishes:
5th in 1957
Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (7) (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958 & 1959)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (6) (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 & 1958)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (4) (1953, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (6) (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957 & 1958)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (3) (1953, 1955 & 1957)
Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (1) (1953)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (3) (1954, 1955 & 1956)
Notable All Time Rankings: None.
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Billy Wilson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 57.1%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 42.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 0%

Last modified on Friday, 16 May 2025 22:12

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