By Darin Hayes 
The Only Retired 39: Why This Jersey is a Symbol of Unbreakable Power! 💥🏈
Did you know that Larry Csonka’s number 39 is one of only three numbers the Miami Dolphins have retired, alongside Bob Griese’s 12 and Dan Marino’s 13? That fact alone tells you this jersey is reserved for legends! From the Hall of Fame fullback who dominated in the Dolphins’ “Perfect Season” to the modern defensive backs and explosive runners who wore it with distinction, the number 39 has consistently been the uniform of powerful, game-defining players. Dive into the history of this underrated number and discover the Pro Bowlers and champions who made it their own!! 💥🏈
Who Are the Top NFL Players Who Wore Jersey 39?
Here are one or two-sentence descriptions of the NFL careers and accomplishments of the requested players:
- 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.
- Hugh McElhenny: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, “The King” was one of football’s most elusive and versatile runners, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team.
- Larry Csonka: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, this punishing fullback was the star of the Miami Dolphins’ dynasty, winning two Super Bowls (including the “Perfect Season”) and earning Super Bowl VIII MVP honors.
- Steven Jackson: A powerful and durable running back, he holds the St. Louis Rams/Los Angeles Rams franchise rushing record and earned three Pro Bowl selections during his 12-year NFL career.
- Kermit Alexander: A versatile defensive back who played cornerback and safety, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and a first-round draft pick for the San Francisco 49ers.
- Ray Crockett: A durable cornerback, he was a key defensive back on the Denver Broncos teams that won back-to-back Super Bowls (XXXII and XXXIII) and compiled 36 career interceptions.
- Darren Perry: A smart and reliable free safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a key leader on the defense that reached Super Bowl XXX and recorded 32 career interceptions.
- Mike Prior: A defensive back and reliable special teams player, he was a member of the Green Bay Packers team that won Super Bowl XXXI.
- Sam Cunningham: A Pro Bowl running back for the New England Patriots, he was the team’s first-ever Pro Bowl running back and holds the Patriots’ franchise record for career rushing touchdowns.
- Willie Parker: An explosive running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he won two Super Bowls and holds the record for the longest run in Super Bowl history (75 yards), earning two Pro Bowl selections.
- Carl Lee: A lockdown cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, he was a defensive stalwart who earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1987 to 1989.
- Brandon Carr: A durable cornerback known for his streak of never missing a game, he played 13 NFL seasons and won Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
More Significant NFL Number 39s
- Brett Maxie
- Leonard Thompson
- Harry Hamilton
- Jim Hill
- Tashaun Gipson
- Johnny Johnson
- Bobby Walden
- Eddie Jackson
- Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Willie Hall
- Robert Delpino
- Brandon Browner
- Laurence Maroney
- George Blair
- Jeremy Lincoln
- Husain Abdullah
- Charles Dimry
- Cid Edwards
- Darrell Thompson
- Jamal Agnew
- Lenny Dunlap
- Terrance Mitchell
Conclusion
From the punishing, Hall of Fame running of Larry Csonka—whose number 39 is retired by the Miami Dolphins—to the explosive, record-breaking speed of Willie Parker, jersey number 39 represents a compelling blend of power and playmaking. This number has been worn by running backs who defined offensive eras and defensive backs who provided championship stability. The legacy of No. 39, cemented by its small, but mighty group of greats like Hugh McElhenny and Steven Jackson, ensures its place as a symbol of tough, high-impact football in the NFL history books.