By Darin The Power of 78: Ranking the NFL’s Greatest Trench Warriors
In the violent landscape of the NFL trenches, jersey number 78 is a symbol of absolute authority. While the skill positions often steal the spotlight with flashy numbers, the 78s have historically been the architects of victory—either by protecting the franchise quarterback or by relentlessly hunting him down. From the all-time sack record of Bruce Smith to the technical perfection of Anthony Munoz, these athletes defined the standard for offensive and defensive line play. Join us as we celebrate the “Big Men” who made the number 78 a hallmark of Hall of Fame excellence and sheer physical dominance.
Football Bio: The Legends of 78
- Bruce Smith (DE): The NFL’s all-time career sack leader with 200, Smith was a defensive juggernaut who anchored the Buffalo Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl runs and earned 11 First-team All-Pro selections.
- Anthony Munoz (OT): Widely regarded as the greatest offensive tackle in football history, Munoz was a 11-time Pro Bowler for the Cincinnati Bengals known for his impeccable footwork and strength.
- Art Shell (OT): A towering presence for the Oakland Raiders, Shell was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a foundational piece of two Super Bowl-winning lines before becoming a Hall of Fame coach.
- Jackie Slater (OT): A model of legendary longevity, Slater played 20 seasons for the Rams franchise, earning seven Pro Bowl nods and a reputation as one of the most disciplined blockers in the game.
- Curley Culp (DT): A pioneer of the nose tackle position, Culp used his collegiate wrestling background to dominate centers, earning a Super Bowl IV ring and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Bobby Bell (LB/DE): One of the most versatile defenders to ever play, Bell was a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ “Red Defense” who could drop into coverage as easily as he could rush the passer.
- Stan Jones (DT/OT): A revolutionary who was among the first NFL players to utilize weightlifting, Jones was a seven-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears and a master of both sides of the line.
- Richmond Webb (OT): The premier blindside protector of the 1990s, Webb earned seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections while keeping legendary quarterback Dan Marino upright in Miami.
- Mike Kenn (OT): A five-time All-Pro, Kenn anchored the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line for 17 seasons, setting a franchise record with 251 career starts.
- Jim Dunaway (DT): A foundational force for the 1960s Buffalo Bills, Dunaway was a four-time AFL All-Star who helped lead the team to back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965.
More Jersey 78 NFL Legends
- Bruce Armstrong
- Tarik Glenn
- Carl Hairston
- John Dutton
- Doug English
- Matt Birk
- Dwight White
- Darris McCord
- Bubba Smith
- Walt Sweeney
- Ryan Clady
- Keith Van Horne
- Matt Lepsis
- Steve Riley
- Robert Brown
- Bob Newton
- Hollis Thomas
- Jon Hand
- Max Starks
- Tim Johnson
- Jon Stinchcomb
- Jack Conklin
- Elois Grooms
- John Thomas
- Alejandro Villanueva
- Ron Yankowski
- John Baker
- Blake Brockermeyer
- Leon Lett
- Luke Owens
- Glen Ray Hines
- Ryan Kelly
- Scott Gragg
- Pierce Holt
- Kory Lichtensteiger
- John Cannon
- Dave Foley
- Tony McGee
Conclusion
The legacy of jersey number 78 is built on the sweat and grit of the game’s most respected “big men.” It is a number that represents the foundation of a football team—the players who win the battle at the line of scrimmage so their teammates can find glory. Whether it was the record-breaking pass rush of Bruce Smith or the impenetrable wall built by Anthony Munoz, these ten legends ensured that the number 78 would forever be synonymous with power, protection, and professional excellence.
