By Darin NFL Jersey Number 68: The Legends of the Trenches
From the foundation of the “Steel Curtain” to the legendary grit of the “Hogs,” the number 68 jersey has been the uniform of choice for some of the most dominant and respected warriors in NFL history. While offensive linemen often labor in the shadows, the men who wore jersey number 68 redefined the standard for power, durability, and technique. Whether it was the pass-rushing terror of L.C. Greenwood or the Hall of Fame interior dominance of Will Shields and Russ Grimm, this number represents an elite brotherhood of gridiron legends. Dive into the archives to see how these titans anchored championship dynasties and earned their permanent place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Most Significant Player Contributions and Accolades
- Will Shields – A 12-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame guard for the Kansas City Chiefs, Shields was the ultimate model of consistency, never missing a single game in his 14-year career. His legendary interior blocking was a foundational component of some of the league’s most prolific rushing attacks during the 1990s and 2000s.
- Joe DeLamielleure – As the lead blocker for the “Electric Company” offensive line in Buffalo, this Hall of Fame guard famously paved the way for O.J. Simpson‘s 2,000-yard season. He earned six Pro Bowl nods and was the centerpiece of the Bills’ dominant rushing identity throughout the 1970s.
- Kevin Mawae – A Hall of Fame center known for his rare athleticism and mobility, Mawae anchored lines for the Seahawks, Jets, and Titans over 16 seasons. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls and earned three first-team All-Pro honors, effectively redefining the role of the pulling center.
- L.C. Greenwood – A vital member of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense, Greenwood was a six-time Pro Bowler known for his signature gold shoes and relentless pass rush. He finished his career with four Super Bowl rings and was named to the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team.
- Russ Grimm – A founding member of the Washington Redskins’ “Hogs” offensive line, Grimm was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champion. His gritty, physical style at guard earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and solidified the Redskins’ 1980s dynasty.
- Herbert Scott – A three-time Pro Bowler for the Dallas Cowboys, Scott was a dominant force at guard during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He earned two first-team All-Pro selections and was instrumental in the Cowboys’ sustained offensive success during the legendary Tom Landry era.
- Kris Dielman – An undrafted success story, Dielman developed into a four-time Pro Bowl guard for the San Diego Chargers. He was widely respected as one of the most physical and aggressive interior blockers of his era, consistently clearing paths for LaDainian Tomlinson.
- Gale Gillingham – A five-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion under Vince Lombardi, Gillingham was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line. His elite power and technique earned him two first-team All-Pro nods and a spot in the Packers Hall of Fame.
- Mike Wahle – A dependable and powerful guard for the Packers and Panthers, Wahle earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for his exceptional pass protection and run blocking. He served as a key veteran leader on some of the most productive offensive units of the early 2000s.
- John Ayers – A versatile and rugged offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers, Ayers was a starter on the first two Super Bowl-winning teams of the Bill Walsh era. His reliability at both guard and tackle helped anchor the formative years of the 49ers’ West Coast offense dynasty.
More Jersey 68 NFL Top Players
- R.C. Thielemann
- Rubin Carter
- Jim Osborne
- Greg Koch
- Robert Jackson
- Zane Beadles
- Doug Free
- Alex Sandusky
- Dennis Harrison
- Kyle Turley
- Kelvin Beachum
- Leroy Jones
- Matt Slauson
- Jared Veldheer
- Terry Stieve
- Andrew Norwell
- Justin Britt
- Howard Mudd
- Bruce Wilkerson
- Richie Incognito
Conclusion
The legacy of the 68 jersey number in football is one of unmatched physical dominance and iron-willed consistency. The players with number 68 discussed here—from the legendary Joe DeLamielleure to modern stalwarts—did more than just fill a spot on the depth chart; they provided the protection and the push that fueled some of the greatest offenses in league history. As we honor the Hall of Fame careers of Shields, Grimm, and Greenwood, it is clear that the NFL number 68 will forever symbolize the strength and mastery required to win in the trenches. These legends ensured that the 64 and 68 jerseys remain the gold standard for offensive and defensive line excellence.
