By Darin Introduction
The selection of keywords in the previous Canvas provided the context for this query, which is to identify the greatest NFL players number 60 in history. When fans think of iconic digits, the jersey number 60 might not immediately jump out like the 12 or 80, but this number has been the silent standard of dominance for some of the most powerful linemen to ever grace the field. The best players with number 60 are often the unsung heroes—the blockers, the protectors, and the defensive anchors who rarely make the highlight reels but determine the outcome of every play. From Hall of Fame guards to bruising linebackers, the talent pool for the 60 jersey is deceptively deep. We’re diving deep into the history of the NFL number 60 to reveal which elite athletes truly stand out as the greatest 60 football players in the history of the game.
Gridiron Grit: Ranking the Greatest NFL Players to Wear the Number 60 Jersey
- Otto Graham: As the legendary quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, Graham led his team to 10 consecutive professional football championship games, winning seven, establishing one of the most dominant dynasties in the sport’s history. He was a four-time NFL MVP and nine-time Pro Bowler, cementing his status as one of the most successful winners in league history.
- Chuck Bednarik: Known as “Concrete Charlie,” he was one of the NFL’s last and most celebrated two-way players, dominating as both a linebacker and a center for the Philadelphia Eagles. A six-time First-team All-Pro, his toughness and dedication to playing both offense and defense for all 60 minutes secured his place as a league icon.
- Bill Willis: A revolutionary defensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, Willis was one of the first African American stars in modern professional football, integrating the sport in 1946. His speed and agility revolutionized the defensive line position, earning him five First-team All-Pro selections and Hall of Fame induction.
- Dick Stanfel: An elite offensive guard for the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins, Stanfel earned five First-team All-Pro selections in just seven seasons, anchoring championship-winning lines for the Lions. Known for his exceptional technique and blocking ability, he was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Larry Grantham: A foundational star for the New York Jets, Grantham was one of the best linebackers in AFL history, earning five All-Star selections and playing a critical role in the team’s stunning upset victory in Super Bowl III. His leadership and longevity made him a key defensive anchor for the franchise for 13 seasons.
- Al Baker: A dominant defensive end, Baker won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1978 with the Detroit Lions and became known for his relentless pass rush, accumulating over 100 career sacks. His consistent pressure made him one of the most feared defensive players of his era.
- Dennis Harrah: A punishing offensive guard for the Los Angeles Rams, Harrah anchored one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for over a decade. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was instrumental in leading the Rams to an appearance in Super Bowl XIV.
- Tommy Nobis: The Atlanta Falcons’ first-ever draft pick, Nobis was an iconic linebacker known as “Mr. Falcon,” who earned the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1966 and made five Pro Bowls. His ferocious tackling and leadership defined the early era of the Falcons franchise.
- Chris Samuels: An elite left tackle for the Washington Redskins, Samuels was a six-time Pro Bowl selection who anchored the team’s offensive line for over a decade. He was consistently ranked among the league’s best protectors, known for his strength and agility in pass blocking.
- Shaun O’Hara: A stalwart center for the New York Giants, O’Hara was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the anchor of the offensive line that paved the way for the team’s memorable upset victory in Super Bowl XLII. He was a key leader known for his intelligence and toughness in the trenches.
- Roy Winston: A hard-hitting linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, Winston was a key defensive starter who helped lead the “Purple People Eaters” defense to four Super Bowl appearances. He was named to two Pro Bowls and was a durable, consistent presence for 15 seasons with the franchise.
- Max Unger: A dominant center for the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints, Unger was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-team All-Pro selection who was instrumental in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII championship. He was widely regarded as one of the most technically sound and intelligent centers in the modern era.
- D’Brickashaw Ferguson: A model of durability and consistency, Ferguson served as the New York Jets’ starting left tackle for ten seasons, never missing a game due to injury during his entire NFL career. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he provided elite-level pass protection and was an anchor for the team’s offensive line.
More Legendary Number 60s
- Lee Roy Caffey
- John Wooten
- Brad Benson
- Ben Jones
- Matt Herkenhoff
- Roland Lakes
- Otis Sistrunk
- Ben McGee
- Len St. Jean
- George Preas
- Wally Chambers
- Jeff Mitchell
- Ed Fisher
- Jerry Ostroski
- Bob Babich
- Randy Grimes
- Dennis McKnight
- Eric Moore
- A.J. Cann
- Cosey Coleman
- David Andrews
- Fred Stokes
- Jason Brown
- Al Reynolds
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the legacy of the 60 jersey number in football is rich with power and versatility. The history of the jersey 60 is marked by players who embraced the physical nature of the sport, often defining the line of scrimmage with their sheer will. While identifying the single greatest NFL players, number 60 is a tough challenge; the collection of men who donned the 60 jersey number represents the heart and soul of their teams. The contributions made by these elite 60 football player figures prove that sometimes, the most important numbers in the game are those worn by the toughest players up front.
