Best of Jersey 36

Don't let the number fool you! Jersey number 36 in the NFL holds a rich history, boasting more than just powerful running backs. From elusive hall-of-famers to lockdown defenders, this number has seen its fair share of gridiron greatness.

Who cracks the code for number 36?  Our in-depth exploration dives into the careers of these legendary players, revealing their on-field dominance, iconic moments, and the unique ways they left their mark on the game.

Prepare to be surprised! This list isn't just about running backs. We'll uncover shutdown cornerbacks, hard-hitting safeties, and even a dynamic offensive weapon who defied expectations.

Intrigued? We thought so!  Join us as we celebrate the iconic athletes who wore number 36, the unforgettable moments they created, and their lasting impact on America's favorite sport.

On this edition of the Football  by Numbers series will be coming up with the top ten best NFL players to wear the number 36 !

The Hall of Fame gives us our starting point with these famous players...

Mike Michalske

Born April 24, 1903, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Mike Michalske the Penn State All-american guard. Mike  signed on in the pros with the  original American Football League’s New York Yankees in 1927. He played there for two seasons until the League disbanded and then he joined the Green Bay Packers of the NFL in 1929 then anchored their lines all the way until 1937. Mike’s bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame says that Michalske was particularly adept at going after the passer. He also championed the idea of using former fullbacks at guard because they were fast and explosive. He sold the idea to Green Bay Packers coach Curly Lambeau and thus it was no accident that many fine Green Bay guards had cut their football teeth as fullbacks. Michalske  was a great two-way player as the guy played 60 minutes of darn near every game he played in earning him the name of “Iron Mike.” The Packers won NFL titles in 1929, 1930, and 1931, and Michalske was named All-NFL in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, and 1935. In 1964 the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Mike Michalske into their Canton, ohio museum of legends. NFL Jersey Number 36

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Jerome Bettis

February 16, 1972 - Detroit, Michigan - The powerful running back from the University of Notre Dame, Jerome Bettis celebrates his birthday. The St Louis Rams selected Jerome as their first round pick, and 10th overall in the 1993 NFL Draft. In just his first season as a Pro, Bettis received Rookie of the Year honors as was second in yardage in the League that year and third in total yards from scrimmage per the ProFootballHOF.com. A few years later he was famously traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers where he remained for the balance of his 13 year career. He led the Rams in rushing in three seasons and the Steelers in 8. When he retired he had amassed 13662 yards rushing which at the time listed him as the fifth highest total in NFL history. He was an All-Pro in a couple of different seasons and played in 6 Pro Bowl games. Jerome Bettis was selected for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015’s class of inductees.

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Bill Owen

Born September 29, 1903, in Aline, Oklahoma, Territory, was Bill Owen, who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants, Cleveland Bulldogs, and Detroit Wolverines. He was the brother of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Steve Owen.

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Marion Motley

Born June 5, 1920, was Marion Motley was Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback and linebacker that played professionally for the Cleveland Browns. Motley along with fellow teammate Bill Willis were two of the first African Americans to break the color barrier in professional football. It was not easy for these men as they constantly faced harassment as they participated on pro football, but Motley overcame the adversity for a great career. Motley excelled at football at South Carolina State University and later at the University of Nevada during his collegiate playing days. The ProFootballHOF.com website tells of the effectiveness that Motley served as a solid all around running back with Cleveland. He was a sound pass protector and was the AAFC's All time leading rusher. In 1950 when Cleveland joined the NFL he led his new league in rushing yards too.  His career total of 4720 yards on the ground and an average carry of 5.7 yards is a true testament to how good this player was! Marion Motley was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

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• Bill Thompson
• LeRoy Butler
• Lawyer Milloy
• Terry McDaniel
• Mark Haynes
• Merton Hanks
• Ken Reaves
• Brian Westbrook
• Clem Daniels
• Bennie Blades
• Dick Harris
• MacArthur Lane
• Tommy Davis
• Nick Collins
• Mike Zordich
• Mike Davis
• Bill Pellington
• Ken Geddes
• Steve Owens
• David Barrett
• Shaun Williams
• Reuben Mayes
• D.J. Swearinger
• Norm Bulaich
• Shawntae Spencer

1. Jerome Bettis
2. Bill Owen
3. Marion Motley
4. Mike Michalske
5. Brian Westbrook
6. Bill Thompson
7. Lawyer Milloy
8. Terry McDaniel
9. LeRoy Butler
10. Clem Daniels

Do you agree or disagree with our list? We would love to get your feedback, so email us at PigskinDispatch@gmail.com.

A speical thanks to the Pro Football Reference website for information they share on these great players. Check them out at Pro-Football-Reference.com

The Image used above is courtesy of Google Gemini and others from Wikimedia Commons. It is pleasing to see such vivid images of the jerseys that point out the uniform number and help us identify the legends that wore it.