R. C. Owens

Community Service

R.C. Owens moved to Manteca in 2001 with his wife Susan. R.C. immediately got involved in the local community supporting local non-profit groups by donating sports memorabilia.

R.C.'s donation of sports memorabilia to Manteca’s local non-profit community for fund raisers has been extremely generous. Susan and he opened a business near the downtown and rehabilitated an older building, bringing it up to code. Tips received at this location were also given to local charity. He has lent his name to the annual Manteca/Lathrop Boys and Girls Club Golf Tournament, and is instrumental in bringing former and current NFL players to that event. He encourages the players to donate memorabilia as well to help with the fundraising. He supports Manteca Idol, the Telethon, and the Crab Feed.

In 1995 he started a reading program with the San Francisco 49ers. When the 49ers moved their training operations to Stockton, the program included local youth - over 1,000 area youth were involved during the period of time the 49ers held training camp in Stockton.

R.C. has given time and substance to the community: he has been involved with Give Every Child A Chance, Hope Family Shelter. Manteca CAPS. Goodwill. Salvation Army, United Cerebral Palsy, Ray of Hope, Kiwanis, Manteca Schools, the City of Manteca, and the Manteca Library.

He currently serves on the Sports Commission of the Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau.

R.C. is no stranger to sports. He became a household name in the SF Bay Area with his Alley Oop receptions made to benefit the 49ers, He played in the NFL from 1957-1964 as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Colts, and the New York Giants. He is still remembered as the first 49er to accumulate 1,000 yards receiving in 1961. He was selected for the Hula Bowl in 1957, and selected to the All Pro 2nd Team by the Associated Press in 1962.

R.C. Owens has supported the strong community atmosphere that exists here. This distinguished sports figure continues to be a great role model for both youth and adults by being an example of how one "gives back" to a community. He is a tremendous addition and asset for our community.