By Darin Hayes 
A Cornerback’s Crown: The Legendary Lineage of NFL Jersey Number 24
Few numbers in NFL history represent lockdown defense and electric playmaking quite like 24. This jersey has been exclusively reserved for legends who mastered the art of the interception and the bump-and-run. The sheer volume of Hall of Fame talent is staggering: Champ Bailey, Willie Brown, Darrelle Revis, and Jack Christiansen are just a few of the iconic players who donned the number. Who was the ultimate shutdown corner? And did the versatile career of Charles Woodson (who wore both 24 and 21) give him the edge? Prepare for the ultimate debate as we break down the most dominant defensive players to ever wear No. 24.
Who are the Best NFL Players Who Wore the Number 24?
There have been some significant players in NFL history who have donned the number 24 on the backs of their jerseys. Here are a handful you have heard of:
- Willie Brown: This Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback played seven All-Pro seasons with the Raiders and set a then-record with a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XI, embodying the “bump-and-run” technique.
- Charles Woodson: The only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy, he earned the 2009 AP Defensive Player of the Year award, finished his career with 65 interceptions, and became the first player in NFL history with 50 interceptions and 20 sacks.
- Willie Wood: An eight-time Pro Bowl safety for the Green Bay Packers dynasty, he signed as an undrafted free agent and made the game-turning interception in Super Bowl I, finishing his career with 48 interceptions.
- Jack Christiansen: A Pro Football Hall of Fame safety for the Detroit Lions, he led the league in interceptions twice and famously set an NFL record by becoming the first player to score two punt return touchdowns in the same game.
- Lenny Moore: This Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and flanker for the Baltimore Colts set an NFL record by scoring a touchdown in 18 consecutive games and earned the 1964 NFL MVP award.
- Marshawn Lynch: Known as “Beast Mode,” this five-time Pro Bowl running back led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and twice led the league in rushing touchdowns with his powerful, tackle-breaking style.
- Champ Bailey: This Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback earned a remarkable 12 Pro Bowl selections, tying for the most among defensive players in NFL history, and became the Denver Broncos’ first defensive player inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- Ty Law: A Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and famously intercepted three Peyton Manning passes in the 2003 AFC Championship Game.
- Darrelle Revis: A Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback whose shutdown coverage earned him the nickname “Revis Island,” he was a four-time First-team All-Pro and won Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots.
- Everson Walls: This undrafted free agent safety won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants and holds a share of the NFL record by leading the league in interceptions three times (1981, 1982, 1985).
- Johnny Blood (McNally): One of the NFL’s first great dynamic playmakers, this Pro Football Hall of Fame charter member played on four Green Bay Packers championship teams and was known as “The Vagabond Halfback” for his speed and unpredictable style.
Other top NFL players who wore the Number 24 Jersey
- Gary Green
- Freeman McNeil
- Whizzer White
- Rosey Taylor
- Adrian Wilson
- Shawn Springs
- Johnnie Gray
- Robert Griffith
- Stephon Gilmore
- Fred Williamson
- Bob Howard
- Sheldon Brown
Conclusion
The number 24 represents one of the most historically dominant defensive groups in the NFL. Defined by Hall of Fame cornerbacks like the cerebral Willie Brown, the physically gifted Champ Bailey, and the lockdown master Darrelle Revis, this jersey symbolizes unparalleled coverage and elite playmaking. Whether worn by players who dominated the running game like Marshawn Lynch or those who secured multiple championships like Willie Wood and Jack Christiansen, No. 24 remains synonymous with versatility, toughness, and the ability to dictate the outcome of any contest.
Are you a fan of reading up on NFL legends at a particular jersey number? Perhaps the Number 23 might interest you further?