Best of Jersey 98

The number 98 in the NFL is a versatile jersey, worn by defensive difference-makers on both sides of the line. It conjures images of relentless defensive ends striking fear into quarterbacks, or immovable defensive tackles clogging running lanes.

But who truly wore #98 the best? Were they sack specialists terrorizing the pocket, or run-stuffing machines anchoring the defense? Today, we're tackling this very question!

We'll unveil a list of the legendary defensive ends and dominant defensive tackles who donned this iconic number. Get ready for a journey through NFL history where we'll analyze the careers of these defensive giants.

We'll explore their signature moves, game-changing plays, and championship runs, sparking friendly debates about who reigned supreme with number 98.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton gives us our starting point. Our one and only number 98 from the NFL in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is:

•  Mike Ditka

Here is a list of great players that have not made iit in to the Hall of Fame as of the time of this writing:

• Jessie Armstead
• Casey Hampton
• Robert Mathis
• Greg Ellis
• Tony Siragusa
• John Henderson
• Anthony Pleasant
• Brian Orakpo
• Gerald Williams
• Fred Robbins
• Grant Wistrom
• Connor Barwin
• Julian Peterson
• Bryan Robinson
• Linval Joseph
• Star Lotulelei
• Mike Patterson
• Eric Swann
• Eric Hicks
• Johnie Cooks
• Brandon Williams
• Travis Hall
• Parys Haralson
• Greg Brown
• Vince Williams
• Anthony Weaver
• Shawn Lee
• Dennis Gibson
• Damon Harrison
• Tyrone Crawford
• Brandon Whiting
• Sam Adams
• Letroy Guion
• Russell Davis
• Robaire Smith
• Maa Tanuvasa
• Shawn Miller
• Sedrick Ellis
• Corey Peters
• Willie Whitehead
• Antwan Odom
• Lemar Marshall
• Carl Simpson
• Trey Flowers
• Esera Tuaolo
• D.J. Reader
• Gabe Wilkins
• Dennis Owens
• Leonard Griffin

Jessie Armstead

1. Casey Hampton
2. Robert Mathis
3. John Henderson
4. Brian Orakpo
5. Julian Peterson
6. Linval Joseph
7. Eric Swann
8. Greg Ellis
9. Tony Siragusa

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.