By Darin The Anchors of Greatness: Ranking the NFL’s Greatest Number 75s
If jersey number 78 represents authority in the trenches, jersey number 75 represents the sheer, unbridled force that defines championship legacies. This number has been worn by the “Meanest” defenders and the most technically sound protectors in the history of the gridiron. From the man who literally invented the word “sack” to the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain, the athletes who donned the 75 jersey were more than just linemen—they were the physical manifestations of their teams’ will to win. Join us in the Canvas as we break down the careers of ten legends who made number 75 synonymous with Hall of Fame dominance.
Football Bio: The Legends of 75
- Deacon Jones (DE): The “Secretary of Defense” and inventor of the term “sack,” Jones was the most feared member of the Fearsome Foursome and a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
- Joe Greene (DT): Better known as “Mean Joe,” he was the foundational piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain defense and a four-time Super Bowl champion who redefined defensive tackle play.
- Gino Marchetti (DE): Before switching to 89, Marchetti wore 75 early in his career and for the Dallas Texans; he was a nine-time First-team All-Pro considered the premier pass rusher of the 1950s.
- Howie Long (DE): A versatile and explosive force for the Raiders, Long earned eight Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl XVIII ring while mastering nearly every position along the defensive line.
- Winston Hill (OT): The legendary left tackle for the New York Jets, Hill was a four-time All-Pro who famously provided the blindside protection for Joe Namath during the historic Super Bowl III upset.
- Forrest Gregg (OT/G): Described by Vince Lombardi as the “finest player I ever coached,” Gregg was a nine-time All-Pro who anchored the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line during their five-title dynasty.
- Jonathan Ogden (OT): The first-ever draft pick in Baltimore Ravens history, Ogden was a massive 11-time Pro Bowler known for his near-perfect pass-blocking technique and 2002 Super Bowl victory.
- Manny Fernandez (DT): The unsung hero of the Miami Dolphins’ 17-0 “Perfect Season,” Fernandez delivered a legendary 17-tackle performance in Super Bowl VII that remains a benchmark for interior defensive play.
- Jethro Pugh (DT): A 14-year mainstay of the Dallas Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense,” Pugh was a massive interior presence who helped the franchise secure two Super Bowl championships.
- Chris Hinton (OT/G): A seven-time Pro Bowler, Hinton was an elite and versatile blocker who achieved the rare feat of being named All-Pro at both offensive tackle and guard during his 13-year career.
More Jersey 75 NFL legends
- Lomas Brown
- Vince Wilfork
- Jerry Mays
- George Kunz
- Keith Hamilton
- Chris Hinton
- Howard Ballard
- Stan Walters
- Jim Katcavage
- Ernie Wright
- George Martin
- John Williams
- Rulon Jones
- Joe Phillips
- Doug Betters
- Benji Olson
- Bryan Bulaga
- Ken Ruettgers
- Todd Perry
- Dave Pureifory
- Forrest Blue
- Tony Casillas
- John Gordy
- Keith Millard
- Irv Pankey
- Irv Eatman
- Don Floyd
- Jeff Merrow
- Bob Rowe
Conclusion
The history of jersey number 75 is a chronicle of the NFL’s most intimidating “big men.” It is a number that strikes fear into the hearts of quarterbacks and commands respect from every offensive coordinator who ever had to scheme against it. Whether it was the relentless pursuit of Deacon Jones or the championship-caliber protection provided by Forrest Gregg and Jonathan Ogden, these legends ensured that the number 75 would always represent the gold standard of grit, power, and professional immortality.
