Hugh McElhenny, Hall of Fame halfback with 49ers, dies at 93

The Associated Press

Hugh McElhenny, the elusive Hall of Fame halfback who starred in the San Francisco 49ers’ “Million Dollar Backfield” in the mid-1950s, has died. He was 93. The Pro Football Hall of Fame said Thursday that McEhlenny died of natural causes June 17 at his home in Nevada, and that son-in-law Chris Permann confirmed the death. Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, McElhenny was part of the “Million Dollar Backfield” with quarterback Y. A. Tittle, halfback John Henry Johnson and fullback Joe Perry — also all Hall of Famers. McElhenny starred in college at Washington, was drafted ninth overall by the 49ers in 1952 and also played for Minnesota, the New York Giants and Detroit in his 13-year NFL career.