Portis had an up-close view Sunday as Gore became the first running back in 49ers history to reach 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons.

After sitting out the two previous games because of an ankle injury, Gore gutted his way to 58 yards on 11 carries against the Washington Redskins.

He needed 22 yards to get the milestone.

"I'm happy. Everybody wanted me to do it today," Gore said. "My O-line, they wanted it. All of my teammates wanted it."

Gore was still hobbling. He lacked his usual explosiveness and cutback ability, and shared rushing duties with DeShaun Foster (nine carries for 44 yards).

Still, Gore was healthy enough to rush into the record books. Gore had a team record 1,695 in 2006 followed by 1,102 yards in 2007.

"It's special to be the first running back in this team's history to do it, especially with all the great players that have been here," Gore said.

Jed York recognized

Along with making coach Mike Singletary official, the 49ers announced Jed York as the team president. York, 27, described the title as a "formalization" of his current duties.

York will oversee the day-to-day operations. Those reporting directly to him will be general manager Scot McCloughan, chief operating officer Andy Dolich and chief financial officer Larry MacNeil.

"We are excited about the future of the 49ers in Jed's hands," John York said in a statement.

Nedney again

This marked the third time in the past four years that Joe Nedney ended the season with a game-winning field goal. He kicked a 33-yarder in overtime to beat Houston in 2005, a 36-yarder in overtime to beat Denver in 2006 and a 39-yarder on Sunday to beat Washington.

The latest winner came on turn-back-the-clock day, as the 49ers wore 1980s jerseys and wore facial hair to honor past players.

"I've been growing this moustache for six weeks, and there was no way I was spoiling all this growth by missing that kick," Nedney said. "We had to make that ball. This was destiny."

Hill not set

No assurances were made about the starting quarterback job for next season, even after incumbent Shaun Hill improved to 7-3 as a starter. "All I can say is he's under contract, and I'm glad he's a 49er," McCloughan said.

Goodbye, Joe

During the third quarter, the Candlestick Park scoreboard showed a video tribute to radio play-by-play man Joe Starkey. Fans then turned toward Starkey in the booth and gave him a big ovation. Starkey leaned out the window and waved in gratitude. On the air, Starkey said: "I appreciate it more than I can ever tell you." Starkey, 67, is stepping away from 49ers broadcasts after 20 years as the voice of the team.

Extra points

49ers receiver Jason Hill showed his versatility. After scoring on a 9-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, he made the special-teams tackle on the ensuing kickoff. ... Not one of the 49ers' seven victories came over a playoff team. They beat the Rams (2-14) twice, and added victories over the Seahawks (4-12), Lions (0-16), Bills (7-9), Jets (9-7) and Redskins (8-8).

Daniel Brown,

MediaNews staff