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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 2:24 p.m., Thursday, September 25, 2008

NFL: 49ers to retire Steve Young's number

Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers will retire Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young's No. 8 jersey in a halftime ceremony during their game against New England on Oct. 5.

Young is a two-time league MVP who led San Francisco to its fifth NFL title in the 1995 Super Bowl, winning the game's MVP award with a record six touchdown passes. He spent parts of 13 seasons with the 49ers, finishing his NFL career with 33,124 yards passing and 232 TD passes.

"Steve Young is an important part of the 49ers' history and tradition," team owner John York said Thursday. "He combined talent, character and a tremendous work ethic to become an incomparable performer and champion on the field. He was a model professional, and he influenced many of the younger players with his dedication."

After claiming the 49ers' starting job from Joe Montana in 1991, Young was selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls while compiling a 96.8 career passer rating, the highest in NFL history. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Young will be the 11th player to have his number retired by the 49ers, joining fellow quarterbacks Montana and John Brodie. Safety Ronnie Lott was the most recent player to join the list in 2003.

Jerry Rice, Young's favorite target and the most prolific receiver in NFL history, hasn't had his No. 80 retired yet, but no players have worn it — not even new receiver Isaac Bruce, who switched to No. 88 in San Francisco after wearing No. 80 for 14 seasons with the Rams. Rice's jersey is likely to be officially retired shortly after he's added to the Hall of Fame.