By Darin Hayes 
The Legacy of 32: Unpacking the Greatest NFL Players to Wear the Iconic Jersey Number
Few jersey numbers in NFL history carry the weight and prestige of number 32. This isn’t just a number; it’s a symbol of rushing dominance, tireless effort, and gridiron greatness. From Canton-bound running backs who redefined the position to versatile defensive stars who locked down opponents, the men who donned number 32 weren’t just great—they were era-defining legends.
Get ready to dive deep into the careers of football royalty! We’re celebrating the unbreakable records and unforgettable moments delivered by players like O.J. Simpson, Jim Brown, and Marcus Allen. Discover why number 32 stands among the most hallowed digits in football lore and who deserves the title of the best Number 32 of all time.
List of Jersey 32 Legends
- Jim Brown: Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, Brown was a dominant fullback for the Cleveland Browns who led the league in rushing in eight of his nine seasons before his abrupt retirement, becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
- Marcus Allen: A versatile running back for the Raiders and Chiefs, Allen is a Super Bowl MVP, a former NFL MVP, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having excelled as both a runner and a receiver.
- Franco Harris: A legendary fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris was a key member of four Super Bowl-winning teams and is famous for the “Immaculate Reception,” earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- O.J. Simpson: A dynamic running back for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, Simpson was the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a 14-game season, won an NFL MVP, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Edgerrin James: A powerful and productive running back for the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals, James was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing champion who earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Red Badgro: A two-way star who played both end and defensive back for the New York Giants, Badgro was a key player in the early NFL, known for his receiving prowess, and was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s second induction class in 1963.
- Mike Curtis: A fierce middle linebacker for the Baltimore Colts, Curtis was a four-time Pro Bowler and the defensive leader of the Colts’ Super Bowl V championship team, making him a dominant figure in his era.
- Jack Tatum: Known as “The Assassin,” Tatum was a hard-hitting safety for the Oakland Raiders who defined the physical nature of the game in the 1970s and was a three-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl XI champion.
More Number 32 Significant Players
- Ottis Anderson
- Mel Phillips
- Jack Pardee
- Emerson Boozer
- Ricky Watters
- Eric Weddle
- Devin McCourty
- Maurice Jones-Drew
- James Wilder
- John Williams
- Walt Garrison
- Michael Pittman
- Tyrann Mathieu
- Curtis McClinton
- Dre’ Bly
- Jamal Anderson
- Rudi Johnson
- Michael Lewis
- Willie Clay
The Immortal Legacy of Number 32
The number 32 transcends mere mathematics; it represents a Hall of Fame tradition of relentless athleticism and unmatched productivity in the backfield. From the punishing, era-defining rushing of Jim Brown and the Super Bowl heroics of Marcus Allen and Franco Harris, to the record-shattering speed of O.J. Simpson and the consistently dominant yardage of Edgerrin James, the jersey has been worn by some of the most influential offensive players in NFL history. While other numbers boast great talent, few can match the sheer collective weight of championships, rushing titles, and MVP awards accumulated by the men who made number 32 truly immortal. It is, without question, one of the most storied and significant numbers in the NFL.