Football History

The number 36. Across the vast landscape of NFL history, certain numbers have become synonymous with greatness, instantly conjuring images of legendary players who donned those digits with pride and distinction. This series will delve into the rich tapestry of talent that has graced the gridiron wearing the number 36, exploring the careers and accomplishments of some of the most impactful players ever to step onto the field. These athletes, representing various eras and positions, have left an indelible mark on the game, etching their names into the annals of NFL history.

Former Virginia Tech Hokies teammates - Washington Redskins cornerbacks, Greg Stroman and Adonis Alexander, and Baltimore Ravens safety, Chuck Clark, after a preseason game on August 29, 2019. courtesy of All-Pro Reels via Wikimedia Commons.

From electrifying runs to bone-jarring tackles, the players who wore 36 have consistently delivered moments of brilliance, captivating fans and shaping the very fabric of professional football. This series will not simply recount statistics; it will delve into the stories behind the numbers, exploring the journeys, the challenges, and the triumphs that defined these remarkable careers. We'll examine the impact these players had on their teams, communities, and the sport.

These posts will celebrate the legacy of the number 36, recognizing the exceptional individuals who embodied the spirit of competition and exemplified the highest ideals of the game. Join us as we embark on this journey through NFL history, honoring the players who made the number 36 a symbol of excellence, a testament to the enduring power of talent, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. Prepare to be inspired by the stories of these gridiron legends, whose contributions to the sport will forever be remembered.

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Steve Owen's career in professional football spanned nearly three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the New York Giants and the game itself. He carved out a successful path as a player before transitioning into a legendary coach, forever etching his name in Giants' lore.

Steve Owen not only starred while playing the game, he absorbed the lessons he learned on the field, put them into practice, and even innovated concepts of the gridiron when he got into coaching.

Steve Owen, born on April 21, 1898, in Cleo Springs, Oklahoma, was ambitious and resilient. His journey to success was not without its challenges. After completing high school, he continued his education at Philips University in Enid, OK. He worked on a cattle ranch to support himself, demonstrating his determination and work ethic. However, his pursuit of higher learning was interrupted when he served in the US Army during World War I.

Steve Owen's journey in professional football began in the early 1920s when the game was still finding its shape. After the War, he signed on with the NFL's Kansas City Cowboys in 1924, who played all their games on the road. The lineman earned a salary of $50 per contest for his labor.

At a relatively short 5'10" for a lineman, Owen's exceptional strength, intelligence, and fierce competitive spirit compensated for his stature. These unique qualities and his leadership skills set him apart from his peers.

His journey took him to several teams. After finding being a full-time road warrior quite the grind, the 26-year-old spent the 1925 season with the Waterbury-Hartford Blues, an independent team in Connecticut. The Blues had ambitions to join the NFL, and after Steve helped the team achieve a record of 10-2, including two narrow victories over the NFL's Rochester Jeffersons, Hartford would earn a League franchise in 1926. Steve was also signed to play for the Cleveland Bulldogs for one game that season.

That solitary game with the struggling Bulldogs would be a springboard to his eventual pigskin roost. Steve played briefly with the Cleveland Bulldogs before being sold to the New York Giants in 1926 for $500. The legendary Dr. Harry March had seen Owen play a year earlier at a meager salary of $100 a game, which barely covered the expenses of barnstorming across Florida with the Cowboys. Yet, his exceptional defensive skills couldn't be ignored.

Owen truly blossomed with the Giants, becoming a key cog in their 1927 champ "on-ship run. His leadership on and off the field earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

By 1931, Owen had transitioned into a player-coach role with the Giants, marking the start of a coaching dynasty that would span over two decades. His approach to the game was characterized by a strong emphasis on defense and fundamental football, a stark contrast to the more flamboyant offensive schemes of the time. This defensive focus, known as "Stout Steve's System," shaped the Giants' play and left a lasting" impacSteve'se game i "self, revolutionizingGiants'y team approach to defense.

Despite initial skepticism, Owen's methods proved to be game-changers. He led the Giants to eight Eastern titles and two NFL championships (1934 and 1938). His innovative tactics, such as the A-formation that revolutionized running plays and the umbrella defense designed to counter emerging passing attacks, significantly impacted the game's evolution. Owen's ability to adapt and innovate, combined with his unwavering fundamentals, reshaped the game, leaving a lasting legacy.

Steve Owen's impact extended beyond his tactical brilliance. He fostered a culture of Owen's focus and teamwork within the Giants organization, a testament to his leadership and character. He was known for his loyalty to his players and staff, instilling a sense of family within the team. This loyalty extended beyond the playing field, as Owen famously coached with the Giants for 24 seasons on a handshake agreement – a testament to his mutual respect and the Mara family, who owned the team.

The innovator took chances, too, with little things he learned and quick decisions. In the 1934 championship game (now known as the "sneaker game"), he found himself on a frozen field. In a stroke of genius, the New York Giants switched to sneakers in the second half, gaining traction and defeating the Chicago Bears 30-13. This innovative move forever changed the game, as NFL teams always wear rubber-soled shoes on icy fields.

Under the leadership of Coach Owen, the Giants would also claim the NFL title in 1938.

As a coach, Owen had a career win/loss record of 155-108-17 as his teams won eight division titles and two NFL Championships. The G-men under his watch were in eight of the first 14 NFL Title games! Coach Owen's innovations to the game were outstanding, and he is credited with the A-foOwen'sn offense. The umbrella defense, where he dropped four defensive backs to cover the deep field partly to neutralize the powerful Cleveland Browns passing attack after they joined the NFL in the early 1950s. He even participated in implementing the two-platoon system of personnel with specialists in offense and defense. Steve Owen was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Steve Owen retired from coaching in 1953, leaving a legacy far beyond wins and championships. He was pivotal in establishing the New York Giants as a perennial contender, laying the foundation for future success. More importantly, Owen's dedication to defense, his emphasis on fundamentals, and his innovative Owen'ss significantly impacted the game's evolution. He is a testament that leadership, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the game can overcome physical limitations. Steve Owen, the "Rock of New York," remains a towering figure in the Giants' history and an innovator in "the annals of professional football Giants.'

Born April 24, 1903, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Mike Michalske, the Penn State All-American guard. Mike signed on in the pros with the original American Football League’s New York Yankees in 1927.

He played there for two seasons until the League disbanded, and then he joined the Green Bay Packers of the NFL in 1929, then anchored their lines all the way until 1937. Mike’s bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame says that Michalske was particularly adept at going after the passer.

Michalske also championed the idea of using former fullbacks at guard because they were fast and explosive. He sold the idea to Green Bay Packers coach Curly Lambea,u and thu,s it was no accident that many fine Green Bay guards had cut their football teeth as fullbacks. Michalske  was a great two-way player as the guy played 60 minutes of darn near every game he played in earning him the name of “Iron Mike.” The Packers won NFL titles in 1929, 1930, and 1931, and Michalske was named All-NFL in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, and 1935. In 1964, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Mike Michalske into their Canton, Ohio, museum of Legends. NFL Jersey Number 36

The Kansas City Chiefs boast a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their extraordinary contributions, a select few have earned the ultimate honor of having their jersey numbers retired.

These numbers, once worn by gridiron greats, are now permanently enshrined in the annals of Chiefs history.  

The Chiefs' retired jerseys represent a pantheon of football legends, including quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive stars. These players not only excelled on the field but also became synonymous with the team's identity. Their jerseys serve as a constant reminder of the franchise's rich tradition and the unwavering dedication of those who have worn them.

The retirement of a jersey is a solemn occasion reserved for athletes who have transcended the game and become symbols of excellence. The Chiefs' retired numbers stand as a testament to the organization's commitment to honoring its greatest players and preserving their legacies for generations to come.

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

-Jersey Number 3
Jan Stenerud 1967–1979

-Jersey Number 16
Len Dawson 1962–1975

-Jersey Number 18
Emmitt Thomas 1966–1978

-Jersey Number 28
Abner Haynes 1960–1964

-Jersey Number 33
Stone Johnson 1963

-Jersey Number 36
Mack Lee Hill 1964–1965

-Jersey Number 58
Derrick Thomas 1989–1999

-Jersey Number 63
Willie Lanier 1967–1977

-Jersey Number 78
Bobby Bell 1963–1974

-Jersey Number 86
Buck Buchanan 1963–1975


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 in Lynchburg, Virginia, March 14, 1978, Ron Dayne etched his name into the annals of football history through sheer power and relentless determination. His career, spanning dominant college performances and a respectable NFL tenure, cemented his legacy as one of the game's most formidable running backs.

-College Career:

Dayne's time at the University of Wisconsin (1996-1999) was a masterclass in sustained excellence. He was a force of nature, a bruising back who consistently overwhelmed defenses. His remarkable consistency led him to become the NCAA's all-time leading rusher, a record he still holds, with an astounding 7,125 career yards. Notably, he achieved the rare feat of surpassing 2,000 rushing yards twice in his college career. His 1999 Heisman Trophy victory was a landslide, a testament to his undeniable impact on the game. He was also a three-time First-Team All-American.  

-Road to the Pro Game:

Dayne's collegiate dominance made him a highly coveted prospect in the 2000 NFL Draft. The New York Giants selected him in the first round, anticipating his power running style would translate to the professional level. His NFL career spanned seven seasons, including stints with the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans, in addition to the Giants. He was a part of the Giants team that reached Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.  

-Football Legacy:

Ron Dayne's legacy is defined by his record-breaking college career and his powerful running style. He redefined the standard for collegiate rushing, setting a benchmark that remains a testament to his exceptional talent and work ethic. His ability to consistently churn out yards, combined with his Heisman Trophy victory, solidified his place among the greatest college football players of all time. His NFL career, while not as statistically dominant as his college years, showcased his resilience and ability to contribute at the highest level.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2013.

-Heisman Trophy: 1999.  

-NCAA Career Rushing Yards Record: 7,125 yards.

-Three-time First-Team All-American.  

-Super Bowl XXXV Appearance: 2001 (New York Giants).  

-Played 7 years in the NFL.  

-First round draft pick to the New York Giants.

-Maxwell Award (1999)

-Walter Camp Award (1999)

-Chic Harley Award (1999)

-Doak Walker Award (1999)

-Jim Brown Award (1999)

-AP College Football Player of the Year (1999)

-SN Player of the Year (1999)

-Unanimous All-American (1999)

-2× First-team All-American (1997, 1998)

-Third-team All-American (1996)

-Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year (2000)

-Big Ten Most Valuable Player (1999)

-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (1999)

-Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Year (1996)

-3× First-team All-Big Ten (1996, 1998, 1999)

-Second-team All-Big Ten (1997)

-Wisconsin Badgers No. 33 retired

Info courtesy National Football Foundation.org & Wikipedia

February 16, 1972 - Detroit, Michigan - The powerful running back from the University of Notre Dame, Jerome Bettis, celebrates his birthday.

-College Career

Bettis's time at Notre Dame showcased the emergence of a powerful and talented running back. From 1990 to 1992, "The Bus" rumbled through opposing defenses, displaying a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his punishing running style and ability to break tackles. Bettis contributed significantly to the Fighting Irish's success, helping them maintain their reputation as a national powerhouse. His impressive performances earned him national attention and set the stage for a highly anticipated professional career. While his college career was shorter than some, Bettis left a lasting impression on Notre Dame football.

-Road to the NFL

The St Louis Rams selected Jerome as their first-round pick and 10th overall in the 1993 NFL Draft. In just his first season as a Pro, Bettis received Rookie of the Year honors as he was second in yardage in the League that year and third in total yards from scrimmage per ProFootballHOF.com.

-Career Reboot

A few years later, he was famously traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he remained for the balance of his 13-year career. He led the Rams in rushing in three seasons and the Steelers in 8. When he retired, he had amassed 13662 yards rushing, which at the time listed him as the fifth-highest total in NFL history.

He was an All-Pro in several seasons and played in 6 Pro Bowl games. Jerome Bettis was selected for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015’s class of inductees.

-Career Information

-High school: Mackenzie
(Detroit, Michigan)

-College: Notre Dame (1990–1992)

-NFL draft: 1993 / round: 1 / pick: 10

-Career History

-Los Angeles / St. Louis Rams (1993–1995)

-Pittsburgh Steelers (1996–2005)

-Career Highlights and Awards

-Super Bowl champion (XL)

-NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1993)

-NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1996)

-Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2001)

-2× First-team All-Pro (1993, 1996)

-Second-team All-Pro (1997)

-6× Pro Bowl (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004)

-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1993)

-Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

-Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

-Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame

-Career NFL statistics

-Rushing yards: 13,662

-Rushing average: 3.9

-Rushing touchdowns: 91

-Receptions: 200

-Receiving yards: 1,449

-Receiving touchdowns: 3

-Pro Football Hall of Fame

Stats at Pro Football Reference
Jerome Bettis. (2025, February 9). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Bettis

Alexander Arrasi Agase was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 27, 1922. His distinguished career encompassed collegiate stardom, professional championships, and leadership as a college head coach, leaving an indelible mark on American football.  

College Career

Agase's collegiate career began at the University of Illinois, where he quickly established himself as a dominant right guard starting in 1941. His exceptional play earned him his first All-American selection in 1942. Notably, in a game against Minnesota that year, Agase became only the second guard in college football history to score two touchdowns in a single game. With the onset of World War II, Agase enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943. During his military training, he played football alongside other military personnel at Purdue University. His outstanding performance there resulted in his second All-American honor in 1943, contributing to Purdue's undefeated season and Big Ten co-championship. After serving in the Pacific theater, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, Agase returned to Illinois for his senior season in 1946. He capped off his remarkable college career by earning his third All-American selection and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's most valuable player, leading the Fighting Illini to a Rose Bowl victory. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963.  

Road to the Pro Game

Although drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1944, Agase's professional debut was delayed by his military service. Upon graduating, he signed with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947. After a brief stint with the Dons and the Chicago Rockets, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1948. This move proved pivotal, as he became an integral part of a dominant Browns team that won two AAFC championships (1948, 1949) and the NFL Championship in 1950, following the AAFC's merger with the NFL. Agase's contributions as a key member of the offensive line were crucial to the Browns' success during this golden era.  

Football Legacy

Alex Agase's legacy extends far beyond his playing days. His three All-American selections in college underscore his exceptional talent and impact at that level. As a professional, he was a cornerstone of a championship-winning dynasty with the Cleveland Browns, demonstrating his toughness and skill in the trenches. Following his playing career, Agase transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant before taking on head coaching roles at Northwestern University and Purdue University. While his head coaching records were mixed, he notably led Northwestern to a Coach of the Year honor for the Football Writers Association of America in 1970. His career path, from a decorated player to a college coach, highlights his deep commitment to the sport. Agase's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the legends of the game.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-3x All-American (1942, 1943, 1946)

-Big Ten MVP (Chicago Tribune Silver Football, 1946)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963)  

Professional:

-2x AAFC Champion (1948, 1949)

-NFL Champion (1950)  

Coaching:

-Football Writers Association of America Coach of the Year (1970)