By Darin The Titans of 72: Ranking the NFL’s Greatest Interior Anchors
In the violent chess match of the NFL trenches, jersey number 72 has long been the uniform of the reliable anchor. While flashier numbers might grab the highlight reels, the number 72 is synonymous with the technical perfection of Hall of Fame tackles and the destructive force of legendary pass rushers. From the defensive innovations of Bill George to the blindside protection of Dan Dierdorf and the towering presence of Ed “Too Tall” Jones, the athletes who donned this number were often the deciding factor between a championship run and a season in the cellar. Join us as we count down the ten most iconic players to ever wear jersey number 72—the men who owned the line of scrimmage.
Football Bio: The Legends of 72
- Dan Dierdorf (OT): A legendary technician for the St. Louis Cardinals, Dierdorf went two consecutive seasons without allowing a single sack and was a six-time Pro Bowler.
- Bill George (LB/MG): A defensive pioneer for the Chicago Bears, George is credited with inventing the middle linebacker position and was an eight-time First-team All-Pro selection.
- Henry Jordan (DT): The quick-footed engine of Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, Jordan was a cornerstone of five NFL championship teams and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Ed “Too Tall” Jones (DE): Standing a massive 6’9″, Jones was a foundational piece of the Dallas Cowboys’ “Doomsday Defense” who played 15 seasons and won Super Bowl XII.
- Matt Light (OT): A vital protector for Tom Brady’s blindside, Light was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a three-time Pro Bowler during the height of the Patriots’ dynasty.
- Bob Vogel (OT): An elite pass protector for the Baltimore Colts, Vogel earned five Pro Bowl nods while shielding Johnny Unitas during some of the franchise’s most iconic years.
- Don Mosebar (C/OT): A versatile and durable leader for the Raiders, Mosebar was a three-time Pro Bowler who anchored the offensive line for over a decade.
- Lincoln Kennedy (OT): An imposing force on the right side, Kennedy was a three-time Pro Bowler who helped lead the Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl appearance in 2002.
- Travis Frederick (C): Widely regarded as the premier center of his era, Frederick was a five-time Pro Bowler whose intelligence and strength served as the heartbeat of the Cowboys’ offensive line.
- Jerry Sherk (DT): The 1976 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Sherk was a dominant interior pass rusher for the Cleveland Browns who recorded four Pro Bowl selections.
More Top Players Who Wore NFL Jersey 72
- Brad Hopkins
- Joe Nash
- Diron Talbert
- Tra Thomas
- Larry Eisenhauer
- Dexter Manley
- Kent Hill
- Ron McDole
- Eric Fisher
- Jim Dombrowski
- Doug Riesenberg
- Chidi Ahanotu
- Dave Lutz
- Floyd Peters
- Osi Umenyiora
- Leon Searcy
- Paul Rochester
- Wayne Gandy
- Howard Fest
- Ken Jones
- Terron Armstead
- Roman Oben
- David Alexander
- Gerry Mullins
- Joe Rutgens
- Vernon Carey
- Fred Cook
- Chris Ward
- Jim Cadile
Conclusion
The history of jersey number 72 is a testament to the grit and technical mastery required to survive in the NFL. These ten legends represent the very best of professional football’s “engine room,” from the early defensive brilliance of Bill George to the modern-day stability provided by Travis Frederick and Matt Light. Whether they were disrupting backfields or ensuring their quarterback stayed upright, the members of the “72 Club” left an indelible mark on the game’s history. They proved that while the stars might score the points, the champions are built with the strength of the number 72.
Big thanks to the Pro-Football-Reference website, ProFootballHOF.com, and Newspapers.com.
