By Darin Hayes 
The Leap and The Bus: Why Number 36 is the Ultimate Symbol of NFL Toughness! 🚌🏈
Did you know that Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler—one of the best ever to wear No. 36—is credited with inventing the now-iconic “Lambeau Leap” celebration? That spirit of innovation and toughness perfectly captures the players who chose this jersey. From Butler’s defensive versatility to the Hall of Fame power running of Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, the number 36 has been worn by difference-makers who redefined their positions. Dive in as we celebrate the stars who wore this iconic jersey and delivered punishing hits, shattered tackles, and left an undeniable legacy in NFL history!
Who Are the Top NFL Players Who Wore Jersey Number 36?
- Jerome Bettis: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, “The Bus” was a powerful running back who retired as one of the NFL’s all-time leading rushers, winning Super Bowl XL with his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Bill Owen: A durable center and defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, he was part of three NFL Championship teams in the 1930s and later served as the Bears’ general manager.
- Marion Motley: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, Motley was a dominant fullback and one of the first African Americans in modern pro football, leading the NFL in rushing in 1950 and averaging an incredible 5.7 yards per carry for his career.
- Mike Michalske: A Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the NFL’s first great guards, he was a dominant two-way player who helped establish the Green Bay Packers as a powerhouse in the 1930s with three straight championships.
- Brian Westbrook: A versatile running back and receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, he was a two-time Pro Bowl selection who holds the franchise record for most career yards from scrimmage.
- Bill Thompson: A safety for the Denver Broncos, he was a reliable defensive back who holds the franchise record for career interceptions and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Lawyer Milloy: A hard-hitting safety, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and won Super Bowl XXXVI with the New England Patriots, known for his intensity and leadership.
- Terry McDaniel: An exceptional cornerback for the Raiders, he was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls (1992–1996) and was recognized as one of the league’s top shutdown defenders of his era.
- LeRoy Butler: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, this versatile safety was a four-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection, credited with inventing the “Lambeau Leap,” and won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers.
- Clem Daniels: A dominant running back in the AFL, he was the 1963 AFL MVP and a four-time AFL All-Star, leading the league in rushing twice for the Oakland Raiders.
- Merton Hanks: A Pro Bowl safety known for his long-striding running style after interceptions and his signature “chicken dance” celebration, he won Super Bowl XXIX with the San Francisco 49ers.
- Mark Haynes: A lockdown cornerback for the New York Giants and Denver Broncos, he was a key defensive back who earned three Pro Bowl selections and helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXI.
- Ken Reaves: A strong safety for the Atlanta Falcons and other teams, he was a reliable defensive starter who made the 1978 Pro Bowl and recorded over 20 career interceptions.
- Bennie Blades: A hard-hitting safety for the Detroit Lions, he was the 1988 Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection known for his physical play in the secondary.
More NFL Legends Who Wore Jersey 36
- Dick Harris
- MacArthur Lane
- Tommy Davis
- Nick Collins
- Mike Zordich
- Mike Davis
- Bill Pellington
- Ken Geddes
- Steve Owens
- David Barrett
- Shaun Williams
- D.J. Swearinger
- Norm Bulaich
- Shawntae Spencer
- Rueben Mayes
- James Sanders
- Shawn Williams
- Bob Glazebrook
- Paul Hofer
- John Kirby
In Conclusion
From the legendary, barrier-breaking power of Marion Motley to the unstoppable, grinding force of Jerome Bettis, the number 36 stands for the heart of football. This jersey represents players who were not just great athletes, but game-changers—from the fundamental toughness of Mike Michalske to the revolutionary defensive versatility of LeRoy Butler. The diverse list of stars who donned No. 36 ensured that this number will always symbolize punishing runs, critical tackles, and an enduring legacy of excellence in the NFL.