The Most Recognizable Number in the History of Every NFL Franchise
If you were to ask 100 people who wore No. 23 for the Chicago Bulls, 100 people would know that it was Michael Jordan. It is common knowledge, much like one plus one equals two is common knowledge.
The NFL has had their fair share of numbers that will never be forgotten. Some franchises have been blessed with numerous numbers that are commonly known, such as the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. Other franchises have struggled, like the Arizona Cardinals, to have even one number forever engraved into our brains.
From Walter Payton's 34 to Dan Marino's 13, here are the most recognizable numbers in the history of every NFL franchise.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Vick's 7
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Whether infamous or famous, everyone remembers Michael Vick's number while with the Atlanta Falcons.
Vick was supposed to revolutionize the quarterback position when he was drafted with the top pick out of Virginia Tech. No one had seen a combination of speed and throwing power like this in a quarterback before. He certainly didn't disappoint his first years in the NFL and appeared to be ready to be named among the elite quarterbacks until he was sent to jail for illegal dog fighting.
All it took was a Kevin Kolb injury for Vick's redemption to be played out in front of our eyes. He was the most exciting player to watch last year and looks ready to build on that success.
Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald's 11
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Coming out of college, Larry Fitzgerald was one of the most complete wide receivers in recent memory. In fact, he was so coveted by teams, that the Arizona Cardinals took him with the third overall pick, even though they already had Anquan Boldin.
Fitzgerald has never disappointed, amassing over 8,000 yards and 64 touchdowns in just seven seasons. He had one of the best playoff performances in 2008 when he caught 35 passes for 627 yards and nine touchdowns. Even with a poor quarterback situation in Arizona, Fitzgerald is still nearly unstoppable.
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis' 52
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Being considered one of the greatest all-time defensive players is quite an honor. Ray Lewis has been a devastating force since he entered the league.
When opposing players see No. 52 for the Baltimore Ravens, fear courses through every vein in their bodies. Players know they are going to get hit and get hit hard when Lewis is near the ball. There is no aspect of the game that Ray Lewis doesn't dominate. He can play against the run, drop into coverage or get after the quarterback. It is almost like he has a sixth sense for being around the football.
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Buffalo Bills: Bruce Smith's 78
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The all-time leader in sacks could beat offensive lineman in so many different ways. Bruce Smith found a niche in the NFL, which was taking down the quarterback.
Playing with such longevity and talent, it was only a matter of time until Smith broke Reggie White's sack record. Smith's career started in 1985 when he was the first pick in the draft and ended in 2003 with the Washington Redskins. Over that time, Smith recorded 200 sacks and was an 11-time All-Pro member.
While both Thurman Thomas' 34 and Jim Kelly's 12 were both in consideration here, Smith got the nod as a record holder of a record that likely won't be broken soon.
Carolina Panthers: Steve Smith's 89
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The Carolina Panthers are a relatively young franchise, so the choice for the most recognizable number was narrowed down to Steve Smith's 89 and Julius Peppers' 90. Smith gets the nod because he has been with the team longer.
At one point, Steve Smith was considered one of the best receivers in the NFL. From 2005-2008, Smith recorded four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. During the 2005-2006 season, he led the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns while making the Pro Bowl and was a First-Team All-Pro. His career has slowed down recently, and he might not be in Carolina next season, but Smith is still extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Chicago Bears: Walter Payton's 34
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There may never be another running back to ever play the game like Walter Payton. He gave 110 percent every time he stepped on the field.
Walter Payton, or "Sweetness", had everything you could ever want in a running back. With speed and agility to go with power and fearlessness, Payton was the complete package. He retired as the all-time leading rusher and gained over 1,000 yards in 10 of his 13 seasons. "Sweetness" will forever be one of the most enjoyable players to ever watch on a football field.
The Chicago Bears have a rich history and it was difficult to decide between Payton's 34 and Dick Butkus' 51. While Butkus is considered the second best linebacker ever, Payton is more remembered for what he did on and off the field.
Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Munoz's 78
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Many consider Anthony Munoz to be the Cincinnati Bengals' best player ever. While it's exciting to see an offensive lineman be that for a franchise, Bengals fans must feel a little bad about the state of their team.
Anthony Munoz is one of the greatest offensive lineman to ever play in the NFL. Even though he struggled with injuries during college, the Bengals drafted Munoz with the third pick in 1980. He never had much trouble with injuries in the NFL, as he rarely missed games in his early years. He was voted to 11 consecutive Pro Bowl's during his career.
Chad Ochocinco was considered for this spot solely because of his antics on and off the field, but Munoz is a legend in Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns: Jim Brown's 32
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Arguably the most physically dominant running back ever, Jim Brown is a legend. He isn't just a legend in Cleveland, but is known and imitated by people across the country.
There has never been a more difficult football player to tackle than Jim Brown. He averaged over five yards per carry during his career, a mark that may never be touched again. Instead of running around defensive players, Brown would simply just run them over. When he retired, he held the record for nearly every rushing record in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith's 22
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Emmitt Smith's record of 18,355 rushing yards will never be broken. It is a record that just cannot be touched in today's game.
There wasn't one thing that set Smith apart from the other great running backs in NFL history. He wasn't blindingly quick or a physically punishing back. He was simply consistent throughout his entire career, which lasted 15 seasons. Rushing for 1,000 yards is now a benchmark in the league, but Smith did it for 11 straight seasons. He won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys and was part of some of the most dominant teams during the 90's.
With Dallas, the most recognizable number was extremely difficult to decide on. Troy Aikman, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin and Roger Staubach were all considered. However, Smith's longevity and dominant career separated him from the rest.
Denver Broncos: John Elway's 7
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The only time I wasn't angry when the Green Bay Packers have lost was when they lost to John Elway. After a career like his, there was no way I could be angry at him winning the Super Bowl.
One of the greatest football players ever, John Elway was a warrior on the field. He was a proven winner who participated in five Super Bowls, losing the first three, but winning his last two. Not only did Elway have a cannon for an arm, but he was also effective outside the pocket and running the football. In the way a true winner should leave the game, Elway retired after winning his second consecutive Super Bowl at the age of 38.
Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders' 20
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It was a shame that Barry Sanders retired so early, but it was a joy to watch him every time he stepped on the field. Had he played a few more years, he would certainly own the all-time rushing yards record and not Emmitt Smith.
Few could elude tackles like Barry Sanders. Without him, the Detroit Lions would have been an even less relevant franchise, if that is possible. He was the face of the franchise and single handily led Detroit to the playoffs during the 1994 season. During the 1997 season, Sanders rushed for 2,053, becoming one of only six players to ever rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season. If you've never watched Sanders run, pull up Youtube, sit down and try to not let your jaw hit the floor.
Green Bay Packers: Brett Favre's 4
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When you watched Brett Favre play, you felt like you were watching a kid opening Christmas presents. There have been few players that have enjoyed the game as much as Favre.
Even with a disappointing last season in the NFL, Brett Favre will go down as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. He currently holds nearly every record for a quarterback including games played, passing yards and touchdowns. His record of consecutive starts is ridiculous and will likely never be broken (although Peyton Manning has a chance). Favre might be best remembered for taking too many chances, but he was sure fun to watch.
Both Bart Starr's 15 and Ray Nitschke's 66 were considered for a storied franchise like the Packers, but Brett Favre completely changed Green Bay forever.
Houston Texans: Andre Johnson's 80
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The Houston Texans are the newest NFL franchise, joining in 2002. Andre Johnson is not only the best wide receiver in the game right now, but he has been the best Texan in their short history.
Coming out of Miami, Johnson had a rare blend of size and speed. He hasn't disappointed during his short career, recording over 9,000 receiving yards in just eight years in the league. Whether he wants to be physical or play the deep ball, Andre Johnson has numerous ways to impact a game. Even while playing injured, he has been the best player on the field at times.
Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning's 18
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When Peyton Manning finally retires there will be a great debate on his place in NFL history. Some will say he is the best ever, while others will point to his lack of numerous Super Bowl rings to put him lower on the ladder. Either way, Manning has been sensational and is easily the best quarterback of his time.
There isn't a quarterback that understands the game as well as Manning does. Whether he is running a no huddle offense or two-minute drill at the end of a game, he is always poised and leading by example. It always appears that Manning knows what the defense is doing better than the defense does and he makes the game look too simple. If I had to choose one player to lead my team, it would be Manning without a second thought.
Johny Unitas' 19 was considered for both the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts. Unfortunately for Unitas, both those franchises boast two of the best football players ever and there is no room for Unitas on this list.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Brunell's 8
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When the Jacksonville Jaguars became a NFL franchise in 1995, no one thought they would make the playoffs in just their second year. That instant success was mainly because of the play of Mark Brunell.
As a back-up quarterback to Brett Favre in Green Bay, Brunell rarely saw the field during the regular season. Jacksonville thought highly enough about him to give up a third-round and a fifth-round draft pick to acquire him. Brunell never disappointed the Jacksonville faithful, leading the Jaguars to the playoffs three times in their first four seasons. Surprisingly enough, Brunell still plays in the NFL for the New York Jets despite being 40-years old.
Fred Taylor's 28, Jackonsville's best running back, was also considered here, but Brunell meant more to the early success of the Jaguars than Taylor did.
Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Thomas' 58
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Derrick Thomas made his living getting after the quarterback. He was one of the first linebackers to ever excel in sacks and he paved the way for players like DeMarcus Ware and Clay Matthews to be so successful in today's game.
With over 120 career sacks in just 11 seasons, Thomas will always be considered a pass rush specialist. The nine-time Pro Bowler has seven seasons where he recorded double-digit sacks. He had great quickness and instincts for a player of his size. Had he not gotten into an eventual fatal car crash during the 2000 offseason, who knows what kind of legacy Thomas could have left on the field.
Miami Dolphins: Dan Marino's 13
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Known as the best player to never win a Super Bowl, Dan Marino set numerous records in the NFL. His 5,084 passing yards in a season is one that will be extremely difficult to break.
The Miami Dolphins got a steal when they drafted Dan Marino from Pittsburgh with the 27th pick in the first-round of the 1983 NFL draft. Little did they know that the player who had been falling down draft boards so quickly would turn out to be one of the greatest to ever play. It was only Marino's second season in which he threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, both NFL records at the time. He never slowed down from there, leading the Dolphins to the playoffs ten times in his 17 seasons.
Even though Marino's 13 was a no-brainer for this list, Jason Taylor's 99 did spend a few seconds on my mind.
Minnesota Vikings: John Randle's 93
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It's hard to believe that one of Minnesota's most dominant defensive players went undrafted, but that is exactly what happened to John Randle.
It was believed by many franchises that Randle was too small to play defensive tackle in the NFL. After going undrafted, Randle tried out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but wasn't given a contract. He later signed with the Vikings and went on to record 137.5 sacks over the course of his career. He had eight seasons with 10 or more sacks and was voted to the Pro Bowl seven times.
The Minnesota Vikings were one of the toughest teams to decide. Fran Tarkenton's 10 and Chris Carter's 80 were both in contention. John Randle made it to the list because he was so well known for trash talking while on the field.
New England Patriots: Tom Brady's 12
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It is very possible that Tom Brady is the luckiest man alive. Not only is he the best quarterback in the NFL, but he is also married to supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
All joking aside, Tom Brady's career is an incredible story.
Brady wasn't drafted until the sixth round by New England in 2000 and spent his rookie year as the fourth string quarterback for the Patriots. It wasn't until Drew Bledsoe was injured in the second game of the 2001 season that Tom Brady had his chance to start. He led his team to a Super Bowl victory that year and the rest is history. He put together one of the most impressive seasons ever in 2007 when he threw for over 4,800 yards and an incredible 50 touchdown passes.
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees' 9
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There are few players in NFL history that have meant as much to a city than Drew Brees. Following the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, Drew Brees revitalized the city of New Orleans, as much as a football player actually can.
Supposedly undersized and a "system quarterback", Drew Brees slipped into the second-round of the 2001 NFL draft. He finally came to New Orleans via free agency in 2005 and has established himself as an elite quarterback. He is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league and is generally near the top in most passing statistics at the end of the season. Brees led the Saints to the Super Bowl in 2009, completing a long journey where he has always been considered an underdog.
New York Giants: Lawrence Taylor's 56
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It is unfortunate that many will forget Lawrence Taylor's on-field production because of what has happened to him since he has retired. LT is the greatest defensive player ever and no one will ever be able to come close to him.
While completely changing the game of football, Taylor was an absolute force of nature on the football field. He had incredible speed and strength combined with a deep desire to be the best ever. Offenses were forced to plan their game around Taylor. There was no way of stopping him, teams could only wish to contain him. Every linebacker will always dream to be as dominant as Taylor, but they will all settle with hoping to be second best.
New York Jets: Joe Namath's 12
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Being part of the greatest upset in sport's history is quite an honor. "Broadway" Joe did just that when he beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
Constantly troubled with injuries, Joe Namath could have been far more productive than he actually was. Although his statistics aren't eye-popping, Namath had one of the best throwing motions ever. He was a star on the field and a complete celebrity off the field. He became the first player to ever throw for 4,000 yards in a season, which he did in only 14 games. His guaranteed victory in Super Bowl III is one of the greatest sports moments ever.
Oakland Raiders: Jim Otto's 00
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Having 00 as your jersey number is pretty odd, but when your last name sounds eerily similar to it, I guess it makes sense.
Jim Otto was considered undersized to be a center in the NFL. The Oakland Raiders lucked out and picked up Otto and he became a Hall of Fame center. Otto played over 200 games for Oakland over his career, even though he often had numerous surgeries during the offseason. He was a classic workhorse who studied his craft and would give all he had to help the team win.
Philadelphia Eagles: Reggie White's 92
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The "Minister of Defense" was a phenomenal player for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers. He spent more of his career with Philadelphia and had better overall production.
With 198 career sacks, it is easy to see why some regard Reggie White as the best defensive lineman ever. It was nearly unbelievable that a player his size would be able to have the speed and agility that White had. At times he was unblockable. He was a great individual away from football and was a true team player. He was invited to 13 consecutive Pro Bowls.
Donovan McNabb's 5 was debated for this list, but most Philly fans seem to want to forget McNabb. No one ever wants to forget White.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Joe Greene's 75
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Nicknamed because of his college North Texas State, "Mean" Joe Greene anchored the vaunted Steel Curtain during the 1970's. He teamed with Jack Lambert to form one of the toughest defenses in NFL history.
While he wasn't widely known coming out of college, Greene quickly became a force at defensive tackle. He would often need to be double-teamed, and sometimes triple-teamed just to be held in check. He combined speed and strength to make offensive lineman wish they were playing another team that day. His intensity was well recorded, as he was the verbal leader for the Steelers.
As one of the most storied franchises ever, the Steelers most recognizable was rather difficult to nail down. Terry Bradshaw's 12, Franco Harris' 32 and even Ben Roethlisberger's 7 were all considered. "Mean" Joe Greene was just too dominant, plus his Coca-Cola commercial was a classic.
San Diego Chargers: Junior Seau's 55
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As a top-10 all-time linebacker, Junior Seau dominated all facets of the game. His storied career will always appear unfinished, as he never won a Super Bowl.
There wasn't anything that Seau couldn't do extremely well on defense. He was great against the pass and the run. When asked to rush the quarterback, he was able to do so with ease. It was rare to see a play end without Seau making the tackle. Ending his career with over 1,800 tackles, Seau made it to 12 Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro Teams.
San Francisco 49ers: Joe Montana's 16
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Widely considered the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, Joe Montana is a legend. As a third-round draft pick, it would be safe to say that few expected Montana to produce a career like he did.
Winning four Super Bowls and two MVPs, Montana has hardware and awards to spare. The master of the comeback, Montana recorded over 30 comeback victories. His greatest play is simply known as "The Catch", where he found an open Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone. Jerry Rice and Joe Montana are still the benchmark for quarterback and wide receiver duos.
It was tough to choose Montana's 16 over Jerry Rice's 80 and Steve Young's 8, but Montana is somewhat responsible for the success of both players.
Seattle Seahawks: Steve Largent's 80
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Extremely undersized for his position, Steve Largent had some of the best hands ever. There were few balls thrown his way that Largent didn't end up catching.
Largent spent his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks where he made it to seven Pro Bowls. He didn't have blinding speed and he certainly wasn't a physical specimen, but Largent was efficient and a fantastic route runner. When he retired, he held the NFL record for receptions, yards and touchdowns. His 177 straight games with a reception shows his consistency.
St. Louis Rams: Eric Dickerson's 29
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Eric Dickerson only spent five seasons with the St. Louis Rams, but what he did in those five years was quite impressive.
Dickerson didn't waste any time at all getting his career started in the NFL. His 1,808 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns are still an NFL record for a rookie. He also holds the record for most rushing yards in a single season with 2,105. With speed and quickness to go along with strength and power, Dickerson was a complete back. He was also rather impressive as a wide receiver.
The St. Louis Rams' best players all had short careers for them. Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk only spent portions of their careers in St. Louis. While it was hard to decide between Warner's 13, Faulk's 28 and Dickerson's 29, Dickerson's 2,105 yard season separates him from the others.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Warren Sapp's 99
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Although he ended his career with the Oakland Raiders, Sapp will always be remembered as a Buccaneer.
Being able to be as quick as Sapp was with his size was just unfair to other teams. He was disruptive to offenses during his entire career. In 1999, Sapp was named the Defensive Player of the Year. In 2002, Sapp led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory despite having a terrible offense. He will always be remembered for being charismatic on the field and his constant jawing with players and coaches.
Tennessee Titans: Warren Moon's 1
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Technically, Warren Moon never played for the Tennessee Titans. However, he did play for the Houston Oilers who eventually become the Titans. Same franchise, different city and team name.
Had Warren Moon spent his entire career in the NFL, he would hold nearly every passing record. Even his 49,325 career NFL passing yards is rather impressive. Moon had a cannon for an arm and there wasn't a throw that he couldn't make. He was athletic for a quarterback during his time and he played well past his 40th birthday.
Steve McNair's 9 would have made this list if I was simply looking at the Tennessee Titans, but when combining the Titans and Oilers, Moon was an easy choice.
Washington Redskins: Darrell Green's 28
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It was rather surprising when I had a difficult time finding a recognizable number for the Washington Redskins. However, when you play for the same team for 20 years, it makes the choice a little simpler.
I woulnd't be surprised if Darrell Green made a comeback in the NFL even though he is over 50. There haven't been many players who have been able to play at such a high level for so many years. In fact, Green is probably faster today than 95 percent of the players in the NFL right now. He recorded at least one interception in 19 straight seasons, a record that will never be touched. He is one of the greatest players ever in terms of his commitment to the game and his willingness to do things the right way.
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