By Darin The Reliable Targets: Ranking the NFL’s Greatest Players to Wear Jersey 85
In the high-stakes theater of the NFL, jersey number 85 has traditionally served as the armor for the game’s most charismatic and reliable targets. While other numbers signify the brute force of the interior line or the blazing speed of the secondary, the 85 represents the ultimate “safety valve”—the wideouts and tight ends who live in the clutch and thrive in heavy traffic. From the legendary pass-rushing dominance of Jack Youngblood to the revolutionary tight end brilliance of Antonio Gates and the unforgettable flair of Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, the players who donned this number were more than just athletes; they were the heartbeat of their respective franchises. Join us as we explore the careers of the elite playmakers who transformed jersey 85 into a permanent symbol of gridiron greatness.
Football Bio: The Legends of 85
- Jack Youngblood (DE): A Hall of Fame defensive end for the Rams, Youngblood epitomized toughness by famously playing through the entire 1979 postseason and Super Bowl XIV on a fractured fibula.
- Nick Buoniconti (LB): The undersized but ferocious leader of the Dolphins’ “No-Name Defense,” Buoniconti was the tactical anchor for the only undefeated team in NFL history.
- Antonio Gates (TE): A former basketball star who revolutionized the tight end position, Gates retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in touchdowns for tight ends with 116 scores.
- Art Monk (WR): A model of consistency for the Washington Redskins, Monk was a three-time Super Bowl champion who retired as the NFL’s all-time leading receiver with 940 receptions.
- Mark Duper (WR): One-half of the legendary “Marks Brothers” duo in Miami, Duper was a three-time Pro Bowler known for his elite vertical speed and deep-ball chemistry with Dan Marino.
- George Kittle (TE): One of the most complete tight ends in modern history, Kittle is celebrated for his devastating blocking and for setting the then-record for most receiving yards in a season by a tight end.
- Julius Adams (DE/DT): A versatile and durable mainstay for the New England Patriots, Adams spent 15 seasons in the trenches and remains one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in sacks.
- Chad Johnson (WR): Known as “Ochocinco,” he was a six-time Pro Bowler for the Bengals who combined world-class route running with a charismatic personality that made him a global icon.
- Isaac Curtis (WR): A world-class sprinter who forced the NFL to change its pass defense rules, Curtis was the premier deep threat of the 1970s and a four-time Pro Bowler for Cincinnati.
- Rayfield Wright (OT): Nicknamed “The Big Cat,” Wright was a Hall of Fame tackle who anchored the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line through five Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s.
- Wesley Walker (WR): Despite being legally blind in one eye, Walker became one of the most feared deep threats in Jets history, averaging an incredible 19 yards per catch over his career.
More NFL Legendary Number 85s
- Drew Hill
- Mel Gray
- Russ Washington
- Lamar Lundy
- Del Shofner
- Derrick Mason
- Rob Moore
- Vernon Davis
- Max McGee
- Greg Jennings
- Sammy White
- Nate Washington
- Gary Ballman
- Roy Hilton
- Tim McGee
- Paul Flatley
- Wesley Walls
- Ken Dilger
- Dave Logan
- Hoby Brenner
- Charlie Smith
- Carleton Oats
- Henry Ellard
- Henry Childs
- Kevin Johnson
- Dennis McKinnon
- Monty Stickles
- Ashley Lelie
Conclusion
The legacy of jersey number 85 is defined by a unique blend of flair and fundamental excellence. Whether it was the relentless, ironman pursuit of a defensive end or the soft hands of a generational tight end, wearing the 85 has always signaled a player who can be counted on when the game is on the line. These athletes set a standard for consistency and playmaking ability that continues to inspire the modern era of NFL stars.
