By Darin Hayes 
Searching for the greatest NFL players to wear No. 31? This jersey number may not be the flashiest, but it represents a rich history of hard-nosed running backs and Savage-hitting defensive backs who defined their eras. From the legendary Jim Taylor—one of Vince Lombardi’s most feared offensive weapons—to the iconic Donnie Shell, the undrafted safety who became a cornerstone of the “Steel Curtain” dynasty, the NFL #31 club is stacked with Hall of Fame talent. Dive in as we rank the top stars who made this number legendary!
List of Jersey 31 Legends
- Ace Parker (QB/DB/K/P): A true all-around star and Pro Football Hall of Famer (1972) who played for the Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL) and New York Yankees (AAFC). He was the NFL MVP in 1940 and was one of the last two-way players, excelling as a passer, runner, and defensive back.
- Donnie Shell (S): An undrafted free agent who became a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense. A five-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl champion, he retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions by a strong safety (51). (Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2020)
- Aaron Glenn (CB): A three-time Pro Bowl cornerback known for his exceptional coverage skills, primarily during his tenures with the New York Jets and Houston Texans. He accumulated 41 career interceptions and was a reliable defensive anchor for 15 seasons.
- Mike Michalske (G): Known as “Iron Mike,” he was one of the NFL’s earliest dominant guards. A charter inductee of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1964), he anchored the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line during their three consecutive championships from 1929-1931.
- Jim Taylor (FB): A hard-charging fullback for the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi. A Pro Football Hall of Famer (1976), he was the NFL MVP in 1962, a four-time NFL champion, and the first player to record five straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
- Priest Holmes (RB): A three-time Pro Bowler and First-team All-Pro with the Kansas City Chiefs, Holmes was an explosive scorer who holds the Chiefs’ franchise record for rushing touchdowns. He led the NFL in rushing yards in 2002 and rushing TDs three times.
- Wilbert Montgomery (RB): The Philadelphia Eagles’ all-time leading rusher and a two-time Pro Bowler. He famously ran for a record-setting 194 yards in the 1980 NFC Championship game to send the Eagles to their first Super Bowl.
- Joe Fortunato (LB): A six-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s and 60s. He was a ferocious hitter and a key member of the Bears’ 1963 NFL Championship team.
- Jamal Lewis (RB): A powerful running back known for his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. A Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, he rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003, making him only the fifth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards.
- Jack Tatum (S): Nicknamed “The Assassin,” Tatum was a fearsome-hitting safety who was a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XI champion for the Oakland Raiders. He is one of the most polarizing and iconic defensive players of his era. (Note: He wore #31 for three seasons before switching to #32.)
- Kevin Ross (CB): A physical and reliable cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent most of his 14-year career. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection known for his longevity and solid play.
- Antonio Cromartie (CB): A four-time Pro Bowl selection known for his length, speed, and exceptional ball skills. He led the NFL in interceptions in 2007 with 10 and was a dangerous kick returner early in his career.
More Significant NFL Players of Jersey 31
- Frank Minnifield
- Marcus Robertson
- William Andrews
- Brock Marion
- Brandon Meriweather
- Fred Marion
- Roy Williams
- Mike Harden
- Al Harris
- Cortland Finnegan
- Doug Cline
- Kam Chancellor
- Bill Mathis
- Jason Sehorn
- Gerry Ellis
- George Teague
- Jairus Byrd
- Charlie Harraway
- Benny Barnes
- David Johnson
Conclusion
The history of NFL jersey number 31 is a compelling narrative of grit, versatility, and defensive tenacity. From Mike Michalske and Ace Parker, who helped define the sport’s early two-way era, to the legendary running of Jim Taylor and the hard-hitting defense of Donnie Shell, this number has graced the backs of some of the game’s toughest competitors. Whether they were carving out a dynasty with the Packers, anchoring the “Steel Curtain,” or setting franchise records like Wilbert Montgomery and Jamal Lewis, the players who wore #31 consistently embodied the kind of reliable, impactful excellence that championship teams are built upon. It stands as a testament to those players who may have been undersung but were always undeniable on the field.