Baltimore, Maryland – In a surprising turn of events, two long-standing NFL single-season rushing records have been toppled, with the Baltimore Ravens losing their hold on both accomplishments. The historic feats were claimed by a team that no longer exists: the 1948 San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers, who once played in the All-America Football Conference before transitioning to the NFL, have now been recognized as the league’s official record holders for most rushing yards in a season and highest yards per carry in a season.
The 1948 49ers distinguished themselves by amassing an impressive 3,663 rushing yards on 603 attempts, achieving an extraordinary average of 6.1 yards per carry. This feat has now surpassed the previous records held by the Ravens. The 2019 Ravens, who previously held the record for most rushing yards in a season with 3,296 yards, have now been surpassed by the 1948 49ers. Additionally, the Ravens’ record for highest yards per carry in a season, which stood at 5.8 yards per carry, has also been eclipsed by the 1948 49ers.
Leading the charge for the 1948 49ers was a standout rookie running back named Joe “The Jet” Perry, who would later go on to have a Hall of Fame career. Perry was joined by Johnny “Strike” Strzykalski, who contributed 915 yards to the team’s total and led the AAFC with an impressive 6.5 yards per carry. With the NFL’s decision to include AAFC stats in its official records, the 1948 49ers have now been cemented as the rightful holders of these prestigious rushing records.
The NFL Record & Fact Book for this year will officially acknowledge the accomplishments of the 1948 San Francisco 49ers, solidifying their place in NFL history. This unprecedented achievement by a team long past its playing days serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of talent and performance that has shaped the league over the decades. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of the 1948 49ers continues to endure through their remarkable record-breaking season.