By Darin Hayes 
Lockdown Defense and Rushing Royalty: The Storied History of NFL Jersey Number 27
The number 27 is a symbol of hard-hitting excellence and reliable, punishing play, often reserved for elite defensive backs and power running backs. Its history is anchored by two Pro Football Hall of Fame safeties: the legendary Washington Redskins playmaker Ken Houston (who wore it late in his career) and the Denver Broncos’ ferocious enforcer Steve Atwater. But the offensive side of the ball fiercely competes for the crown with Titans rushing legend Eddie George, whose physical running style defined an era in Tennessee. Dive into this thrilling debate over the top athletes who brought prestige and bone-jarring impact to the No. 27 jersey.
Who Are the Top Players To Have Worn Jersey 27?
Football career bios for players who have worn the number 27:
Cal Hubbard: The only person enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame (as an umpire), he played tackle and was credited as one of the inventors of the linebacker position.
Ken Houston: This Pro Football Hall of Fame safety was a 12-time consecutive Pro Bowl selection and holds the NFL record for most career interception returns for a touchdown by a safety (9).
Steve Atwater: A Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and two-time Super Bowl champion for the Denver Broncos, he earned eight Pro Bowl selections and was famous for his ferocious, bone-jarring tackles.
Eddie George: The 1996 Offensive Rookie of the Year and four-time Pro Bowl running back, he rushed for over 10,000 career yards and led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV.
Terrell Buckley: This Jim Thorpe Award-winning cornerback played 14 NFL seasons and retired tied for 13th in NFL history with 50 career interceptions.
Gary Garrison: A wide receiver who played 12 seasons for the San Diego Chargers and Houston Oilers, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and amassed 7,538 career receiving yards.
Malcolm Jenkins: A three-time Pro Bowl safety, he played a critical leadership role in winning two Super Bowl championships (XLIV with the Saints and LII with the Eagles) and totaled 21 interceptions and 8 defensive touchdowns.
Rashean Mathis: A former Buck Buchanan Award winner, this one-time All-Pro cornerback holds the Jacksonville Jaguars’ franchise record for career interceptions (30).
Larry Johnson: A two-time Pro Bowl running back, he set the NFL single-season record with 416 rushing attempts in 2006 and rushed for over 6,200 career yards with the Chiefs.
Glen Edwards: A two-time Super Bowl champion safety with the “Steel Curtain” Pittsburgh Steelers, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and sealed Super Bowl X with an interception in the end zone.
Walt Harris: A Pro Bowl cornerback, he played 13 NFL seasons and recorded a career-high eight interceptions with the San Francisco 49ers in 2006.
Irv Cross: A two-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, he was a defensive star who later became the first Black sports analyst on national television.
Ray Rice: A three-time Pro Bowl running back and Super Bowl XLVII champion with the Baltimore Ravens, he was a dynamic dual-threat runner and receiver who recorded over 9,200 total yards from scrimmage.
More Legends of the Jersey 27
- Thom Darden
- Willie Williams
- Rodney Hampton
- Quintin Mikell
- Tom Pridemore
- Thomas Everett
- Mike Richardson
- Pat Thomas
- Carlton Williamson
- Stevon Moore
- Mike Gaechter
- John Turner
- Fred Glick
- Tom Hayes
- Glover Quin
- Tre’Davious White
- Greg Stemrick
- Brandon Jacobs
- Anthony Parker
- Patrick Hunter
- Eddie Lacy
- Kareem Hunt
- Carl Allen
- Brad Edwards
Conclusion
The number 27 holds a deep and respected history, defined by players who excelled through sheer toughness and consistent production on both sides of the ball. This elite fraternity includes Hall of Fame safeties Steve Atwater and Ken Houston (who wore it late in his career), symbolizing bone-jarring hits and game-changing defensive turnovers. Offensively, the number belongs to powerful, era-defining running backs like the dependable Eddie George. Further cementing the number’s versatility are champions like Malcolm Jenkins and prolific interception artists like Terrell Buckley. Ultimately, the No. 27 jersey represents a commitment to high-impact football and a legacy of players who were, in every sense, indispensable to their teams’ success.