Top Players by Jersey

Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 27

By Pigskin Dispatch October 12, 2025 5 min read

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 with inventing the linebacker position.

CAL HUBBARD

Tackle | Green Bay Packers | 1929 – 1935

Tackle / End – New York Giants (1927–1928, 1936), Green Bay Packers (1929–1933, 1935), Pittsburgh Pirates (1936) – 4-time First-team All-Pro (Note: Pro Bowls did not exist during his era) – Wore Number 27 in 1933

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).

KEN HOUSTON

Safety | Washington Redskins | 1973 – 1980

Safety — Houston Oilers (1967–1973), Washington Redskins (1973–1980) — 12 Pro Bowls (0 All-Pro listed officially as modern First-Team, though widely recognized historically) — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1973–1980 (wore 29 with Houston)

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.

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Safety — Denver Broncos (1989–1998), New York Jets (1999) — 8 Pro Bowls, 3 All-Pro selections — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1989–1999

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.

Running Back — Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans (1996–2003), Dallas Cowboys (2004) — 4 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pro selections — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1996–2004

Terrell Buckley

This Jim Thorpe Award-winning cornerback played 14 NFL seasons and retired tied for 13th in NFL history with 50 career interceptions.

Cornerback — Green Bay Packers (1992–1994), Miami Dolphins (1995–1999, 2003), Denver Broncos (2000), New England Patriots (2001, 2002, 2004), New York Jets (2004), New York Giants (2005) — 0 Pro Bowls or All-Pro selections — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1992–2005 (wore other numbers with select teams depending on training camp/roster stints)

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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.

Wide Receiver — San Diego Chargers (1966–1976), Houston Oilers (1977) — 4 Pro Bowls (0 First-Team All-Pro) — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1966–1976 (also wore 82)

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.

Safety — New Orleans Saints (2009–2013, 2020–2021), Philadelphia Eagles (2014–2019) — 3 Pro Bowls, 1 All-Pro selection — Wore Number 27 seasons: 2009–2021 (wore 27 primarily in New Orleans and Philadelphia)

Rashean Mathis

A former Buck Buchanan Award winner, this one-time All-Pro cornerback holds the Jacksonville Jaguars’ franchise record for career interceptions (30).

Cornerback — Jacksonville Jaguars (2003–2012), Detroit Lions (2013–2015) — 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro selection — Wore Number 27 seasons: 2003, 2005–2012 (wore 22 in 2004 and 31 with Detroit)

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.

Running Back — Kansas City Chiefs (2003–2009), Cincinnati Bengals (2009), Washington Redskins (2010) — 2 Pro Bowls, 1 All-Pro selection — Wore Number 27 seasons: 2003–2009 (wore 23 in Washington)

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.

Safety — Pittsburgh Steelers (1971–1977), San Diego Chargers (1978–1981) — 2 Pro Bowls, 4 All-Pro selections — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1971–1981

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.

Cornerback — Chicago Bears (1996–1999), Indianapolis Colts (2002–2003), Washington Redskins (2004–2005), San Francisco 49ers (2006–2008) — 1 Pro Bowl (0 All-Pro selections) — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1996–1999, 2004–2008 (wore 21 with Indianapolis)

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.

Cornerback — Philadelphia Eagles (1961–1965, 1969), Los Angeles Rams (1966–1968) — 2 Pro Bowls (0 All-Pro selections) — Wore Number 27 seasons: 1961–1969

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.

Running Back — Baltimore Ravens (2008–2013) — 3 Pro Bowls, 1 All-Pro selection — Wore Number 27 seasons: 2008–2013

More Legends of the Jersey 27

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.