By Darin Introduction
When you think of legendary NFL numbers, 12, 80, or 7 are often top of mind. But there’s a tradition of rugged excellence associated with the 65 jersey number in football, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. This is the realm of the unsung hero—the guard, center, or defensive tackle—who defines blocking schemes, protects the quarterback, or disrupts the backfield. Finding the greatest players with number 65 is a deep dive into grit, power, and Hall of Fame-level dominance. The history behind the number 65 football uniform is rich, featuring iron men who anchored championship teams for decades. From the 1960s to the modern era, many elite NFL players number 65 have set the standard for interior line play. Identifying the best to wear this specific 65 jersey number requires looking past the spotlight and recognizing the continuous impact of these legendary 65 football players’ careers.
Best Players Who Wore NFL Jersey 65
- Gary Zimmerman: A Hall of Fame offensive tackle, he was celebrated for his agility and technique, anchoring the Denver Broncos’ and Minnesota Vikings’ lines and earning seven Pro Bowl selections.
- Elvin Bethea: Known for his tenacity as a defensive end, he terrorized opposing quarterbacks throughout his long career with the Houston Oilers, earning eight Pro Bowl nods.
- Tom Mack: A foundational guard for the Los Angeles Rams for 13 seasons, he was a 2-time First-team All-Pro and a Hall of Famer, renowned for his consistent excellence and durability.
- Bart Oates: A highly successful center for the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, he anchored five Super Bowl-winning teams and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Andre Gurode: This versatile offensive lineman was a five-time Pro Bowl selection for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens, excelling at both guard and center positions.
- Max Montoya: A powerhouse guard for the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Raiders, he was key to both teams’ rushing attacks and was selected to four Pro Bowls.
- Joe Fields: He was a stalwart center for the New York Jets, known for his leadership and consistent play that earned him two Pro Bowl selections in the 1980s.
- Charlie Johnson: A durable and versatile guard/tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, he was recognized as one of the game’s best interior linemen during his five Pro Bowl years.
- Houston Antwine: A six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Boston Patriots, he was a dominant force in the middle of the line and a key player in the early AFL.
- Dave Butz: A massive and durable defensive tackle for Washington, he was known for his incredible longevity and strength, earning two Super Bowl rings and two Pro Bowl appearances.
More Significant Players of the NFL Jersey 65
- Chris Naeole
- John Jackson
- Barry Sims
- Wayne Hawkins
- Louis Vasquez
- Mark Tauscher
- Tom Condon
- John Sullivan
- Ron Stone
- Ron Hallstrom
- Edwin Bailey
- Brandon Moore
- Vince Promuto
- Ray Brown
- Damien Woody
- Lane Johnson
- Eric Steinbach
- Mickey Marvin
- Jeff Dellenbach
Conclusion
The legacy of the jersey number 65 in the NFL is one built on resilience, quiet leadership, and fundamental execution. While these players rarely grabbed the headlines, their sustained dominance on the offensive line or defensive front directly translated into championships and winning seasons for their franchises. Whether they were Hall of Fame inductees or perennial All-Pros, every athlete who excelled in the 65 jersey helped define the art of trench warfare. Ultimately, the NFL number 65 isn’t just a digit; it represents a fraternity of tough, dependable linemen who consistently paved the way for the league’s most dynamic offenses, securing its permanent place among the most impactful uniform numbers in the game.
