By Darin The Power of 87: Ranking the NFL’s Most Elite Receivers and Pass Rushers
In the lineage of NFL jerseys, number 87 has undergone one of the most fascinating transformations in the history of the game. Once the signature of feared defensive ends who terrorized backfields in the 1960s and 70s, it has evolved into the definitive mark of the modern, “uncoverable” tight end and the reliable possession receiver. From the championship grit of Willie Davis to the record-breaking dominance of Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, the athletes who wore this number represent a unique blend of physical power and acrobatic skill. Join us as we explore the ten greatest legends to ever don the 87 jersey and discover how they redefined their positions.
Football Bio: The Legends of 87
- Willie Davis (DE): A foundational piece of the 1960s Packers dynasty, Davis was a five-time NFL champion and a Hall of Fame pass rusher who never missed a game in his 12-year career.
- Dave Casper (TE): Known as “The Ghost,” this Hall of Famer was a premier deep threat for the Raiders, famously hauling in the “Ghost to the Post” reception during the 1977 playoffs.
- Reggie Wayne (WR): A model of consistency for the Indianapolis Colts, Wayne retired with over 14,000 receiving yards and was a primary weapon in their Super Bowl XLI victory.
- Claude Humphrey (DE): One of the most dominant pass rushers of his era, Humphrey was a six-time All-Pro who recorded 130 sacks across his Hall of Fame career with the Falcons and Eagles.
- Rob Gronkowski (TE): Often considered the most physically dominant tight end in history, “Gronk” won four Super Bowls and set numerous postseason records during his legendary career with the Patriots and Buccaneers.
- Travis Kelce (TE): A primary catalyst for the Chiefs’ modern dynasty, Kelce holds the NFL record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end and is a perennial All-Pro selection.
- Keenan McCardell (WR): Half of the Jaguars’ famous “Thunder and Lightning” duo, McCardell was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a precise route-runner who eclipsed 11,000 career yards.
- Muhsin Muhammad (WR): Nicknamed “Moose,” he was a physical, sure-handed receiver who led the NFL in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2004 while starring for the Panthers.
- Joe Horn (WR): A New Orleans Saints icon, Horn was a four-time Pro Bowler who transformed the franchise’s passing game in the early 2000s with his explosive playmaking and charismatic flair.
- Dwight Clark (WR): Forever immortalized for “The Catch” that launched the 49ers’ 1980s dynasty, Clark was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a yardage leader known for his reliability.
More NFL Jersey 87 Legends
- Kevin Dyson
- Jordy Nelson
- Jerry Smith
- Ed McCaffrey
- Lionel Taylor
- Charley Hennigan
- Ricky Proehl
- Mel Branch
- Ed O’Bradovich
- Johnnie Morton
- Laveranues Coles
- Eddie Kennison
- Raymond Chester
- Eric Decker
- Roy Jefferson
- Ben Coates
- Robert Brooks
- Rich Jackson
- Bert Emanuel
- Brent Celek
- Alden Roche
- Willie Richardson
- Aaron Brown
- Freddie Scott
- LaVerne Torczon
- Pat McInally
- Sean Dawkins
- Gerald Carter
- Billy Truax
- Charlie Brown
- Leo Lewis
- Emery Moorehead
- Pete Lammons
- Todd Pinkston
- Sterling Shepard
- Rod Gardner
- Jared Cook
Conclusion
The history of jersey number 87 is a story of evolution and excellence. It is a number that has been carried by the men who built the first Super Bowl dynasties and the men who are currently rewriting the league’s record books. Whether it was the relentless pass rush of Claude Humphrey or the legendary athleticism of Travis Kelce, these ten icons ensured that number 87 would always signify a player who can change the course of a game in a single snap. They represent the gold standard for versatility and championship pedigree in NFL history.
