By Darin When you think of the legendary NFL jersey number 56, you are thinking about the heart and soul of some of the most dominant defenses in football history. This number is synonymous with intensity, leadership, and pure, destructive tackling. From the bruising era of the 1960s to the modern, high-speed game, the players who donned number 56 consistently redefined the linebacker position. Icons like the incomparable Lawrence Taylor, whose explosive play changed the way offenses approached the game, and the relentless Ray Lewis, who guided the Ravens to multiple championships with unmatched fire and passion, immediately come to mind. But the legacy runs even deeper, including stars like the ferocious Dick Butkus and innovators such as Pat Swilling. This deep-dive explores the Mount Rushmore of NFL greatness, where every player wearing 56 stood as a titan in the trenches, making it one of the most respected numbers in the league.
The Lineage of Linebackers: A Tribute to the Greatest Players Who Wore Number 56
- Lawrence Taylor: A revolutionary New York Giants linebacker, he is widely considered the greatest defensive player in NFL history, earning three Defensive Player of the Year awards and the 1986 NFL MVP award, a rare achievement for a defender.
- Ted Hendricks: Known as “The Mad Stork,” this tall, rangy Hall of Fame linebacker was an integral part of four Super Bowl championship teams across his time with the Baltimore Colts and Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.
- Chris Doleman: A dominant defensive end and linebacker primarily for the Minnesota Vikings, he was one of the NFL’s all-time leading sack artists at the time of his retirement. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
- Andre Tippett: An explosive pass-rushing linebacker for the New England Patriots, he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His speed off the edge made him one of the most feared rushers of his era.
- Bill Hewitt: A versatile two-way end for the Bears and Eagles in the 1930s, he was an original Hall of Fame inductee and is famously the last player to receive special permission to play without a helmet.
- Joe Schmidt: An iconic middle linebacker and defensive leader for the Detroit Lions, he was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and helped lead the Lions to two NFL Championships in the 1950s.
- Dante Lavelli: Known as “Gluefingers,” this Hall of Fame end (later wide receiver) was a key target for Otto Graham and helped the Cleveland Browns win seven league championships across the AAFC and NFL.
- Pat Swilling: A dynamic outside linebacker and pass rusher who was a cornerstone of the New Orleans Saints’ famous “Dome Patrol” defense. He earned the 1991 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
- Hardy Nickerson: A hard-hitting, highly durable middle linebacker who was a prolific tackler, earning five Pro Bowl selections during his career, primarily with the Steelers and Buccaneers.
- Jon Morris: A highly respected and durable center for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears. He was named to seven Pro Bowls and is a member of the Patriots’ Hall of Fame.
More Legends Who Donned the Number 56
- Keith Brooking
- Len Hauss
- Derrick Johnson
- Doug Smith
- Darryl Talley
- Demario Davis
- Al Wilson
- Robin Cole
- Fred Quillan
- John Morrow
- Chip Banks
- Brian Cushing
- Archie Matsos
- LaMarr Woodley
- Ray Mansfield
- Nick Barnett
- Bradie James
- Lance Mehl
- Randall Godfrey
- Jerry Robinson
- Cecil Johnson
- John Offerdahl
Conclusion
The list of NFL players who wore number 56 represents a lineage of defensive greatness. These athletes were not just middle linebackers or edge rushers; they were defensive architects, emotional leaders, and culture-setters for their respective franchises. Whether it was the sheer intimidation of a Butkus, the revolutionary pass-rushing of a Taylor, or the galvanizing leadership of a Lewis, the number 56 has consistently been worn by players who transcended the game, leaving an indelible mark on how defense is played and remembered in professional football.
