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LIST: BEST Players to ever wear the number.......

submitted by TheDean1
July 20, 2008 | 151 comments |

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With all the NFL teams starting camps within the next few weeks and the Hall of fame game within the next month, on Saturday, Aug. 2, the Class of 2008 will be formally inducted into the Hall during an enshrinement ceremony that is not only a moving and inspirational salute to the game's all-time greats; it is also one of the most spectacular events in all of sports. I can't help but think of that Class of 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees and all the legends that have ever played the game. The 6 enshrinees for 2008 are Defensive end Fred Dean, cornerback Darrell Green, wide receiver Art Monk, cornerback Emmitt Thomas, linebacker Andre Tippett, and tackle Gary Zimmerman.

This make me wonder about all the players we saw play when we were kids and also the ones that we only read about. To an athlete one of the things that link them to their legacy is their number, their jersey number. So I gave myself a project of putting together a list of the BEST PLAYERS to ever wear their numbers. This list is the best players to ever were the numbers 00, 0 - 99.

Here's a list of players that I think are or were the BEST Players to ever wear the #'s 0-99.

Some we will agree on and some we won't. Who knows, maybe someday we can agree on a final list most of us can agree upon. Let's get started. Lets have fun with this guys and gals and please lets keep it clean for all parties who may want to participate with us. Thank You... Now, let the debates begin...

0. Wilber "Pete" Henry

00. Jim Otto

1. Jim Thorpe (wore #'s 3 & 21) over Warren Moon could go here.

2. Charley Trippi

3. Bronko Nagurski over (if you put MOON #1, J.THORPE HERE)

4. Brett Farve

5. Paul Hornung

6. Benny Friedman

7. George "PAPA BEAR" Halas (He started it all for us) over John Elway, if you don't agree w/"PAPA BEAR"

8. Troy Aikman over Steve Young, I went w/ the SB wins

9. Carson Palmer over Sonny Jergenson

10. Fran "THE MAN" Tarkenton

11. Norm Van Brocklin

12. Tom Brady over Terry Bradshaw

13. Dan Marino over Don Maynard (my 2nd choice @ this #)

14. Y.A. Tittle

15. Bart Starr

16. Joe Montana over George Blanda (Played 2 positions, {QB & K} & had the record for several years for most points scored in NFL history)

17. Don Meredith

18. Payton Manning over Charlie Joiner

19. Johnny Unitas

20. Barry Sanders over Brian Dawkins and Ed Reed

21. LT2 (SD RB)

22. Emmitt Smith over Paul Krause & Roger Wehrli

23. Devin Hester over James Lofton

24. Lenny Moore over Champ Bailey

25. Fred Bilentnikoff

26. Herb Adderley over Rod Woodson

27. Ken Houston

28. Darrell Green

29. Eric Dickerson

30. Bill Willis

31. Jim Taylor

32. Jim Brown

33. Sammy Baugh over Tony Dorsett (Sorry Dallas Fans)

34. Walter "SWEETNESS" Payton over Earl Campbell

35. Pete Pihos

36. Brian Westbrook over Jerome Bettis

37. Doak Walker

38. Mack Strong

39. Larry Csonka

40. Gale Sayers

41. Terrence Newman over Lorenzo Neal

42. ***THIS WAS {1} OF THE TOUGHEST #'s TO PICK FOR ME*** Paul Warfield, Ronnie Lott, Charlie Taylor & Sid Luckman...I'll go CHARLIE TAYLOR

43. Troy Polamalu

44. John Riggins

45. Emlen Tunnell (HOF'er) over T.J. Duckett (this is a hard # to come up with the BEST EVER to Wear #45)

46. Ladell Betts

47. Mel Blount

48. Justin Snow

49. Tony Richardson

50. Mike "WIDE EYED" Singletary

51. Dick Butcus

52. Mike Webster over Ray Lewis

53. Keith Bulluck over Harry Carson

54. Randy White over Brian Urlacher

55. Lance Briggs

56. LT (NYG LB) over Shawne Merriman

57. Dwight Stephenson

58. Jack Lambert

59. Jack Ham

60. Chuck Bednarik

61. Bill George

62. Jim Langer

63. Gene Upshaw over Willie Lanier

64. Dave Wilcox

65. Tom Mack over Elvin Bethea

66. Ray Nitschke over Larry Little & Alan Faneca (Tough pick here)

67. ***MY SURPRISE PICK*** Tony Ugoh (if he keeps college #, I can't think of any other that wore #67, little help here?)

68. Joe Delamielleure

69. John Runyan

70. Rayfield Wright over Art Donovan & Sam Huff

71. Walter Jones over Fred Dean

72. Dan Dierdorf

73. Ron Yary over John Hannah (Hard Pick here)

74. Merlin Olsen over Ron Mix

75. Deacon Jones over "Mean"Joe Green & Jonathon Ogden

76. Steve Hutchinson

77. Red Grange

78. Anthony Munoz over Jackie Slater, Art Shell & Bobby Bell

79. Bob St. Clair

80. Jerry Rice

81. Dick "NIGHT TRAIN " Lane over Doug Atkins & Terrell Owens

82. Ozzie Newsome

83. Ted Hendricks

84. Randy Moss (before he switched #'s)

85. Jack Youngblood

86. Dante Lavelli over Buck Buchanan

87. Dave Casper over Willie Davis

88. Marvin Harrison over John Mackey Alan Page & Michael Irvin

89. Gino Marchetti over Mike Ditka

90. Julius Peppers

91. Tommie Harris

92. Reggie "Minister of Defense" White

93. Dwight Freeny

94. DeMarcus Ware

95. Shawn Phillips

96. Adalius Thomas

97. Patrick Kerney

98. John Henderson

99. Jason Taylor over Dan Hampton & Jerome Brown

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143 Comments On: "LIST: BEST Players to ever wear the number......."

	2. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+3 pts \| \| \|
	i choose Brian Dawkins by far at #20

	2.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	rhcp, Dawkins is a good choice, but why him over say, Barry? Barry still holds several records in the NFL, retired at the peak of his game, and is a HOF'er too. This by no means is to say that Dawkins is bad, he too will be in the hall right now, and as of today, that is why I choose Barry. With a crapy line for the most part, he still is one of the best RB's to ever play the game. And I feel he was the best PUREST RUNNER to ever put on a jersey.

	2.1.1. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	my bad, for some reason i forgot they were listed by #, and thought they were listed by position. I thought it said Bob Sanders.

	2.1.1.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008	+1 pts \| \| \|
	no problem, any others you think we should look at?

	2.1.2. SSGMAT , 27 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Yes I agree, but I haven't seen Dawkins fall asleep on the sidelines in the middle of a game either.

	2.1.2.1. TheDean1 , 26 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	LOL, good one...

	3. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+3 pts \| \| \|
	and i was surprised 2 see TJ Duckett on the list...

	3.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	LOL, rhcp, to be honest, I can't really think of any player that wears 45 that would fit the bill of the BEST to wear #45, do you know of anyone? or does anyone in the YARD have the BEST to WEAR #45?

	3.1.1. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	true, i didn't really think about that.

	3.1.1.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008	+1 pts \| \| \|
	any others come to mind?

	3.1.2. SSGMAT , 27 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	NFL Athlete Number 45 - Emlen Tunnell Have you ever heard of Emlen Tunnell? If not, you'll know of him now. He's the best NFL athlete to have ever worn the jersey number 45, and he is a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Tunnell played two primary positions during his NFL career (punt and kick returner and defensive back - mostly safety). Tunnell played fourteen years in the NFL, between 1948 and 1961, primarily as a New York Giant. He also spent three years at the end of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. What did he achieve in his fourteen year Hall of Fame career? 9 time Pro Bowler 8 time All Pro 79 career interceptions 1,282 career interception return yards 2,217 career punt return yards 1949 league leader for INTs returned for TDs (2) 1952 league leader for fumbles recoverd (6) 100 yard kick return in 1951 Twice led league in non-offensive TDs (1949 and 1951) 1967 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee 1956 NFL Champion with the New York Giants 1961 NFL Champion with the Green Bay Packers

	3.1.2.1. TheDean1 , 26 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	SSGMAT... Good one, you'll see I have him at #45 as the best, I was just wondering if there were others I may have missed that might have been better in the minds of others. I agree from all I've seen and read, Emlen Tunnell is the Best to wear #45 (See my list above #45) Great post SSGMAT

	4. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	sorry for commenting a lot, but Deacon Jones is the best DE 2 play the game.

	4.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	rhcp, I second that one. look what I wrote in 1.2

	5. whitejordan32 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	TJ Houshmandzadeh over Randy Moss? Randy had more TD's in his few years with the number 84 than TJ might have his whole career.

	5.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Whitejordan...very good catch, my bad, I must have been drunk on this one. And you also my be right about your Randy had more TD's in his few years with the number 84 than TJ might have his whole career, comment, too... I stand corrected. Good job.

	6. whitejordan32 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	You put Steve Largent over 2 people for #80. WHERE IS JERRY RICE? Rice may be the greatest ever at any position and for him not to be mentioned as the best #80 is crazy Marvin Harrison doesn't get mentioned at all for #88??? Check his stats. And I can't see any good #67s but Ugoh has only played one year.

	6.1. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	Jerry Rice is tied for 80 i think.

	6.2. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	whitejordan...I agree with #80, as for #88, for me it was a hard pick, but I could only pick one to be the best. I do though think Marvin just may end up there with Rice to be called the BEST to ever play the position. What do you think? As for #67, Ugoh, I can't think of anyone else that even wore #67, can you or anyone in the YARD have anyone in mind???

	7. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Who does the Yard think should be called the BEST to EVER WEAR the #88? Please also back up your pick for all of us.

	7.1. whitejordan32 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	I'm gonna go with Marvin. The guy is automatic. He's been better than T.O and Randy Moss who get all the attention for one reason or the other. As a guy who lives in Indy, it's crazy to see how Marv's name gets called on ESPN about once for every time T.O is named and Marv is better, and has been better. Marv has over 100 more receptions and almost 1000 more yards. He has 6 less touchdowns but he has Marv has had Reggie Wayne to share the TD load with him while T.O hasn't had anyone close to him since Rice was there when T.O was young. I know its not between T.O and Marvin, but I think Marvin isn't as "sexy" to many people because he doesn't get noticed as much.

	7.1.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	WhiteJordan...I am a SUPER HUGE MARVIN FAN, I had season tickets for 3 years at the DOME in Syracuse when he played and said then he'd be something special at the next level. However, is he the BEST EVER to wear #88 out of John Mackey Marvin Harrison Alan Page? I mean he will be a HOF'er but do still think he was the best over the other two? Picking right now today, as much as I love Marvin and the Orange of SU, I still have to go John Mackey. What do all you YARDBARKERS SAY? Speak up now... Help us out here. WJ, has a valed pick here what's the yard say and back up your pick now....

	7.1.1.1. squish059 , 29 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	what about HOF WR Michael Irvin? 3 SBs.... his name has to be in there with the 88s

	7.1.1.2. TheDean1 , 29 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	I don't think he's the BEST EVER to wear the #88, not over the other 3, but he's on there.

	7.2. htkrocks , 29 days ago \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	Marvin Harrison and not just because I went to middle school with him and know his sister well. In a time where #1 WRs are looked at for there size and flamboyance, Harrison is barely 6'0" and 175lbs yet is quietly on his way to retiring #2 behind Rice in just about every receiving category. He also has a ring to go with his stats.

	7.2.1. TheDean1 , 28 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	htkrocks....I agree with you. Marvin has always been a private and quiet person. He always let his actions speak for themselves. I haven't looked as of yet, but just how far behind Rice is he, in the more key stats? Great post and back-up, thanks

	8. bzr034 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	Barry Sanders was the best to wear #20. And where is Cris Carter on #80? It's still a tough call between Carter and Rice, but I'd have to say those two are the best at the number. And, I know I'm going to take flack for this, but I think Jerome Bettis should be at #36. I'm sorry, Eagles fans. Please don't hate me...

	8.1. rhcp879 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	nope, you are right about Jerome Bettis, maybe one day B-West can take that spot, but i twill be hard for him 2 keep these #'s up.

	8.1.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	So, rhcp, do you say, on the record, Bettis over Westbrook right now today is the BEST EVER to WEAR #36?

	8.1.1.1. squish059 , 29 days ago	0 pts \| \| \|
	no way.... Westbrook is better in every single way than Bettis. Bettis got yards cuz he carried 100 times a game for a run happy Steelers Off. He was a freakin lineman with speed at best.

	8.1.1.2. TheDean1 , 29 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Squish, I don't know if you realize it or not but you just make points to have Bettis there. Work Horse, Big, and speed for his size. and better in every way? You may want to recheck that statement.

	8.1.1.3. rhcp879 , 29 days ago	+2 pts \| \| \|
	yup, Bettis over Westbrook, as of today.

	8.1.1.4. squish059 , 29 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	he wasn't terrible.... ask bettis to make a catch out of the backfield....? bettis had no moves.... he lowered his head and went straigh until he found the ground. westbrook is like a figured skater out there dancing around defenders and he has solid power. I know statistically bettis has plenty of yards for a career but i watched him play every damn game and never once was i impressed. if you compare stats, then the argument can't be made, but if you had to choose a RB to build a team around today and they were both rookies who would you pick....? honestly its not really that hard to get a find a glorified FB to pound the ball play after play..... look at the avg yds per carry...Bettis has a significantly lower avg but 5 times had 300+ carries for a season, if Westbrook had those carries then he would be setting rushing records...

	8.1.1.5. TheDean1 , 28 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Squish059... to address your comments in your post # 8.1.1.4. First of all, Westbrook, as good as he is, would make it carrying the rock 300+ times a year. He is to injury prone for that, however, he is smart enough to move around and not take those head on hits as much and learned to catch the ball at an early age and its that combo that makes, Brian Westbrook special. But he does get nicked up, a lot, as for an around RB he is far better. The schemes they play(ed) in suit their assets and the teams play books. By the way, if you have me blocked, why do you keep coming in to post? Don't get me wrong, I don't mind, but why play both sides of the fence?

	8.1.1.6. squish059 , 28 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	if i had you blocked you wouldn't be able to reply to any (all) of my comments... de de dee. you have some kinda prob with me and thats too bad for you.... I offer my opinion and you seem to think yours is "better" therefore mine is discredited.... get over yourself furthermore, just because you think Westbrook can't handle that many carries does not make it true, i'm very sure if he weren't catching 90 passes he could handle 90 more carries.... bringing his 2007 total touches toooo.... 368? yeah he cant hadle 300 plus.( please excuse his versatility, the reason he doesn't have more carries)..... the most touches Bettis had in any year was 390.... in comparison Westbrook had more yards and more TDs..... therefore more efficient(or effective) when he touches the ball...... thank you come again

	8.2. eagles4ever05 , 12 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	I have to my boi Jerome Bettis I love this guy and plus I am wantin for my signed Rams Rookie card of #36 to go up a couple of 100 before I cash in Have I ever said I love my Grandpa for goin to Pitt airport and talk to a team and Players he doesnt like just to get autographs for his grandkids right before there go to face his team the Seahawks in the biggest game of that year

	9. birdsrule , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	Cool List!! # 99 : Jarome Brown

	9.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Good one

	10. HarryPotter , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	im not an expert but please find people better than tj duckett or ladell betts

	10.1. TheDean1 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	LOL, Harry Potter, I can't man thats why I am asking you guys in the Yard. Betts is a ok, but so is TJ, just ok... I'd hate to think those 2 were our BEST EVER to WEAR #45, LOL, 'Cmon BARKERS, help us out here, BEST to EVER #45?

	10.1.1. kgoon1590 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	seriously

	10.1.1.1. TheDean1 , 29 days ago	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Kgoon, you have any for #45? LOL, I can't think of any to really call the BEST EVER. Any one in the YARD have any Ideas for the BEST to EVER wear #45? If you do, back it up with solid reason(s) why to make the list.

	10.1.2. TheDean1 , 29 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Potter... My bad, Betts wore #46 not #45.

	11. kgoon1590 , July 20, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	mike webster over ray lewis? really? and how is charlie joiner a "coin flip" choice against manning? and obviously jerry rice is beyond any competition.

	11.1. TheDean1 , 29 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Webster has 4 rings and has been vote by all his peers to be the best center to ever play the position. His peers, not the media or fans, but by the people who played against him. Ray lewis has been said by his peers to be a great LB, but the BEST? I don't think as great as Lewis was/is that I'd go as far as calling him the best LB in history, which is a tag Mike Webster has been given by players, coaches, and even fellow centers from all eras so far. The only Center in the NFL to ever play the position was Dwight Stephenson (Dolphins) 1980-87, and he even said, Mike Webster is the best center to ever play the game, and Stephenson made the ALL CENTURY TEAM. the SLEEVELESS WONDER. May he rest in peace. As for Joiner, he was a great when passing wasn't the biggest part of the game like it is today, however he was on a pass happy team for years. But Manning has and arm like a laser, is in my option the BEST STUDY of the game and he calls his own plays during the game which isn't done on very many teams these days, so that why I pick Manning, but also, between the two, that's why I said coin flip. In their primes, I'd take either one on my team. As for Rice, I think we both agree, for #80 the BEST to EVER wear the number. Thanks for your post, points and job well done.

	12. bzr034 , July 21, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	I found a #45. Emlen Tunnell played DB for the Giants and Packers in the 50s. In the Hall of Fame as of 1967. Sounds like a winner to me. Thank you, internet.

	12.1. TheDean1 , 29 days ago \| Reply	+1 pts \| \| \|
	Bzr034, GREAT JOB, I have to admit though, never thought of him, yet alone for the #45. We'll add him and I'll look into him and career. WOW, Emlen Tunnell, and a HOF'er. Good call BZR034. What do you think BARKERS?

	13. DreadsSwayin , July 21, 2008 \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	whoa whoa whoa....no deion at 21? his primetime! the best shutdown corner ever! (and maybe the faster). I respect LT to the fullest but come on.....its primetime.

	13.1. squish059 , 29 days ago \| Reply	+2 pts \| \| \|
	defly Deion