Football History

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Born July 13, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, was former pro football star and Congeressman Jack Kemp.

Kemp was a professional quarterback for 13 years. He played briefly in the National Football League and the Canadian Football League. His true gridiron career pinnacle point though was in the American Football League, where he served as captain of both the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills and earned the AFL Most Valuable Player award in 1965 after leading the Bills to a second consecutive championship.

Kemp, a distinguished quarterback who played primarily for the Buffalo Bills, enjoyed a notable NFL career from 1957 to 1969. Over his 13 seasons, Kemp threw for 40,559 yards and 236 touchdowns. He was instrumental in leading the Bills to AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, earning AFL Most Valuable Player honors in 1965. Kemp's leadership on the field and ability to execute crucial plays solidified his reputation as a top quarterback. After his playing career, he continued to make an impact as a politician and advocate, further enhancing his legacy beyond football.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a rich history filled with legendary players who left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a symbol of their enduring impact, the team has retired certain jersey numbers, a prestigious honor bestowed upon only the most exceptional athletes. In this post, we'll delve into the Eagles' retired numbers, exploring the players behind them and the ways the team continues to honor their legacies. From iconic figures to modern-day heroes, these numbers represent the heart and soul of the Eagles organization.

Here are the Jersey Numbers the team has taken out of circulation to honor their legends:

-Jersey Number 5
Donovan McNabb 1999–2009

-Jersey Number 15
Steve Van Buren 1944–1951

-Jersey Number 20
Brian Dawkins 1996–2008

-Jersey Number 40
Tom Brookshier 1953–1961

-Jersey Number 44
Pete Retzlaff 1956–1966

-Jersey Number 60
Chuck Bednarik 1949–1962

-Jersey Number 70
Al Wistert 1944–1951

-Jersey Number 92
Reggie White 1985–1992

-Jersey Number 99
Jerome Brown 1987–1991

Throughout the storied history of the National Football League, countless players have donned jerseys bearing the number 15. However, a select few have left an indelible mark on the game, elevating the significance of this particular numeral.

This series will delve into the lives and careers of the most iconic NFL players who wear jersey number 15, exploring their contributions to the sport, their impact on their respective teams, and the enduring legacies they have left behind.

From the gridiron greats of the early NFL era to the modern-day superstars who have captivated audiences with their exceptional talent, the number 15 has been worn by players who have defined generations. We will examine the diverse array of skills and attributes that have made these athletes stand out, from their exceptional throwing abilities and leadership qualities to their unwavering determination and clutch performances. Through the lens of their individual journeys, we will uncover the stories that have shaped the history of the number 15 in the NFL.

Bart Starr, born Bryan Bartlett Starr on January 9, 1934, was an American professional football quarterback who spent his entire 16-year career with the Green Bay Packers. A two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and Super Bowl champion, Starr is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Early Life and College Career:

Starr grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He attended the University of Alabama, where he was an All-American quarterback and led the Crimson Tide to a victory in the 1953 Orange Bowl.

Green Bay Packers:

Starr was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft. He spent his first few seasons as a backup but took over as the starting quarterback in 1959. Under the guidance of coach Vince Lombardi, Starr and the Packers became one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.

Lombardi instilled a culture of discipline and hard work in the Packers, and Starr thrived in this environment. He became known for his leadership, intelligence, and clutch performances. The Packers won five NFL championships between 1961 and 1967, including the first two Super Bowls.

Starr was named Super Bowl MVP for both Super Bowls I and II. He is one of only two quarterbacks to win the Super Bowl MVP award in multiple games (Tom Brady has five).

Post-Playing Career:

After retiring from playing in 1971, Starr served as the head coach of the Packers for nine seasons. He compiled a 52-76-3 record but led the Packers to the playoffs three times. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.

Bart Starr is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He was a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, a two-time Super Bowl MVP, and a five-time NFL champion. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Starr's leadership, intelligence, and clutch performances made him a legend in Green Bay and throughout the NFL.

John McNally Jr., better known by his colorful nickname "Johnny Blood," wasn't your typical Hall of Fame football player. He wasn't a bruising fullback or a record-breaking passer. Instead, McNally carved out a unique legacy as a versatile backfield threat, a journeyman with a knack for finding the end zone, and a personality as vibrant as his nickname. This essay explores the career of Johnny Blood McNally, examining his nomadic journey through the early years of the NFL and his lasting impact on the game.

-Early Days and a Basketball Buzzer Beater (Early 1920s)

Born in 1895, McNally's athletic journey began on the basketball court. Playing for Saint John's University in Minnesota, he earned a reputation for clutch plays, famously sinking a game-winning shot at the buzzer. However, football beckoned, and McNally's speed and elusive running style attracted the attention of the Pottsville Maroons of the fledgling NFL.

-A Nomadic Star in the Early NFL (1925-1928)

McNally's professional career was a whirlwind of movement. He played for four different teams in his first four seasons, including the Pottsville Maroons, the Chicago Cardinals, the New York Giants, and finally, the Philadelphia Quakers (later renamed the Eagles). Despite the constant change of scenery, McNally consistently impressed. He could run, throw, and catch with exceptional skill, becoming a fan favorite for his on-field theatrics and infectious personality.

-Championship Glory with the Green Bay Packers (1929-1933, 1935-1936)

McNally finally found a semblance of stability in 1929 when he joined the Green Bay Packers. Here, his versatility found a perfect fit within Coach Curly Lambeau's innovative offense. McNally's contributions were crucial as the Packers captured three consecutive NFL championships from 1929 to 1931. He formed a formidable backfield duo with Don Hutson, another future Hall of Famer.

-A Winding Road and a Coaching Stint (1937-1941)

McNally's later career saw him bounce between teams once again, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (later Steelers) and even returning briefly to the Buffalo Tigers in a minor league. He eventually retired as player-coach for the Kenosha Cardinals in a minor league. McNally's coaching stint was short-lived, but it cemented his dedication to the game.

-A Legacy of Versatility and Entertainment

Johnny Blood McNally's legacy goes beyond statistics. He was a true "iron man" of the early NFL, playing in an era before the luxuries of modern equipment and training methods. His versatility on the field and his larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the rise of professional football's popularity in the early 20th century. While his career was defined by nomadic stints with various teams, his impact on the game, particularly his role in the Green Bay Packers' championship runs, is undeniable.

The Green Bay Packers, a storied franchise with a rich history, have a relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jersey numbers.

This exclusive honor is reserved for players who have made extraordinary contributions to the team and the sport.  

The Packers' retired numbers represent a pantheon of football legends. Players like Don Hutson, the revolutionary wide receiver, and Bart Starr, the iconic quarterback, have their jerseys enshrined in the rafters. These numbers are not merely digits but symbols of dominance, leadership, and unwavering dedication.

The team's commitment to honoring its greatest players is evident in the careful selection of numbers for retirement. Each jersey represents a chapter in the Packers' illustrious history, inspiring current and future generations of players and fans alike. As the Packers continue to build on their legacy, the retired numbers serve as a constant reminder of the extraordinary individuals who have shaped the franchise's identity.

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Green Bay anymore:

-Jersey Number 3
Tony Canadeo 1941–1952

-Jersey Number 4
Brett Favre 1992–2007

-Jersey Number 14
Don Hutson 1935–1945

-Jersey Number 15
Bart Starr 1956–1971

-Jersey Number 66
Ray Nitschke 1958–1972

-Jersey Number 92
Reggie White 1993–1998

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

Born May 17, 1934, in Muskegon, Michigan, was NFL Championship and three-time Super Bowl winner Quarterback Earl Morrall.

The Michigan State Spartans product played in the NFL for 21 seasons, both a starter and reserve. In the latter capacity, he became known as one of the greatest backup quarterbacks in NFL history, having served in the capacity for two Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Johnny Unitas and Bob Griese.

He is most known for helping the Baltimore Colts win Super Bowl V and the Miami Dolphins complete their perfect season.