By Darin The Pillars of 73: Ranking the NFL’s Greatest Trench Warriors
In the high-stakes landscape of the NFL line of scrimmage, jersey number 73 has been the standard for elite protection and interior power. While skill positions dominate the highlight reels, the number 73 has been worn by the “gold standard” of offensive linemen—men who redefined the technical requirements of their positions. From the legendary strength of Larry Allen to the iron-man streak of Joe Thomas and the “best ever” credentials of John Hannah, the athletes who donned this number were the foundation of championship dynasties and record-setting offenses. Join us as we count down the ten most iconic players to ever wear jersey number 73—the ultimate pillars of the gridiron.
Football Bio: The Legends of 73
- John Hannah (OG): Widely regarded as the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, “Hog” Hannah was a 10-time Pro Bowler for the Patriots and a seven-time First-team All-Pro known for his explosive pulling and blocking.
- Ron Yary (OT): The first offensive lineman ever selected first overall in the NFL Draft, Yary was a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” era, earning seven Pro Bowl nods.
- Leo Nomellini (DT): A dual-sport star and one of the original 49ers, “The Lion” was an incredibly durable force who earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and played in 174 consecutive games.
- Larry Allen (OG/OT): Famous for his legendary bench press and immense power, Allen was an 11-time Pro Bowler for the Cowboys who could physically dominate any defender in his path.
- Jahri Evans (OG): A vital anchor for the high-powered New Orleans Saints offenses of the Brees era, Evans was a six-time Pro Bowler and a key member of the Super Bowl XLIV championship team.
- Marshal Yanda (OG): One of the toughest interior linemen of the modern era, Yanda was an eight-time Pro Bowler for the Ravens who helped secure a victory in Super Bowl XLVII.
- Larry Little, Miami Dolphins’ legendary blocker during the early 1970s dynasty and the perfect season team.
- Joe Thomas (OT): A modern-day iron man for the Cleveland Browns, Thomas famously played an NFL-record 10,363 consecutive snaps and earned 10 Pro Bowl selections during his first 10 seasons.
- Ralph Neely (OT): A foundational piece of the Dallas Cowboys’ early success, Neely was a three-time All-Pro who earned two Super Bowl rings as a premier pass protector.
- Bob Baumhower (DT): The anchor of the Miami Dolphins’ “Killer B’s” defense, Baumhower was a five-time Pro Bowler known for his exceptional ability to disrupt the running game.
More Jersey 73 Legends
- Stan Jones
- Charlie Cowan
- Arnie Weinmeister
- Doug Dieken
- Ernie McMillan
- Norm Evans
- Joe Klecko
- Mike Hartenstine
- Mark May
- Ron Heller
- Eddie Edwards
- Simon Fletcher
- Ramon Foster
- Dave Hill
- Jake Scott
- Todd Steussie
- Charley Hannah
- Eric Winston
- Frank Warren
- Craig Wolfley
- Adam Meadows
- Marcus McNeill
- David Williams
- Pat Matson
- Zach Fulton
- Harvey Salem
- Frank Middleton
- Monte Clark
- Daryn Colledge
- Mike Dawson
- Ryan Schraeder
- Billy Neighbors
- Chris Kuper
- Shawn Andrews
- Kendall Simmons
- Russ Bolinger
- Errol Linden
Conclusion
The history of jersey number 73 is a story of unparalleled stability and excellence in the trenches. These ten legends represent the absolute peak of line play, from the foundational defensive tenacity of Leo Nomellini to the modern-day consistency of Joe Thomas and Marshal Yanda. They were the unsung heroes who ensured their quarterbacks stayed clean and their running backs had daylight, proving that championships are truly won at the line of scrimmage.
Big thanks to the Pro-Football-Reference website, ProFootballHOF.com, and Newspapers.com.
