By Darin Introduction
The offensive line is the unsung backbone of any championship team, and for decades, some of the toughest men in the NFL have proudly worn the 63 jersey number in football. While this number often belongs to interior linemen—guards and centers—who rarely grab headlines, their impact is foundational. Have you ever wondered which athletes truly defined the grit and greatness associated with this specific digit? From Hall of Famers to dominant modern blockers, we dive deep into the legacy of the number 63 in football. Prepare to explore the storied careers of the greatest NFL players, number 63, who earned their place among the league’s elite while rocking the iconic jersey 63.
Top NFL Players Who Wore Jersey 63
- Gene Upshaw A legendary Guard for the Oakland Raiders and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Upshaw was instrumental in three Super Bowl appearances and later served as the long-time Executive Director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), securing landmark collective bargaining agreements.
- Y.A. Tittle This Hall of Fame quarterback revolutionized the passing game with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants, earning the 1963 NFL MVP award and retiring as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
- Willie Lanier An iconic middle linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs and a Hall of Famer, Lanier was a pioneer as one of the first African American players to star at the position, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and leading the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV.
- Dick Stanfel A five-time All-Pro Guard for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins, Stanfel was a crucial member of two NFL Championship teams with the Lions and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his exceptional run-blocking.
- Dermontti Dawson A seven-time Pro Bowl Center for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Hall of Famer, Dawson revolutionized the position with his rare speed and athleticism, making him one of the most effective pull-blockers in league history.
- Lee Roy Selmon The first-ever draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Selmon was a dominant six-time Pro Bowl Defensive End and three-time First-team All-Pro, whose Hall of Fame career anchored the franchise’s early defenses.
- Mike Munchak An outstanding nine-time Pro Bowl Guard for the Houston Oilers, Munchak was a three-time First-team All-Pro whose Hall of Fame career transitioned into a long and successful tenure as an NFL coach.
- Doug Wilkerson A steady and dependable Guard for the San Diego Chargers, Wilkerson earned three Pro Bowl nods and was a key protector for the iconic “Air Coryell” passing offense over his 14 seasons in the league.
- Jeff Saturday A central leader of the Indianapolis Colts’ prolific offenses, Saturday was a six-time Pro Bowl Center, a four-time All-Pro, and a Super Bowl XLI Champion, renowned for his seamless quarterback-center partnership with Peyton Manning.
- Jay Hilgenberg A seven-time Pro Bowl Center for the Chicago Bears, Hilgenberg anchored the formidable offensive line of the 1985 Super Bowl XX Championship team, recognized for his toughness and consistent play.
More legends of Jersey 63
- Brad Meester
- Raleigh McKenzie
- Roberto Garza
- Larry Cole
- Cody Risien
- Scott Wells
- Kirk Lowdermilk
- Joe Walter
- Derrick Deese
- Doug Van Horn
- Justin Blalock
- Barret Robbins
- Bill Maas
- Bobbie Williams
- Fuzzy Thurston
- Corey Linsley
- Tootie Robbins
- Lyle Sendlein
- Ron Baker
- Joe Andruzzi
- Joe Carollo
- Wally Williams
- Mike Barnes
- Brad Edelman
- Dan Connolly
- Chuck Walton
- Bob Wetoska
- Michael Bankston
Conclusion
Our journey through the history of the 63 jersey number reveals a fraternity of fiercely dedicated athletes. The impact these players with number 63 had on their franchises—protecting quarterbacks, opening running lanes, and anchoring defenses—is undeniable, even if their work was often done away from the spotlight. Whether you call them the best 63 football player or simply dominant linemen, their legacy is cemented. The tradition carried by the NFL number 63 continues today, but the legends detailed here set the gold standard for what it means to truly embody the power and perseverance of the jersey number 63.
Big thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com and our podcast guest.
