The Power of 90: Ranking the NFL’s Most Dominant Pass Rushers and Anchors

In the trenches of the NFL, jersey number 90 is synonymous with fear. It is a number typically reserved for the titans of the defensive line—the edge-rushing phenoms who haunt quarterbacks’ dreams and the immovable interior anchors who shut down running lanes. From the relentless motor of T.J. Watt to the freakish athleticism of Julius Peppers and the intimidating presence of Ndamukong Suh, the 90 jersey carries a legacy of pure defensive dominance. Join us as we count down the greatest legends to ever wear the number 90, exploring the careers of the men who made this digit a symbol of defensive excellence.

Football Bio: The Legends of 90

• Julius Peppers (DE): A freakish athlete with 159.5 career sacks, Peppers utilized his rare size and speed to dominate for the Panthers, Bears, and Packers across 17 elite seasons.
• T.J. Watt (LB/DE): A sack-record holder and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has established himself as the premier defensive force of his generation for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Neil Smith (DE): A cornerstone of the Chiefs’ 1990s defense, Smith used his massive wingspan to record 104.5 sacks and eventually won two Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos.
• Jason Pierre-Paul (DE): Known for his explosive get-off and incredible resilience, JPP earned Super Bowl titles with both the Giants and Buccaneers as a perennial edge threat.
• Mario Williams (DE): A former first-overall pick, Williams was a four-time Pro Bowler who utilized a massive frame and elite speed to anchor the defensive lines for the Texans and Bills.
• Larry Brooks (DT): A foundational piece of the Rams’ legendary defensive front, Brooks was a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the most consistent interior pass rushers of the 1970s.
• Jay Ratliff (DT): A late-round gem for the Cowboys, Ratliff was a four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle known for his rare quickness and disruptive backfield penetration.
• Jevon Kearse (DE): Appropriately nicknamed “The Freak,” Kearse burst onto the scene with a rookie-record 14.5 sacks in 1999, forever changing the expectations for modern defensive ends.
• Ndamukong Suh (DT): One of the most physically intimidating interior linemen ever, Suh combined brute strength with tactical IQ to anchor defenses for five different franchises, including a championship run with the Buccaneers.
• Rob Burnett (DE): A key leader for the 2000 Ravens’ historic “record-breaking” defense, Burnett was a reliable Pro Bowler who combined technique and toughness to record 73 career sacks.

Other Number 90 Legends

• Jadeveon Clowney
• Vonnie Holliday
• Darnell Dockett
• Phil Hansen
• Jeff Zgonina
• Michael Brockers
• George Webster
• Chris Kelsay
• Tony Brackens
• Terry Wooden
• Marco Coleman
• DeMarcus Lawrence
• Ezra Johnson
• Justin Smith
• Chuck Smith
• Al Harris
• Corey Simon
• Alonzo Spellman
• DaQuan Jones
• Isaac Sopoaga
• Malcom Brown
• Grady Jackson
• Chad Eaton
• Corey Widmer
• B.J. Raji
• Ron Holmes
• Michael Johnson

Conclusion

The history of jersey number 90 is a chronicle of defensive intimidation. While other numbers might focus on finesse, 90 represents the raw power and high-motor intensity required to dominate the line of scrimmage. From the early dominance of Larry Brooks to the modern-day masterclass of T.J. Watt, these legends have ensured that number 90 will always be associated with the “wrecking balls” of the NFL. These ten icons didn’t just play defense; they dictated the flow of the game, ensuring their place in the pantheon of football greatness.