01 of the clock He complements his physical style with sound technique. He never appears flustered in coverage, and his composure allows him to recover if he initially loses leverage on a receiver. Claiborne's instincts and awareness shine in zone coverage. S. "Doc" Young, writing for Jet magazine, called Perry "the bellwether of the greatest rushing backfield in pro football."[19] The United Press named Perry its Pro Player of the Year,[20] the first black player so honored.[1] He was a first team All Pro for tangerine Crocs the AP, UP,[21] New York Daily News, and navy Crocs The Sporting News, and played in his third straight Pro Bowl.[10]Prior to a game against the Cleveland Browns at Kezar Stadium in 1955, the 49ers staged "Joe Perry Day", unicorn Crocs in which fans honored Perry with gifts including a new car.[2] "I was a favorite son," he said of the occasion.

"I just thought Joe Perry Day was one of the great honors in my life."[6] He had 20 carries in that game for 116 yards, out gaining the entire Browns backfield and prompting Cleveland coach Paul Brown to remark, "This was Joe Perry's day in more ways than one."[19] Perry accounted for 701 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 1955, leading the 49ers in rushing for the seventh straight season.[8] His streak was snapped by McElhenny in 1956.[22].