Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 89

The Versatile 89s: Ranking the NFL’s Most Impactful Ends and Targets

In the history of the NFL, jersey number 89 has been a unique bridge between the gritty defensive trenches and the high-flying passing game. Often reserved for the league’s most physical defensive ends or its toughest, “over-the-middle” tight ends and receivers, the number 89 represents a specific brand of blue-collar excellence and big-play reliability. From the terrifying pass-rush of Gino Marchetti to the revolutionary tight end play of Mike Ditka and the explosive speed of Steve Smith, the men who donned this number were often the most intense competitors on the field. Join us as we count down the ten most iconic players to ever wear jersey number 89—the legends who defined toughness.

Football Bio: The Legends of 89

• Gino Marchetti (DE): A cornerstone of the 1950s Baltimore Colts, Marchetti redefined the defensive end position with his blend of speed and power, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections and nine First-team All-Pro nods.
• Mike Ditka (TE): “Iron Mike” revolutionized the tight end position as a primary receiving threat for the Bears, becoming the first tight end ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• Dave Robinson (LB): A vital piece of Vince Lombardi’s Packers dynasty, Robinson was a three-time Pro Bowler known for his exceptional size and ability to shut down the era’s best tight ends.
• Steve Smith (WR): Despite his smaller stature, Smith was one of the most ferocious and productive receivers in history, leading the league in the “Triple Crown” of receiving in 2005.
• Wes Chandler (WR): A key weapon for the “Air Coryell” Chargers, Chandler once averaged a staggering 129 receiving yards per game during the strike-shortened 1982 season.
• Otis Taylor (WR): A physical marvel for the Kansas City Chiefs, Taylor was instrumental in their Super Bowl IV victory and was one of the most feared deep threats of the AFL-NFL transition era.
• Fred Dryer (DE): Best known for his time with the Rams, Dryer remains the only player in NFL history to record two safeties in a single game, a feat he accomplished in 1973.
• Frank Wycheck (TE): A three-time Pro Bowler for the Titans, Wycheck was a model of consistency at tight end and famously threw the cross-field lateral that sparked the “Music City Miracle.”
• Mark Bavaro (TE): The epitome of toughness for the 1980s Giants, Bavaro was a two-time Super Bowl champion who once famously carried several 49ers defenders on his back during a catch.
• Bob Dee (DE): An original “Boston” Patriot, Dee was an ironman of the AFL who famously scored the first-ever touchdown in AFL history on a fumble recovery.

More Number 89 Legends

• Santana Moss
• John Mackey
• Nat Moore
• Brian Blades
• Henry Marshall
• Milt Morin
• Gail Cogdill
• Doug Baldwin
• James Jones
• Jerricho Cotchery
• Billy Joe DuPree
• Kevin House
• Marcedes Lewis
• David Boston
• James Scott
• Bill Groman
• Calvin Williams
• Dan Ross
• Jeff Chadwick
• Bennie Cunningham
• Wallace Francis
• Jared Cook
• Quinn Early
• Travis Taylor
• Cliff Livingston
• Mark Clayton
• Dave Long
• Amari Cooper
• Alvin Reed
• Ron Jessie
• Mark Chmura
• Mark Andrews
• Chad Lewis
• Tai Streets
• Mike Morgan
• Jerry Reichow
• Ron Brown
• Ernie Mills

Conclusion

The legacy of jersey number 89 is defined by a rare combination of grit and grace. These ten legends represent the absolute peak of their respective positions, from the early-era defensive dominance of Gino Marchetti and Bob Dee to the modern receiving brilliance of Steve Smith and Mark Bavaro. They were the players who thrived in the most physical parts of the field, proving that whether you are rushing the passer or catching a pass in traffic, the number 89 is a symbol of an iron will.

Big thanks to the Pro-Football-Reference website, ProFootballHOF.com, and Newspapers.com.