By Darin Hayes 
Hall of Famers and Rushing Royalty: Debating the Best to Wear NFL Jersey Number 28
The number 28 is synonymous with elite, game-changing talent, particularly at two of the most demanding positions in football. This jersey represents an extraordinary collection of Pro Football Hall of Famers, including the revolutionary running back Marshall Faulk—one of only three players in the 12,000 rushing/5,000 receiving yard club. Yet, the defense is represented by the “Ageless Wonder,” Darrell Green, the legendary cornerback who played 20 seasons. Add rushing greats Curtis Martin and Adrian Peterson to the mix, and the debate for who truly wore No. 28 best becomes impossible to ignore. Dive into the history of this iconic number!
Who Are the Top NFL Players Who Have Worn Jersey Number 28?
The following list provides verified, one-to-two sentence football career bios for players who have worn the number 28 (or were foundational players like Mike Michalske, who wore different numbers, including early versions of the number 28).
Jimmy Orr: A two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who played 13 seasons, he was named the 1958 AP NFL Rookie of the Year and won Super Bowl V with the Baltimore Colts.
Darrell Green: This Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback played an NFL-record 20 seasons for the Washington Redskins, won two Super Bowls, and holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with an interception (19).
Marshall Faulk: A Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and 2000 NFL MVP, he became the first player in NFL history to accumulate over 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards in a career.
Curtis Martin: This Pro Football Hall of Fame running back is one of only two players (with Barry Sanders) to begin their career with 10 consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, finishing his career as the NFL’s fourth all-time leading rusher.
Yale Lary: A Pro Football Hall of Fame safety, punter, and return specialist, he won three NFL Championships with the Detroit Lions and earned nine Pro Bowl selections despite missing two seasons for military service.
Adrian Peterson: The 2012 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, he holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game (296) and is considered one of the most dominant running backs in league history.
Chris Johnson: Known as “CJ2K,” this running back earned the 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award by setting an NFL single-season record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
Fred Taylor: A Pro Bowl running back and member of the 10,000-yard rushing club, he holds the Jacksonville Jaguars’ franchise rushing records and retired with a career average of 4.6 yards per carry.
Corey Dillon: A four-time Pro Bowl running back, he set a then-NFL record with 278 rushing yards in a 2000 game for the Bengals and later won Super Bowl XXXIX with the New England Patriots.
Willie Buchanon: The 1972 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, this two-time Pro Bowl cornerback tied the NFL single-game record with four interceptions in 1978 and played on the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Team.
Darren Woodson: A five-time Pro Bowl safety and three-time Super Bowl champion for the Dallas Cowboys, he retired as the franchise’s all-time leading tackler.
Warrick Dunn: A three-time Pro Bowl running back and 2005 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, he won the 1997 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and was known for his community work.
Mike Michalske: A Pro Football Hall of Fame guard and one of the NFL’s first great pulling guards, he was a key anchor on the Green Bay Packers’ three consecutive NFL Championship teams from 1929–1931.
Abner Haynes: The AFL’s first Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in 1960 for the Dallas Texans, he led the AFL in rushing and was named to the All-Time All-AFL second team.
Gene Atkins: A solid safety who played 10 NFL seasons for the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1987 and finished his career with 25 interceptions.
More Iconic Wearers of NFL Jersey 28
- Cris Dishman
- Curt Warner
- Bill Bradley
- Ahmad Rashad
- James Hunter
- Jonathan Stewart
- Thomas Smith
- Clarence Davis
- Ben Davis
- Mike Weger
- Monte Jackson
- Darrol Ray
- Beasley Reece
- Clendon Thomas
- Ron Bolton
- Harold Green
- James White
- Miles Killebrew
- Thomas DeCoud
- Gibril Wilson
- Melvin Gordon
Conclusion
The number 28 is an indisputable symbol of speed, versatility, and sheer rushing excellence in the NFL. Its unparalleled legacy rests on the shoulders of four different Hall of Famers: the revolutionary, dual-threat genius Marshall Faulk; the relentless, durable workhorse Curtis Martin; the ageless, blazing fast cornerback Darrell Green; and the foundational safety/punter Yale Lary. Add modern rushing titans like Adrian Peterson to the list, and it becomes clear that No. 28 represents not just individual brilliance, but a commitment to setting and breaking offensive and defensive records. This jersey is truly one of the most elite in the history of the game.