By Darin When you see NFL jersey number 55, a certain type of player immediately comes to mind: an elite defensive anchor, typically a linebacker, defined by relentless aggression, sideline-to-sideline speed, and an uncanny instinct for the football. This iconic “Double Nickel” isn’t merely a number; it represents a legendary lineage of defensive talent that has shaped football history.
The Iconic ‘Double Nickel’: Why NFL Jersey Number 55 Defines Defensive Dominance
From the hard-hitting Hall of Famers of yesteryear like Willie Lanier, who helped revolutionize the position, to modern titans like Derrick Brooks and Junior Seau, the players who donned the number 55 were not just participants—they were game-changers. They commanded the middle of the field, filling the stat sheet with tackles, sacks, and crucial interceptions. Read on as we explore the careers of the top NFL players to wear number 55, ranking the dominant defenders who made this jersey number synonymous with greatness.
Best Players Who Wore Jersey 55
- Junior Seau: A relentless and high-motor linebacker, Seau was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection and a six-time First-team All-Pro, renowned for his sideline-to-sideline tackling and energy during his two-decade career.
- Derrick Brooks: A Hall of Fame linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brooks was the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, defined by his speed, coverage skills, and his role as the defensive anchor during the team’s Super Bowl XXXVII victory.
- Chris Hanburger: A Hall of Fame linebacker for the Washington Redskins, Hanburger was a nine-time Pro Bowler known for his exceptional versatility and durability, playing both defensive end and outside linebacker throughout his career.
- Tom Fears: Though primarily a Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, Fears famously set the NFL single-season receptions record three times between 1948 and 1950, including a then-record 84 catches in 1950.
- Jason Taylor: A fearsome defensive end, Taylor was the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and one of the league’s all-time sack leaders, celebrated for his speed off the edge and ability to force fumbles (46 career forced fumbles).
- Johnny Blood: A versatile Hall of Famer from the early NFL days, Blood played running back, wide receiver, defensive back, and kicker, winning four NFL championships with the Green Bay Packers between 1929 and 1931.
- Steve Owen: Known primarily as the legendary head coach of the New York Giants (1930–1953), Owen was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach and helped establish the Giants as one of the NFL’s earliest dominant franchises.
- Terrell Suggs: A dominant pass-rusher and 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Suggs was a seven-time Pro Bowler for the Baltimore Ravens and retired as one of the league’s most prolific sack artists.
- Wayne Walker: A three-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Detroit Lions, Walker played 15 seasons and was recognized as one of the hardest hitters of his era, also contributing significantly as a punter.
- Lee Roy Jordan: A five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Jordan captained the famous “Doomsday Defense” of the Dallas Cowboys throughout the 1960s and 70s, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl VI victory.
- Lance Briggs: A seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Chicago Bears, Briggs was known for his coverage ability and exceptional partnership with Brian Urlacher, forming one of the most effective linebacker duos of the 2000s.
- Joey Porter: A highly emotional and productive linebacker, Porter was a four-time Pro Bowler who specialized in sacking the quarterback and bringing intensity to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense.
- Maxie Baughan: A nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Baughan was a defensive stalwart for the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams, known for his leadership and consistent play throughout the 1960s.
- Willie McGinest: McGinest was a key defensive end and linebacker for the New England Patriots dynasty, known especially for his clutch playoff performances, holding the NFL record for most postseason sacks (16).
More Significant Number 55
- Scott Studwell
Doug Buffone
E.J. Holub
Irv Goode
Jon Kolb
Dan Conners
Brian Kelley
Jim LeClair
Jamie Sharper
Frank LeMaster
John Abraham
Carl Ekern
Matt Millen
Otis Wilson
Matt Hazeltine
Carl Mauck
Jerry Hughes
Ahmad Brooks
Chris Myers
Stephen Tulloch
Brandon Graham
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Number 55
The legacy of the “Double Nickel” is clear: jersey number 55 represents not just a position, but a standard of excellence. From Willie Lanier’s trailblazing work to the modern ferocity of Derrick Brooks and Junior Seau, the common thread is relentless, game-altering defense. These players consistently proved that the middle of the field is owned by the most dedicated, passionate, and dominant athletes. No matter which era of football you prefer, the impact of the players who wore 55 remains undeniable, solidifying its status as one of the most respected jersey numbers in NFL history.
Big thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com and our podcast guest
