By Darin 
The number 44 carries an almost mythic weight in football, instantly evoking images of powerful runners and program-defining excellence. While many have worn the number, its history is inseparable from the legendary status of Syracuse University, where it was retired thanks to three iconic athletes: Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little.
Consider this verifiable fact: Ernie Davis, who wore 44, became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy in 1961. His legacy, tragically cut short, not only cemented the number’s place in Syracuse lore but also marked a pivotal moment in sports and civil rights history.
From Syracuse’s historic trio to NFL greats like fullback Leroy Kelly, the athletes who chose 44 weren’t just players; they were ground-breaking forces. Get ready to explore the list of the toughest, most dominant players who carried the weight and prestige of the number 44.
The Legacy of 44: When a Jersey Number Defines Running Back Royalty
- John Riggins: A Hall of Fame power running back, “The Diesel” was the engine of the Washington Redskins’ 1980s success, famously setting a Super Bowl rushing record during their Super Bowl XVII victory.
- Floyd Little: A Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most versatile players of his era, Little was a running back and return specialist who was a five-time Pro Bowl selection for the Denver Broncos.
- Dick LeBeau: A Pro Football Hall of Famer, LeBeau was a durable and talented cornerback for the Detroit Lions, setting a team record for consecutive games played and later gaining fame as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive coordinators.
- Bobby Dillon: A Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back for the Green Bay Packers, Dillon recorded 52 interceptions in just eight seasons (1952–1959) and earned four Pro Bowl selections despite being visually impaired in one eye.
- Leroy Kelly: A Pro Football Hall of Fame running back for the Cleveland Browns, Kelly succeeded Jim Brown, leading the NFL in rushing yards three times and earning five consecutive All-Pro selections.
- Kyle Rote: A versatile offensive threat for the New York Giants, Rote was a four-time Pro Bowl selection who excelled as both a running back and wide receiver during his 11-year career.
- John David Crow: A Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, Crow was the only Heisman Trophy winner to play for Bear Bryant and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection known for his bruising running style with the Cardinals and 49ers.
- John Harris: A hard-hitting safety, Harris played a key role in the Seattle Seahawks’ defense during the 1980s, serving as a team captain and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1981.
- Pete Retzlaff: A five-time Pro Bowl tight end/wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, “Pistol Pete” was a versatile offensive threat who was a key contributor to the Eagles’ 1960 NFL Championship.
- Bruiser Kinard: A Pro Football Hall of Fame two-way lineman, Kinard played both offensive and defensive tackle for the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees, earning four All-Pro selections during his career in the 1930s and 1940s.
Other Legends of Jersey 44
- Arnie Weinmeister
- Dave Casper
- Bill Dudley
- Ernie Nevers
- Steve Owen
- Dave Waymer
- Chuck Foreman
- Donny Anderson
- Bruce Taylor
- Dallas Clark
- Elbert Dubenion
- Robert Newhouse
- Marv Hubbard
- Terry Schmidt
- Ahmad Bradshaw
The Unbreakable Chain of the 44 Jersey Number in Football
The prestige carried by the 44 jersey number in football remains unmatched, thanks to the sheer volume of Hall of Fame talent associated with it. From the legendary Syracuse trio who saw the number retired—Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little—to NFL titans like John Riggins, who embodied raw power, the number consistently marked generational talent. Whether it was the durability of cornerback Dick LeBeau, the consistent excellence of running back Leroy Kelly, or the historic playmaking of defensive back Bobby Dillon, the players who wore number 44 football uniform established a standard of greatness across multiple eras and positions.
Final Tribute to the NFL Players Number 44
Ultimately, the legacy of the NFL players number 44 is a tribute to dominance. These players with number 44 didn’t just participate; they led their teams to championships, redefined their positions, and secured their places in Canton. The list of stars, which also includes the versatile John David Crow and the tough Floyd Little, confirms that selecting the 44 jersey number in football meant taking on a mantle of expectation, courage, and excellence that few other numbers can rival.