By Darin The Legacy of 50: NFL Giants Who Defined the Middle of the Field
In football, some numbers simply carry more weight than others. And few jerseys represent the heart, grit, and defensive dominance of the game quite like number 50. Typically reserved for linebackers and centers—the commanding generals of the defense and the unsung heroes of the offense—this number signals leadership and intensity. But who wore it best?
From Pro Bowl anchors to Hall of Fame legends, the history of the NFL is rich with giants who proudly donned the number 50. We’re talking about the game changers—the players whose careers spanned eras, whose tackles echo through history, and whose names are synonymous with defensive excellence. Think of the bruising run-stoppers who patrolled the second level, the blitzing specialists who terrorized quarterbacks, and the durable centers who protected dynasties. Prepare to dive deep into the verified careers of the absolute best to ever wear the iconic NFL jersey number 50.
Top Players of NFL Jersey 50
- Mike Singletary: Known as “Samurai Mike,” this fierce middle linebacker was the undisputed defensive leader of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears, earning 10 Pro Bowls and being the vocal heart of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
- Alex Wojciechowicz: A versatile two-way iron man in the early NFL, he was an exceptional center and linebacker for the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, recognized as one of the best centers of his era and a foundational player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Jim Otto: A true pioneer of the center position, Otto anchored the Oakland Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons (wearing number 00, not 50), earning 12 Pro Bowl selections and defining the standard for excellence and durability at the position.
- Steve Owen: While primarily known for his coaching (leading the New York Giants to eight NFL title games and two championships), his playing career as a tackle and guard in the 1920s and 30s was highly effective, making him one of the few individuals to be inducted into the Hall of Fame primarily as a coach but with verified playing history.
- Len Ford: An imposing defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, Ford transitioned successfully from offense to defense, using his size and speed to revolutionize the pass rush and becoming one of the league’s first dominant edge rushers.
- Ken Strong: A versatile, early-era star, Strong excelled as a halfback, kicker, and punter for the New York Giants, earning three championships and showcasing rare two-way skills that made him one of the most productive scorers of the 1930s.
- Ken Iman: A steady and durable center for the Los Angeles Rams and later the Philadelphia Eagles, Iman was known for his consistency, anchoring the offensive line during a successful era for the Rams in the 1960s.
- Dave Dalby: A model of stability, Dalby was the longtime center for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, where he was a key part of three Super Bowl-winning teams and remains one of the most reliable and decorated centers in franchise history.
- D.D. Lewis: A solid and reliable linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys during their dominant run in the 1970s, Lewis contributed heavily to two Super Bowl championships and was known for his consistent tackling and coverage abilities.
- Jeff Siemon: A hard-hitting, three-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings, Siemon was the defensive signal-caller for the “Purple People Eaters” teams that reached four Super Bowls in the 1970s.
More Top Players Who Wore Jersey 50
- Guy Morriss
- David Little
- Gary Plummer
- Derek Smith
- Mike Vrabel
- Bobby Maples
- Duane Bickett
- K.J. Wright
- A.J. Hawk
- Justin Houston
- Larry Foote
- Earl Holmes
- Mike Pyle
- Paul Naumoff
- Eric Barton
- Riki Ellison
- Curtis Lofton
- Sean Lee
Conclusion
Ultimately, the players who wore number 50—from Mike Singletary anchoring the 46 defense to the steadfast centers who provided protection in the trenches—share a common thread: they were the foundation of their teams. Their names might not always top the highlight reels, but their verified impact on championship runs and defensive strategy is undeniable. Their legacy proves that the most critical battles in football are won in the middle of the field, making the number 50 truly iconic.
