Jack Reynolds

Biography

Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds brought unmatched intensity and leadership to the San Francisco 49ers during their early dynasty years, earning two Super Bowl rings as the veteran anchor of a young defense. Born November 22, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Reynolds attended Western Hills High School before starring at the University of Tennessee. Initially recruited as a fullback, he moved to linebacker during his sophomore year in 1967 and never looked back, teaming with Steve Kiner to form one of college football's most feared linebacker duos. Reynolds earned All-SEC and All-American honors as a senior in 1969, helping lead Tennessee to two SEC championships (1967, 1969). He acquired his legendary nickname after an embarrassing 38-0 loss to Ole Miss in 1969, when he took a hacksaw to an abandoned 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air in frustration, working through the night and chewing through 13 hacksaw blades to cut the car in half. Drafted 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Rams in 1970, the 6-foot-1, approximately 232-pound Reynolds played 11 seasons in Los Angeles before Bill Walsh signed him to a $1 million contract in 1981 to bring veteran leadership to San Francisco. He played 198 games (162 starts) over 15 NFL seasons, earned two Pro Bowl selections (1975, 1980), and won Super Bowls XVI and XIX with the 49ers, wearing his signature #64 throughout his career. Reynolds' strengths defined total commitment to football: unparalleled intensity (arriving at team breakfasts in full pads and eyeblack), meticulous film study (brought his own projector to training camp), and inspirational leadership that set the standard for professionalism. He was the only player coaches entrusted with a key to the facilities and once refused to lend rookie Ronnie Lott a pencil, telling him he wouldn't succeed in the NFL until he brought his own to every meeting. Walsh called Reynolds "the most telling personnel move I ever made," crediting him as "the key to our success." His greatest moments showcased clutch defensive play: (1) 1968 Orange Bowl—stopped Heisman Trophy winner Steve Owens on fourth-and-1 late in the game to give Tennessee a final chance against Oklahoma; (2) Super Bowl XIX—anchored a dominant defense that shut out Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins in the second half, securing a 38-16 victory; (3) 1984 NFC Championship Game—led the defense in a complete 23-0 shutout of the Chicago Bears. After retirement, Reynolds briefly attempted coaching but lasted only 12 days, finding the candid nature of player assessments by fellow coaches "unsettling." He currently splits his time between homes in Miami and the Caribbean island of San Salvador, where he built his own house.