By Darin Hayes 
From Hall of Fame Quarterback to Rushing Champ: Why Number 38 is a Hidden Gem of NFL History! 💎🏈
Did you know that jersey number 38 was worn by Pro Football Hall of Famer Arnie Herber, who is often considered one of the NFL’s first great passing quarterbacks, leading the Green Bay Packers to four championships in the pre-Super Bowl era? That surprising versatility defines this jersey! From Herber’s pioneering play to powerful runners like George Rogers—the 1981 Offensive Rookie of the Year and rushing champion—the number 38 has been a home for players who quietly delivered elite, game-changing performances. Dive in to explore the unsung heroes and statistical leaders who made the number 38 a symbol of consistent, high-impact excellence!
Who Are the Top NFL Players Who Wore Jersey 38?
Here are one or two-sentence descriptions of the NFL careers and accomplishments of the requested players:
- Arnie Herber: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, he was one of the NFL’s first great passers, leading the Green Bay Packers to four NFL Championships and leading the league in passing three times.
- Cal Hubbard: A Charter Pro Football Hall of Fame member, this dominant two-way tackle/end was the only person ever inducted into both the Pro Football and Baseball Halls of Fame (as an umpire), winning four NFL Championships.
- Mark Kelso: A safety for the Buffalo Bills, he was a key defensive back on the teams that reached four consecutive Super Bowls and was known for wearing an oversized “Pro Cap” to prevent concussions.
- George Rogers: The 1980 Heisman Trophy winner and 1981 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, this powerful running back led the league in rushing his rookie season and won Super Bowl XXII with Washington.
- Tramon Williams: An accomplished cornerback, he transitioned from an undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl player, winning Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers and becoming a respected defensive leader.
- Eugene Daniel: A durable cornerback who played 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Colts, he compiled 38 career interceptions and once tied for the AFC lead in interceptions in 1985.
- Bob Tucker: A reliable tight end for the New York Giants and Vikings, he was the first tight end in NFL history to lead the league in receptions in 1971.
- Sam Baker: A first-round pick for the Atlanta Falcons, this offensive tackle played seven seasons but had his career cut short by injuries, including a torn patellar tendon in 2013.
- Dashon Goldson: A hard-hitting safety, he earned two Pro Bowl selections and was named First-team All-Pro in 2012 during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.
- Mike Anderson: The 2000 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, this power running back for the Denver Broncos achieved two 1,000-yard rushing seasons, including a rookie year total of 1,487 yards.
- Roland James: A first-round safety for the New England Patriots, he played 11 seasons and was instrumental in the team’s run to Super Bowl XX, known for a three-interception quarter against the Bills in 1983.
- Tyrone Poole: A cornerback who played 14 seasons, he was a first-round pick who went on to win two consecutive Super Bowls (XXXVIII and XXXIX) with the New England Patriots.
More Significant Player Who Wore NFL Jersey 38
- Danieal Manning
- Kimble Anders
- Bill Triplett
- Antonio Langham
- Larry Smith
- Wendell Hayes
- Lee Nelson
- Todd Scott
- Ron Parker
- Jacque MacKinnon
- Rick Byas
- Jeff Heath
- Calvin Jackson
- Clarence Harmon
- Ed Taylor
- Adrian Amos
- T.J. Carrie
- Mack Strong
- Ed Bradley
- Andre Ellington
- Tony Baker
Conclusion
From the four-time championship heroics of pioneer quarterback Arnie Herber to the Heisman-winning power of George Rogers, jersey number 38 tells a story of unexpected greatness across generations. While it may not feature the same density of Hall of Famers as other iconic numbers, it has consistently been worn by players who profoundly impacted their eras, excelling as both dominant rushers and reliable defensive backs. The legacy of No. 38 proves that true significance in the NFL is measured not just by fame, but by consistent, versatile, and high-impact play that helps teams win championships.