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178. Billy Wilson

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Billy Wilson spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers, but that was in the 1950s, when the Niners weren’t the world beaters they'd become later, which may be why he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.

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

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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: 97 Games Started
    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 Wednesday, 23 September 2026 10:29

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