By Darin The Power of 70: Ranking the NFL’s Greatest Trench Icons
In the hard-hitting history of the NFL, jersey number 70 has long been the calling card of the “immovable object.” While other numbers might suggest speed or finesse, 70 is synonymous with the raw, unfiltered power of the defensive interior and the disciplined strength of the offensive line. From the Hall of Fame grit of Art Donovan and Sam Huff to the modern excellence of Zack Martin, the legends who wore this number were the anchors of dynasties. Join us as we explore the careers of the ten most dominant players to ever wear jersey number 70—the men who made their living winning the most physical battles in professional sports.
Football Bio: The Legends of 70
- Art Donovan (DT): A foundational star for the Baltimore Colts, “Fatty” was a five-time All-Pro and the first Colt ever inducted into the Hall of Fame for his relentless run-stuffing ability.
- Sam Huff (LB): One of the most famous middle linebackers in history, Huff revolutionized the position with the Giants and Redskins, earning five Pro Bowls and a spot in the Hall of Fame.
- Ernie Stautner (DT): The heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 14 seasons, Stautner was a nine-time Pro Bowler and remains the only player in franchise history to have his number 70 officially retired.
- Rayfield Wright (OT): Nicknamed “Big Cat,” Wright transitioned from tight end to a Hall of Fame offensive tackle for the Cowboys, earning six Pro Bowls and anchoring the line for two Super Bowl titles.
- Jim Marshall (DE): The ultimate ironman of the “Purple People Eaters,” Marshall played in a staggering 282 consecutive games for the Vikings and was the emotional leader of their legendary defensive front.
- Logan Mankins (OG): Known as one of the toughest players of his era, Mankins was a seven-time Pro Bowler for the Patriots and Buccaneers who famously played through severe injuries to maintain elite blocking standards.
- Tom Sestak (DT): A premier star of the AFL, Sestak was a three-time All-AFL selection for the Buffalo Bills and a cornerstone of their back-to-back championship defenses in the mid-1960s.
- Zack Martin (OG): A perennial All-Pro since his rookie season, Martin has solidified himself as a future Hall of Famer and the gold standard for modern guard play with the Dallas Cowboys.
- Russ Washington (OT/DT): A pillar of the Chargers franchise for 15 seasons, Washington earned five Pro Bowl nods and successfully made the rare transition from an elite defensive tackle to a dominant offensive tackle.
- Leonard Marshall (DE): A disruptive force for the New York Giants, Marshall was a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, best remembered for his game-altering hits in the postseason.
More NFL Uniform Jersey Players
- Charlie Krueger
- Bob Whitfield
- Henry Lawrence
- Joe Devlin
- Harry Swayne
- Michael Sinclair
- Dave Studdard
- T.J. Lang
- Jake Matthews
- John Fina
- Keith Dorney
- Eric Wood
- Paul Smith
- Travelle Wharton
- L.J. Shelton
- Mike DeVito
- Donald Penn
- Trai Turner
- Herman Lee
- Leon Gray
- Bobby Massie
- Ron Carpenter
- Vaughn Parker
- Dean Steinkuhler
- Jammal Brown
- Leonard Davis
- Al Jamison
- Jim Skaggs
- Trey Teague
- Dave Scott
- Ron Mattes
- Shane Olivea
- Don Owens
- Wayne Gandy
- Brian Sochia
- Jim Harvey
- Kelechi Osemele
- Gary Jeter
Conclusion
The legacy of jersey number 70 is defined by longevity and an uncompromising physical presence. These ten legends didn’t just fill gaps or set edges; they provided the structural backbone for some of the greatest defensive units and offensive attacks the league has ever seen. From the pioneer days of Art Donovan to the current masterclass of Zack Martin, wearing the number 70 has always signified a commitment to the heavy lifting required to win championships. They are the “Iron Men” of the gridiron, proving that while touchdowns sell tickets, the men in jersey 70 win the games.
