Tom Rathman is a former professional football player. Rathman was a three-year letter winner in football at the University of Nebraska. He finished his college career with 1,425 rushing yards, and averaged over six yards per carry. Often considered the greatest fullback in modern Nebraska history, Rathman set several school position records.
Rathman played fullback for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Raiders. Rathman was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft with the 56th overall pick. His professional career spanned nine years as a fullback, the first eight with the 49ers. For the first five seasons, he was the lead blocker for another former Cornhusker, Roger Craig. Rathman helped lead the 49ers to two Super Bowl championships. Following his playing career, he became a coach in 1995 and coached the 49ers' running backs through the 2016 season and now will be inducted into the 49ers' hall of fame.
He would later go on to coach the Colt's running backs before retiring in 2021.