Joe Perry (American football)

Joe Perry (November 19, 1927 – April 25, 2011) was an American professional football player. A fullback, Perry played primarily for the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the National Football League (NFL). He also had brief stints with the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants.

Perry was a dominant force during the 1950s, known for his exceptional speed and power. He was the first NFL player to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons (1953 and 1954). Along with Y.A. Tittle, Hugh McElhenny, and John Henry Johnson, he formed a formidable 49ers backfield dubbed the "Million Dollar Backfield."

Perry played professionally from 1948 to 1963. He spent his first two seasons (1948-1949) with the 49ers in the AAFC before the league merged with the NFL. He played for the 49ers in the NFL from 1950 to 1960. He then played for the Baltimore Colts in 1961 and 1962, and the New York Giants in 1963, his final season.

Perry was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (1950, 1952, 1953) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969. His number 34 is retired by the San Francisco 49ers. He is widely considered one of the greatest fullbacks in NFL history.