By Darin Hayes 
Sweet 34: Unpacking the Legacy of the NFL’s Most Dominant Running Backs! 🏈
Looking for the greatest players ever to grace the gridiron? When it comes to the number 34, you’re talking about a select group of legends who didn’t just play the game—they redefined the running back position. This iconic jersey has been worn by some of the most unstoppable forces in NFL history, including two of the league’s all-time leading rushers and a Hall of Famer who broke the color barrier. Dive in as we celebrate the power, speed, and unforgettable careers of the elite few who made the number 34 synonymous with unbreakable toughness and record-shattering dominance!
Who Are the Best Players Who Wore the Jersey 34 in the NFL?
- Walter Payton: Widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs ever, “Sweetness” retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and was the dominant force behind the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX victory and a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Earl Campbell: A Pro Football Hall of Famer and the powerful 1979 NFL MVP, “The Tyler Rose” was a five-time Pro Bowler who led the league in rushing in his first three seasons with the Houston Oilers.
- Joe Perry: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, “The Jet” was the first running back to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and played a key role in the San Francisco 49ers’ “Million Dollar Backfield.”
- Thurman Thomas: A Pro Football Hall of Famer and 1991 NFL MVP, he was the versatile centerpiece of the Buffalo Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, becoming the first player to record 15,000 scrimmage yards in his first 11 seasons.
- Ricky Williams: A powerful, unconventional running back, he was the 2002 NFL rushing champion with the Miami Dolphins and finished his career with over 10,000 scrimmage yards.
- Cookie Gilchrist: A dominant fullback in the American Football League (AFL), he was a four-time AFL All-Star and the 1962 AFL MVP, becoming the league’s first 1,000-yard rusher.
- Ray Buchanan: A defensive back known for his longevity and playmaking, he was a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback and started for the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII.
- Herschel Walker: An all-purpose back known for his athletic ability, he was a two-time Pro Bowler whose trade from the Dallas Cowboys to the Minnesota Vikings fundamentally reshaped the Cowboys dynasty through the acquired draft picks.
- Rickey Young: A durable running back for the Minnesota Vikings and other teams, he was a reliable runner and receiver who made the 1978 Pro Bowl after leading the league in receptions.
- Craig Heyward: Known as “Ironhead” for his powerful running style, the fullback spent 11 seasons in the NFL and was selected to the 1995 Pro Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Franco Harris: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, he was the star running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dynasty, winning four Super Bowls and creating the legendary “Immaculate Reception” play. He wore 34 in the swansong of his career in Seattle.
- Don Chandler: A versatile kicker and punter, he won two NFL Championships with the New York Giants and two Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi, leading the NFL in scoring twice.
- Cornell Green: Originally drafted as a running back, he became a star defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, earning five Pro Bowl selections and playing in two Super Bowls, including the win in Super Bowl VI.
- Andy Russell: A hard-hitting outside linebacker, he was the defensive leader for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ early Super Bowl dynasty, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and winning three Super Bowls with the team.
More great Number 34s in NFL History
- Greg Pruitt
- Tyrone Braxton
- Dale Carter
- DeAngelo Williams
- Louis Breeden
- Bill Koman
- Cedric Brown
- Ray Brown
- Mike McKenzie
- Les Josephson
- Lloyd Burruss
- Gus Otto
- Kevin Mack
- Chuck Shonta
- Mike Howell
- Edgar Bennett
- Johnny Hector
- Tony Galbreath
- Jim Braxton
- Prentice McCray
- Walter Abercrombie
- LaMont Jordan
- Elvis Patterson
- Terry Hoage
- Tebucky Jones
- Rashard Mendenhall
- Kevin Jones
Conclusion
From the trailblazing power of Joe Perry to the timeless elegance of Walter Payton and the gritty, versatile brilliance of Thurman Thomas, the history of the number 34 is a monument to rushing excellence. This jersey represents not just individual achievement, but a relentless, hard-nosed style of football that captivated generations. Though many stars have worn it across different eras and positions, the common thread is clear: the players who donned the number 34 were, and remain, some of the most dominant and iconic forces to ever play the game.
Want more lists of greats of each jersey number? Check out NFL Jersey 33.