By Darin Hayes 
Who is the G.O.A.T. to Wear No. 13? Unpacking the History of an Iconic NFL Jersey
The number 13 jersey carries a storied, yet often overlooked, legacy in NFL history. Far from being unlucky, this number has been worn by some of the most electric, game-changing talents ever to grace the gridiron. While fans debate the top quarterbacks wearing No. 12, the conversation for number 13 is fiercely contested by elite receivers and legendary figures.
The debate starts with Hall of Famer Don Maynard, one of the sport’s top ends. It also includes “The Golden Boy,” Dan Marino, a record-smashing quarterback who redefined the passing game without ever needing a rushing threat. More recently, the torch was carried by modern legends like Kurt Warner, the improbable grocery-store worker-turned-MVP, and the polarizing yet dominant receiver Odell Beckham Jr., known for his gravity-defying catches. Discover who stands at the top of this exclusive list of NFL legends and find out why the number 13 truly is a mark of gridiron greatness.
List of significant players who wore the NFL Jersey 13
- Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins): One of the most prolific pure passers in history, he was the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season (1984) and held nearly every major passing record upon his retirement.
- Kurt Warner (St. Louis Rams / New York Giants / Arizona Cardinals): He is the only player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame to win the NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and an NFL Championship after starting his career in the Arena Football League.
- Odell Beckham Jr. (New York Giants / Cleveland Browns / Los Angeles Rams / Baltimore Ravens / Miami Dolphins): A dynamic playmaker, he holds the NFL record for the fastest player to reach both 4,000 and 5,000 career receiving yards.
- Don Maynard (Giants, NY Titans, Cardinals)
- Ken Riley – Cincinnati Bengals Hall of Fame Defensive back from 1969-1983.
- Guy Chamberlin (Canton Bulldogs (1924), Frankford Yellow Jackets (1925-26), Chicago Cardinals (1927)
- Pete Henry (Canton Bulldogs 1926)
- T.Y. Hilton
- Frank Ryan
- Mike Evans
- Keenan Allen
- Michael Thomas
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Dave Jennings
- Jay Schroeder
- Steve Johnson
- Steve Bono
- Kendall Wright
- Chris Jacke
- Mike Vanderjagt
- Kelvin Benjamin
- Chester Marcol
- Steve Tensi
- Johnny Knox
- Nate Burleson
- Michael Gallup
- Nelson Agholor
- Christian Kirk
- Lance Rentzel
- Danny Kanell
- Trevor Siemian
- Tom Wittum
- Tim Rattay
- Chris Givens
A Legacy Beyond Unlucky: The Enduring Power of the No. 13
The number 13 is anything but unlucky when it comes to NFL history. From the moment Don Maynard revolutionized the passing game to the high-flying spectacles delivered by modern receivers like Odell Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans, this jersey has been the uniform of innovators and record-breakers. The No. 13 club is home to some of the game’s greatest individual achievements, boasting a list that includes two-time MVP Kurt Warner.
Above all, the number is defined by the unmatched arm of Dan Marino, who spent his entire career under center wearing 13 and forever cemented the number’s place among the elite. When you see this jersey on the field today, it is a direct nod to a legacy of NFL legends who defied superstition and elevated the art of receiving and passing to spectacular heights. The debate over who is truly the greatest No. 13 will continue, but the jersey’s powerful history is undeniable.