Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 21

Prime Time vs. L.T.: Who Is the Best to Ever Wear No. 21?

The number 21 isn’t just a jersey; it’s a symbol of electrifying playmaking dominance in NFL history. This iconic number has been worn by some of the most dynamic, versatile, and talented players ever to grace the gridiron, often representing a true “triple-threat” talent—excelling in running, covering, and scoring.

From the lockdown coverage and flair of “Prime Time” Deion Sanders to the relentless, record-shattering scoring of running back LaDainian Tomlinson, No. 21 is reserved for legends. We break down the careers of these two Hall of Fame titans, along with other greats like defensive stalwart Charles Woodson and four-time All-Pro receiver Cliff Branch, to determine who truly wore it best and cemented No. 21 as one of the most celebrated numbers in the NFL.

List of Top NFL Number 21s

The following list provides verified, one-to-two sentence football career bios for players who have worn the number 21:

Deion Sanders

A Pro Football Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion, “Prime Time” is widely considered the greatest man-to-man cover cornerback in NFL history and set a career record for non-offensive touchdowns (19) upon his retirement.

After a standout collegiate career at Florida State, Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders played 14 NFL seasons for the Atlanta Falcons (1989–1993), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Dallas Cowboys (1995–1999), Washington Redskins (2000), and Baltimore Ravens (2004–2005). His milestone-filled career includes two Super Bowl championships, eight Pro Bowl selections, and winning the 1994 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Sanders famously wore jersey number 21 from 1989 through 2000, before switching to number 37 for his final comeback with the Ravens. [NFL.com]

Charles Woodson

The only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, he later became the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, won a Super Bowl with the Packers, and retired tied for fifth all-time with 65 career interceptions.

After an iconic collegiate career at the University of Michigan, Charles Woodson cemented his legacy on the professional gridiron with the Oakland Raiders (1998–2005; 2013–2015) and the Green Bay Packers (2006–2012). He donned jersey number 21 exclusively during his seven seasons in Green Bay (2006–2012), having worn number 24 during both of his stints in Oakland. That Packers era became a pivotal chapter in his gridiron lore, as he captured the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, won Super Bowl XLV, and built a historic resume that culminated in a 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. [Raiders.com]

LaDainian Tomlinson

A Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, he was the 2006 NFL MVP after setting single-season records for total touchdowns (31) and rushing touchdowns (28), finishing his career fifth on the all-time rushing yards list.

After an exceptional collegiate career at Texas Christian University (TCU), legendary running back LaDainian Tomlinson played in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers (2001–2009) and the New York Jets (2010–2011). He famously wore jersey number 21 during every season of his professional career from 2001 through 2011. His defining career milestones include being named the 2006 NFL MVP, setting the historic single-season record for total touchdowns with 31, and being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. [ProFootballHOF.com]

Jim Thorpe

Considered one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century, the two-time Olympic gold medalist was the inaugural president of the American Professional Football Association (which became the NFL) and a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Back / Halfback / Running Back – Canton Bulldogs (1915–1917, 1919–1920), Cleveland Indians / Tigers (1921), Oorang Indians (1922–1923), Rock Island Independents (1924, 1925), New York Giants (1925), Tampa Cardinals (1926), Canton Bulldogs (1926), and Chicago Cardinals (1928) – Selected as a First-team All-Pro 1 time (1923; also named to the NFL 1920s All-Decade Team) – Wore the number 21 jersey during the 1925 season (with the New York Giants).

Frank Gore

Known for his incredible durability, he is the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher and a five-time Pro Bowl selection who played 16 seasons, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers.

Running Back – San Francisco 49ers (2005–2014), Indianapolis Colts (2015–2017), Miami Dolphins (2018), Buffalo Bills (2019), and New York Jets (2020) – Selected to 5 Pro Bowls (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012) and selected as a Second-team All-Pro 1 time (2006) – Wore the number 21 jersey during the 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 seasons (with the 49ers) and the 2018 season (with the Dolphins) and the 2020 season (with the Jets). [StatMuse]

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Eric Allen

A six-time Pro Bowl cornerback, he retired tied for third in NFL history with eight career interception returns for touchdowns and was named UPI’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

Cornerback – Philadelphia Eagles (1988–1994), New Orleans Saints (1995–1997), Oakland Raiders (1998–2001) – 1-time First-team All-Pro, 2-time Second-team All-Pro, 6-time Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 for the Philadelphia Eagles (1988–1994), New Orleans Saints (1995–1997), and Oakland Raiders (1998–2001) (his entire NFL career)

Cliff Branch

A speedy wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a critical part of three Super Bowl championship teams, leading the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns in 1974.

Wide Receiver – Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1972–1985) – 3-time First-team All-Pro, 4-time Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1972–1985) (his entire NFL career).

Eddie Meador

A Los Angeles Rams defensive back who played 12 seasons, he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time First-team All-Pro, and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s.

Defensive Back / Safety – Los Angeles Rams (1959–1970) – 2-time First-team All-Pro, 3-time Second-team All-Pro, 6-time Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 for the Los Angeles Rams (1959–1970) (his entire NFL career).

John Hadl

A six-time Pro Bowl quarterback who spent most of his career with the Chargers, he was the 1965 AFL Player of the Year and was named the 1973 UPI NFC Player of the Year while with the Rams.

Quarterback / Punter – San Diego Chargers (1962–1972), Los Angeles Rams (1973–1974), Green Bay Packers (1974–1975), Houston Oilers (1976–1977) – 1-time First-team All-Pro, 2-time Second-team All-AFL, 6-time Pro Bowl/AFL All-Star selections – Wore number 21 for the San Diego Chargers (1962–1972), Los Angeles Rams (1973–1974), Green Bay Packers (1974–1975), and Houston Oilers (1976–1977) (his entire NFL/AFL career).

Danny Fortmann

A Hall of Fame guard for the Chicago Bears, he was a six-time First-team All-Pro and a central figure on the 1930s Bears powerhouse teams.

Guard / Linebacker – Chicago Bears (1936–1943) – 8 All-Pro selections (6 First-team, 2 Second-team) (Note: Earned 3 selections as an NFL All-Star/precursor honor) – Wore number 21 during the 1936–1943 seasons.

Benny Friedman

A College and Pro Football Hall of Famer, he was one of the NFL’s first great passers, leading the league in passing touchdowns four times between 1927 and 1930.

Quarterback – Cleveland Bulldogs (1927), Detroit Wolverines (1928), New York Giants (1929–1931), Brooklyn Dodgers (1932–1934) – 4 First-team All-Pro selections – Wore number 21 during the 1929–1934 seasons. Tiki Barber – Running Back – New York Giants (1997–2006) – 4 selections total (1 First-team All-Pro, 3 Pro Bowls) – Wore number 21 during the 1997–2006 seasons.

Tiki Barber

A three-time Pro Bowl running back for the New York Giants, he finished his career as the franchise’s all-time leader in rushing yards (10,449) and all-purpose yards (15,649).

Running Back – New York Giants (1997–2006) – 1-time First-team All-Pro and 3-time Pro Bowl selection – Wore the number 21 jersey from 1997 to 2006.

Patrick Peterson

An eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, he was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and is regarded as one of the best lockdown corners of his era.

Cornerback – Arizona Cardinals (2011–2020), Minnesota Vikings (2021–2022), Pittsburgh Steelers (2023) – 11 selections total (3 First-team All-Pro, 8 Pro Bowls) – Wore number 21 during the 2011–2022 seasons (switched to 20 with Pittsburgh).

Rick Volk

A three-time Pro Bowl safety for the Baltimore Colts, he was a key defensive back in their Super Bowl V victory and was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor.

Safety – Baltimore Colts (1967–1975), New York Giants (1976), Miami Dolphins (1977–1978) – 4 selections total (1 First-team All-Pro, 3 Pro Bowls) (Plus 2 additional All-Pro honors) – Wore number 21 during the 1967–1975 and 1977–1978 seasons.

James Brooks

A four-time Pro Bowl running back, he spent the majority of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals and was a versatile threat who finished his career with over 13,000 all-purpose yards.

Running Back – San Diego Chargers (1981–1983), Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1991), Cleveland Browns (1992), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992) – 4 Pro Bowl selections – Wore number 21 during the 1981–1983 seasons with San Diego.

Chuck Cherundolo

A two-time NFL All-Star center and linebacker for the Steelers, Rams, and Eagles in the 1930s and 1940s, he was later named to the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team.

Center / Linebacker – Cleveland Rams (1937–1939), Philadelphia Eagles (1940), Pittsburgh Steelers (1941–1948) – 3 selections total (1 Second-team All-Pro, 2 Pro Bowls) – Wore number 21 during the 1937–1942 and 1945–1948 seasons.

Pete Tinsley

(Information is scarce and requires further verification to confidently establish a football career bio for a player named Pete Tinsley wearing number 21 in a major American league.)

Guard – Green Bay Packers (1938–1945) – 2 selections total (1 Second-team All-Pro, 1 Pro Bowl) – Wore number 21 during the 1938–1945 seasons.

Nolan Cromwell

A four-time Pro Bowl safety for the Los Angeles Rams, he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team and held the Rams’ franchise record for career interception return yards upon retirement.

Safety – Los Angeles Rams (1977–1987) – 4 Pro Bowl selections (and 3 First-Team All-Pro selections) – Wore number 21 throughout his entire NFL career (1977–1987).

Chris McAlister

A three-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, he was a Super Bowl XXXV champion and once held the NFL record for the longest play by returning a missed field goal 107 yards for a touchdown.

Cornerback – Baltimore Ravens (1999–2008), New Orleans Saints (2009) – 3 Pro Bowl selections (and 2 All-Pro honors) – Wore number 21 during the 1999 through 2008 seasons with Baltimore (switched to other numbers later in his career).

Eric Metcalf

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the league’s most dangerous return specialists, he was named First-team All-Pro twice and led the NFL in kickoff return yards in 1990.

Running Back / Wide Receiver / Return Specialist – Cleveland Browns (1989–1994), Atlanta Falcons (1995–1996), San Diego Chargers (1997), Arizona Cardinals (1998), Carolina Panthers (1999), Washington Redskins (2001), Green Bay Packers (2002) – 3 Pro Bowl selections (and 2 First-Team All-Pro selections) – Wore number 21 primarily with Cleveland and Atlanta spanning the 1989 through 1996 seasons.

Donnell Woolford

A Pro Bowl cornerback for the Chicago Bears, he was a 1988 Consensus All-American at Clemson and retired with 36 career NFL interceptions.

Cornerback – Chicago Bears (1989–1997), Pittsburgh Steelers (1997–1998), Carolina Panthers (1998–1999) – 1 Pro Bowl selection and 1 All-Pro selection – Wore number 21 throughout the majority of his career, including his years with Chicago and Pittsburgh (1989–1998).

Jim Kiick

A two-time Super Bowl champion running back for the Miami Dolphins, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and part of the famous “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” backfield with Larry Csonka.

Running Back – Miami Dolphins (1968–1974; note: played in AFL 1968–1969, NFL 1970–1974), Denver Broncos (1976–1977), Washington Redskins (1977) – 2 AFL All-Star selections (equivalent to Pro Bowls during the AFL era) – Wore number 21 during his prime years with the Miami Dolphins (1968–1974).

Bobby Taylor

A Pro Bowl cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, he was a consensus All-American at Notre Dame and finished his 10-year NFL career with 19 interceptions.

Cornerback – Philadelphia Eagles (1995–2003), Seattle Seahawks (2004) – 1 Pro Bowl selection (and 1 All-Pro honor) – Wore number 21 throughout his 9-season tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles (1995–2003).

Eric Wright

A four-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers, he was a key member of four Super Bowl championship teams (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV).

Cornerback – San Francisco 49ers (1981–1990) – 2 Pro Bowl selections – Wore number 21 throughout his entire 10-year NFL career with the 49ers (1981–1990).

Earnest Byner

A two-time Pro Bowl running back, he played mostly with some very good Browns teams, but he won a Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins (XXVI) and retired with over 8,000 career rushing yards.

Running Back / Fullback – Cleveland Browns (1984–1988, 1994–1995), Washington Redskins (1989–1993), Baltimore Ravens (1996–1997) – 2 Pro Bowl selections (and 1 Second-Team All-Pro selection) – Wore number 21 during his tenure with the Washington Redskins (1989–1993).

Victor Green

A tough safety who played most of his career for the New York Jets, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and recorded 24 career interceptions.

Safety – New York Jets (1993–2001, 2006), New England Patriots (2002), New Orleans Saints (2003) – 0 Pro Bowls or All-Pro selections (though recognized on the Jets All-Time Four Decades Team) – Wore number 21 during his initial 9-year run with the New York Jets (1993–2001).

Nnamdi Asomugha

A three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, he was named First-team All-Pro twice and became one of the NFL’s premier lockdown corners during his time with the Oakland Raiders.

Cornerback – Oakland Raiders (2003–2010), Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2012), San Francisco 49ers (2013) – 4 selections (3 Pro Bowls, 1st-team All-Pro twice) – Wore number 21 with the Oakland Raiders (2003–2010) and Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2012).

Terry Allen

A Pro Bowl running back who spent most of his career with the Washington Redskins, he rushed for over 1,000 yards three times and scored 73 career touchdowns.

Running Back – Minnesota Vikings (1990–1994), Washington Redskins (1995–1998), New England Patriots (1999), New Orleans Saints (2000), Baltimore Ravens (2001) – 2 selections (1 Pro Bowl, 1st/2nd-team All-Pro once) – Wore number 21 primarily with the Minnesota Vikings (1990–1994) and Washington Redskins (1995–1998).

Ezekiel Elliott

A running back who spent seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Zeke is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who led the NFL in rushing yards twice in his first three seasons.

Running Back – Dallas Cowboys (2016–2022, 2024–2025), New England Patriots (2023) – 4 selections (3 Pro Bowls, 1st-team All-Pro once) – Wore number 21 with the Dallas Cowboys (2016–2022, 2024–2025) and New England Patriots (2023).

Terry Metcalf

A three-time Pro Bowl running back and return specialist for the St. Louis Cardinals, he was named the 1974 UPI NFC Player of the Year and was famous for his versatility.

Running Back / Kick Returner – St. Louis Cardinals (1973–1977, 1981) – 4 selections (3 Pro Bowls, 2nd-team All-Pro once) – Wore number 21 with the St. Louis Cardinals (1973–1977, 1981).

Jerry Stovall

A three-time Pro Bowl defensive back and punter for the St. Louis Cardinals, he was a 1962 First-team All-Pro and later served as the head football coach for LSU.

Safety / Punter – St. Louis Cardinals (1963–1971) – 4 selections (3 Pro Bowls, 1st-team All-Pro once) – Wore number 21 with the St. Louis Cardinals (1963–1971).

Samari Rolle

A Pro Bowl cornerback who won Super Bowl XXXV with the Baltimore Ravens, he was a First-team All-Pro in 2000 after recording 33 career interceptions.

Cornerback – Tennessee Oilers / Titans (1998–2004), Baltimore Ravens (2005–2008) – 2 selections (1 Pro Bowl, 1st-team All-Pro once) – Wore number 21 with the Tennessee Titans (1998–2004) and Baltimore Ravens (2005–2008).

Bruce Maher

A hard-hitting safety who was named Team MVP for both the Detroit Lions (1965) and the New York Giants (1968), retiring with 22 career interceptions.

Safety / Cornerback – Detroit Lions (1960–1967), New York Giants (1968–1969) – 0 selections (Named Team MVP for both Lions and Giants, but no official Pro Bowl or All-Pro nods) – Wore number 21 with the Detroit Lions (1960–1967) and New York Giants (1968–1969).

Bob Jeter

A two-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Green Bay Packers, he was a critical starter on Vince Lombardi’s final two NFL Championship teams (1966 and 1967) and Super Bowl I and II winners.

Cornerback – Green Bay Packers (1963–1970), Chicago Bears (1971–1973) – 4 selections (2 Pro Bowls, 1st/2nd-team All-Pro twice) – Wore number 21 with the Green Bay Packers (1963–1970) and Chicago Bears (1971–1973).

Jerome Woods

A Pro Bowl safety who played his entire 12-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was a highly productive tackler and interceptor, recording 25 career interceptions.

Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (1996–2005) – 1 selection (1 Pro Bowl) – Wore number 21 with the Kansas City Chiefs (1996–2005).

Aaron Beasley

A cornerback who led the NCAA in interceptions in 1994 at West Virginia, he was a defensive leader for the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording 24 career NFL interceptions and 4 defensive touchdowns.

Cornerback – Jacksonville Jaguars (1996–2001), New York Jets (2002–2003), Atlanta Falcons (2004) – 0 selections – Wore number 21 with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1996–2001).

Donnie Abraham

A Pro Bowl cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded 38 career interceptions and was a member of the Buccaneers’ 50th Anniversary Team.

Defensive Back – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996–2001), New York Jets (2002–2004) – 1 Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996–2001)

Dalton Hilliard

A Pro Bowl running back for the New Orleans Saints, he holds the third-most rushing yards in franchise history and was instrumental in the team’s first winning seasons.

Running Back – New Orleans Saints (1986–1993) – 1 Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 throughout his NFL career with the Saints (1986–1993)

Mike Garrett

The 1965 Heisman Trophy winner from USC, he was a Pro Bowl running back for the Kansas City Chiefs and a key member of their Super Bowl IV championship team.

Running Back – Kansas City Chiefs (1966–1970), San Diego Chargers (1970–1973) – 2 AFL All-Star selections / 1 Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 throughout his professional career

Joe Scarpati

A starting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints, he was most famous for being the holder for Tom Dempsey‘s then-NFL record 63-yard field goal in 1970. Hey, the ball had to be caught and spotted for Dempsey to kick that record boot; just ask Tony Romo.

Defensive Back – Philadelphia Eagles (1964–1969), New Orleans Saints (1970) – None – Wore number 21 with the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints

Aqib Talib

A five-time Pro Bowl cornerback and Super Bowl 50 champion with the Denver Broncos, he was a disruptive player who recorded 35 career interceptions. You don’t find many words where a “u” doesn’t follow a “q,” but just like Talib’s first name, as a player he could follow just about any receiver on a route out there.

Cornerback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008–2012), New England Patriots (2012–2013), Denver Broncos (2014–2017), Los Angeles Rams (2018–2019) – 1 First-team All-Pro, 5 Pro Bowls – Wore number 21 with the Denver Broncos (2014–2017) and Los Angeles Rams (2018–2019)

Lardarius Webb

A versatile defensive back for the Baltimore Ravens, he was a key component of the Super Bowl XLVII-winning defense, finishing his career with 15 interceptions.

Cornerback / Safety – Baltimore Ravens (2009–2017) – None – Wore number 21 throughout his entire career with the Ravens

Ken Lucas

A durable and consistent cornerback who had 23 career interceptions, playing key roles for the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, and Detroit Lions.

Cornerback – Seattle Seahawks (2001–2004, 2009), Carolina Panthers (2005–2008) – None – Wore number 21 during his first stint with Seattle (2001–2004) and with Carolina (2006–2008)

Vontae Davis

A two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, he retired with 22 interceptions and was known for his physical man coverage skills with the Dolphins and Colts.

Cornerback – Miami Dolphins (2009–2012), Indianapolis Colts (2012–2017), Buffalo Bills (2018) – 2 Pro Bowls – Wore number 21 primarily with the Indianapolis Colts (2012–2017) and Buffalo Bills (2018)

Malcolm Butler

An undrafted cornerback famous for his game-winning interception in Super Bowl XLIX for the Patriots, he was a Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro in 2016.

Cornerback – New England Patriots (2014–2017), Tennessee Titans (2018–2020) – 1 Second-team All-Pro, 1 Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 throughout his entire NFL career

Desmond Trufant

A Pro Bowl cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons, he was a First-team All-Pac-12 selection at Washington and a 2013 PFWA All-Rookie Team member.

Cornerback – Atlanta Falcons (2013–2019), Detroit Lions (2020), New Orleans Saints (2021), Las Vegas Raiders (2021) – 1 Pro Bowl – Wore number 21 with the Atlanta Falcons (2013–2019)

Gene Mingo

One of the original Denver Broncos, he was a four-time AFL All-Star who was the first Black placekicker in professional football and retired as the AFL’s all-time leading scorer.

Running Back / Placekicker / Kick Returner – Denver Broncos (1960–1964), Oakland Raiders (1964), Washington Redskins (1965), Miami Dolphins (1967), Pittsburgh Steelers (1969–1970) – 2 AFL All-Star selections – Wore number 21 with the Denver Broncos (1960–1964)

Jimmy Carr

A defensive back and kick returner who played nine NFL seasons, he was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 1960 NFL Championship team.

Defensive Back / Running Back – Chicago Cardinals (1955–1957), Philadelphia Eagles (1959–1963), Washington Redskins (1964–1965) – None – Wore number 21 during his seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins

Conclusion

The legacy of the number 21 is one of undeniable dominance and versatility, representing some of the greatest two-way threats and defensive stalwarts in football history. From the defensive lockdown and sheer charisma of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders to the offensive record-shattering excellence of running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the jersey signifies elite, game-changing talent. Whether worn by hard-hitting safeties like Nolan Cromwell and Eddie Meador or modern legends like Charles Woodson and Patrick Peterson, No. 21 will forever be synonymous with players who didn’t just play the game—they redefined it, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

A hearty thank you to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Newspapers.com, and the above sources used to compile this list.

Check out more of our Greatest Players at each jersey number, including Number 20.

Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 20