Football History

Few honors are as coveted in professional sports as having one's jersey number retired. It's a testament to a player's extraordinary impact on the game, a symbol of their enduring legacy, and a mark of respect from the franchise they represented. This series will delve into the rich history of retired jerseys in football.

From the gridiron's earliest days to the modern era of superstar athletes, we will explore the stories behind the numbers that have been permanently shelved. We'll examine the criteria that teams use to determine which jerseys are worthy of retirement, the significance of specific numbers in football culture, and the impact these retired jerseys have on fans and the sport.

Join us as we pay tribute to the legendary players whose contributions to the game have earned them this ultimate honor. We'll uncover the fascinating tales of how these jerseys came to be retired, the controversies that sometimes surround these decisions, and the enduring legacies of the athletes they represent.

As of the start of the 2024 season there are 163 people that have a number set aside in their honor on 26 of the 32 teams.

-The Legends By the Retired Numbers

Here is a look at the people for each number retired in the NFL:

-Jersey Number 1
Ray Flaherty 1928–1935 - Giants
Warren Moon 1984–1993 - Oilers/Titans

-Jersey Number 3
Tony Canadeo 1941–1952 - Green Bay
Jan Stenerud 1967–1979 - Chiefs
Bronko Nagurski 1930–1937, 1943 - Bears

-Jersey Number 4
Brett Favre 1992–2007 - Green Bay
Tuffy Leemans 1936–1943 - Giants

-Jersey Number 5
George McAfee 1940–1941, 1945–1950 - Bears
Donovan McNabb 1999–2009 - Eagles

-Jersey Number 7
John Elway - Denver
Dutch Clark - Detroit
George Halas 1920- 1928 - Bears
Bob Waterfield 1945–1952 - Rams
Mel Hein 1931–1945 - Giants

-Jersey Number 8
Larry Wilson - Cardinals
Steve Young 1987–1999 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 9
Steve McNair 1995–2005 Oiler/Titans
Sonny Jurgensen 1964–1974 - Washington

-Jersey Number 10
Fran Tarkenton 1961–1966, 1972–1978 - Vikings
Eli Manning 2004–2019 - Giants

-Jersey Number 11
Phil Simms 1979–1993 - Giants

-Jersey Number 12
Jim Kelly - Buffalo
Bob Griese 1967–1980 - Dolphins
Tom Brady 2000-2019 - Patriots
Joe Namath 1965–1976 - Jets
John Brodie 1957–1973 -49ers
FAN (12s) The fans or 12th man of the Seahawks

-Jersey Number 13
Dan Marino 1983–1999 - Dolphins
Don Maynard 1963–1972 - Jets

-Jersey Number 14
Don Hutson 1935–1945 Green Bay
Otto Graham - Cleveland
Dan Fouts 1973–1987 - Chargers
Ward Cuff 1937–1945 - Giants
Y. A. Tittle 1961–1964 - Giants

-Jersey Number 15
Bart Starr 1956–1971 - Green Bay
Steve Van Buren 1944–1951 - Eagles

-Jersey Number 16
Len Dawson 1962–1975 - Chiefs
Frank Gifford 1952–1964 - Giants
Joe Montana 1979–1992 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 18
Frank Tripuka - Denver
Peyton Manning 1998–2011 Colts
Emmitt Thomas 1966–1978 - Chiefs
Charlie Joiner 1976–1986 - Chargers

-Jersey Number 19
Johnny Unitas 1956–1972 - Colts
Lance Alworth 1962–1970 - Chargers

-Jersey Number 20
Lem Barney - Detroit
Barry Sanders - Detroit
Billy Simms - Detroit
Gino Cappelletti 1960–1970 - Patriots
Brian Dawkins 1996–2008 - Eagles

-Jersey Number 21
LaDainian Tomlinson 2001–2009 -Chargers
Sean Taylor 2004–2007 - Washington

-Jersey Number 22
Buddy Young 1953–1955 - Colts
Bobby Layne - Detroit

-Jersey Number 24
Lenny Moore 1956–1967 - Colts

-Jersey Number 27
Eddie George 1996–2003 - Oilers/Titans

-Jersey Number 28
Willie Galimore 1957 -1963 - Bears
Abner Haynes 1960–1964 - Chiefs
Marshall Faulk 1999–2006 - Rams
Curtis Martin 1998–2005 - Jets
Darrell Green 1983–2002 - Washington

-Jersey Number 29
Eric Dickerson 1983–1987 - Rams

-Jersey Number 32
Jim Brown - Cleveland
Al Blozis 1942–1944 - Giants
Franco Harris 1972–1983 - Pittsburgh

-Jersey Number 33
Stone Johnson 1963 - Chiefs
Sammy Baugh 1937–1952 - Washington

-Jersey Number 34
Walter Payton 1975–1987 - Bears
Thurmon Thomas - Buffalo
Joe Perry 1948–1960 - 49ers
Earl Campbell 1978–1984 - Oilers/Titans

-Jersey Number 36
Mack Lee Hill 1964–1965 - Chiefs

-Jersey Number 37
Doak Walker - Detroit
Jimmy Johnson 1961–1976 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 39
Larry Csonka 1968–1974 - Dolphins
Hugh McElhenny 1952–1960 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 40
Pat Tillman - Cardinals
Gale Sayers 1965–1971 - Bears
Mike Haynes 1976–1982 - Patriots
Joe Morrison 1959–1972 - Giants
Tom Brookshier 1953–1961 - Eagles

-Jersey Number 41
Brian Piccolo 1965–1969 - Bears

-Jersey Number 42
Sid Luckman 1939–1950 - Bears
Charlie Conerly 1948–1961 - Giants
Ronnie Lott 1981–1990 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 43
Jim Norton 1960–1968 Oiler/Titans

-Jersey Number 44
Floyd Little - Denver
Pete Retzlaff 1956–1966 - Eagles

-Jersey Number 45
Ernie Davis - Cleveland
Kenny Easley 1981–1987 - Seahawks

-JerseybNumber 46
Don Fleming - Cleveland

-Jersey Number 49
Bobby Mitchell 1962–1968

-Jersey Number 50
Ken Strong 1936–1947 - Giants

-Jersey Number 51
Dick Butkus 1965–1973 - Bears
Sam Mills - Panthers

-Jersey Number 53
Mick Tingelhoff 1962–1978 - Vikings

-Jersey Number 54
Bob Johnson - Bengals

-Jersey Number 55
Junior Seau 1990–2002 - Chargers
Derrick Brooks 1995–2008 - Bucanneers

-Jersey Number 56
Bill Hewitt 1932–1936 - Bears
Joe Schmidt - Detroit
Lawrence Taylor 1981–1993 - Giants

-Jersey Number 57
Steve Nelson 1974–1987

-Jersey Number 58
Derrick Thomas 1989–1999 - Chiefs

-Jersey Number 60
Chuck Bednarik 1949–1962 - Eagles

-Jersey Number 61
Bill George 1952–1965 - Bears

-Jersey Number 63
Willie Lanier 1967–1977 - Chiefs
Lee Roy Selmon 1976–1984 - Bucanneers
Mike Munchak 1982–1993 - Oilers/Titans

-Jersey Number 65
Elvin Bethea 1968–1983 - Oiler/Titans

-Jersey Number 66
Bulldog Turner 1940–1952 - Bears
Ray Nitschke 1958–1972 - Green Bay

-Jersey Number 70
Art Donovan 1953–1961 - Colts
Jim Marshall 1961–1979 - Vikings
Al Wistert 1944–1951 - Eagles
Ernie Stautner 1950–1963 - Pittsburgh
Charlie Krueger 1959–1973 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 71
Tony Boselli - Jacksonville
Walter Jones 1997–2009 - Seahawks

-Jersey Number 73
John Hannah 1973–1985 - Patriots
Joe Klecko 1977–1987 - Jets
Leo Nomellini 1950–1963 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 74
Merlin Olsen 1962–1976 - Rams

-Jersey Number 75
Deacon Jones 1961–1971 - Rams
Joe Greene 1969–1981 - Pittsburgh

-Jersey Number 76
Lou Groza - Cleveland

-Jersey Number 77
Stan Mauldin - Cardinals
Red Grange 1925–1934 - Bears
Jim Parker 1957–1967 - Colts
Korey Stringer 1995–2000 - Vikings

-Jersey Number 78
Bobby Bell 1963–1974 - Chiefs
Bruce Smith 1985-1999 - Buffalo
Jackie Slater 1976–1995 - Rams
Bruce Armstrong 1987–2000 - Patriots

-Jersey Number 79
Jim Lee Hunt 1960–1970 - Patriots
Bob St. Clair 1953–1963 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 80
Kellen Winslow 1979–1987 - Chargers
Isaac Bruce 1994–2007 - Rams
Cris Carter 1990–2001 - Vikings
Jerry Rice 1985–2000 - 49ers
Steve Largent 1976–1989 - Seahawks

-Jersey Number 82
Raymond Berry 1955–1967 - Colts

-Jersey Number 85
Chris Hughes - Detroit
Jack Youngblood 1971–1984 - Rams

-Jersey Number 86
Buck Buchanan 1963–1975 - Chiefs

-Jersey Number 87
Dwight Clark 1979–1987 - 49ers

-Jersey Number 88
J. V. Cain - Cardinals
Alan Page 1967–1978 - Vikings

-Jersey Number 89
Mike Ditka 1961-1966 - Bears
Gino Marchetti 1953–1966 - Colts
Bob Dee 1960–1967 - Patriots

-Jersey Number 90
Dennis Byrd 1989–1992 - Jets

-Jersey Number 92
Reggie White 1993–1998 - Green Bay and Eagles
Michael Strahan 1993–2007 - Giants

-Jersey Number 96
Cortez Kennedy 1990–2000 - Seahawks

-Jersey Number 99
Marshall Goldberg - Cardinals
Jerome Brown 1987–1991 - Eagles
Warren Sapp 1995–2003 - Bucanneers

-Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common retired NFL number? The number 12 has 5 legendary QBs, and one fan base represents what the teams have retired the number 12.

Jim Thorpe's athletic legacy transcends categorization. While best known for his Olympic decathlon and pentathlon victories, his foray into professional football with the Canton Bulldogs in the late teens deserves recognition as he served as the first President of the fledgling NFL (APFA). Though brief, Thorpe's impact on the sport was undeniable.
Thorpe arrived with a reputation as a multi-sport marvel. Despite initial skepticism about his transition from baseball, he quickly impressed coaches with his speed, agility, and powerful throws. His versatility was invaluable – he ran the ball, kicked, punted, and even played some defense. Newspapers reveled in his electrifying plays, solidifying his celebrity status.

However, Thorpe's time with the Giants was marked by challenges. The brutal nature of the game in the 1920s, with minimal protection and grueling travel schedules, took a toll. Injuries hampered his performance, and the financial constraints of the era limited his compensation.
Beyond these challenges, Thorpe faced racial prejudice. As a Native American, he encountered discrimination on and off the field. This added layer of adversity undoubtedly colored his experience.

Despite a shortened stint, Thorpe's impact on the Giants and the NFL is significant. He was a pioneer, one of the first major celebrities to embrace professional football. His presence helped usher in an era of increased interest in the sport.

More importantly, Thorpe's story reminds us that his athletic brilliance extended beyond the track and field. He was a natural athlete who excelled in multiple arenas. While his time with the Giants was short-lived, it adds another remarkable chapter to the legacy of Jim Thorpe, a legend who defied expectations and shattered barriers.

For passionate football fans, game days are more than just cheering on your team. They're about the camaraderie, the heart-pounding action, and the shared love for the gridiron. But that passion can extend far beyond the stadium. For many, it spills over into a lifelong pursuit of collecting treasured pieces of football history – jerseys worn by legends, signed helmets, or even game tickets from monumental upsets.

This series dives headfirst into the captivating world of American football collectibles and memorabilia. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore this fascinating hobby, we've got something for you.

We'll delve into the different types of memorabilia, from iconic game-used items like helmets and jerseys to unique pieces like vintage programs and trading cards. We'll guide you through the ever-evolving world of authentication, helping you ensure the legitimacy of your prized possessions.

But this series goes beyond the simple act of collecting. We'll explore the stories behind the memorabilia, the iconic moments they represent, and the legendary players they were associated with. Each piece tells a story, a chapter in the grand narrative of football history.

So, gear up, football fans! Whether you're looking to unearth hidden gems at flea markets or track down that elusive signed photo, this series will be your roadmap to navigating the exciting world of American football collectibles. Let's find those pigskin treasures together!

Harold "Red" Grange wasn't just a football player; he was a cultural phenomenon. His electrifying career, albeit brief, reshaped professional football and etched his name permanently in sports history.

Grange's college exploits at the University of Illinois were legendary. Nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost" for his elusive running style, he led the Illini to national prominence. His dazzling performances, including a four-touchdown first quarter against Michigan in 1924, captivated audiences across the country. College football wasn't yet a professionalized sport, but Grange's immense popularity became a catalyst for change.

In 1925, Grange defied the norm by signing with the fledgling National Football League. His arrival drew massive crowds, exceeding stadium capacities and generating unprecedented media attention.

Grange's time in the NFL was relatively short due to injuries and contractual disputes. However, his influence extended beyond statistics. He helped popularize professional football, attracting fans and investors with his exciting style of play. His drawing power filled stadiums, boosting the league's financial viability and paving the way for its future growth.

Red Grange's legacy transcends his on-field achievements. He was a pioneer who helped professional football emerge from the shadows and become a national obsession. His electrifying play, combined with his celebrity status, forever altered the sports landscape, leaving an enduring mark on the game he loved.

July 25, 1924 - The Frankford Yellow Jackets franchise was established and played in the NFL from 1924 through 1931. And where is Frankford? It is in the northeastern section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team's origin can be traced back to 1899 as the Frankford Athletic Association.

This early FAA had a membership fee of $10 per person., no small fee at that time when the average U.S. weekly wage was less than $13.00! The proceeds of the membership fee were to go to charity. Local charities such as the Frankford Hospital and the local Boy Scouts were known to receive donations from the Jackets. The Frankford team won the NFL Championship in 1926. But they were also a part of removing a championship from a rival a year earlier in 1925.

The Yellow Jackets protested a nonleague game that the Pottsville Maroons had played in their territory, Philadelphia, against the Notre Dame All-Stars. The League investigated this territorial rights issue, and the Maroons were found guilty of territory infringement; thus, they were suspended, giving the Chicago Cardinals the 1925 title. Unfortunately, in the early 1930s, the Jackets slipped into deep financial woes and were sold in bankruptcy court.

In his February 25, 2021 interview, our friend Upton Bell told us that his parents, Bert Bell and Francis Upton, purchased the struggling franchise and renamed them the Philadelphia Eagles!

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The NFL is a league steeped in tradition, with franchises that have become synonymous with American sports. But beneath the glittering surface of today’s league lies a rich history of teams that once battled it out on Sundays, only to fade into obscurity.

This series will delve into the stories of these forgotten franchises, exploring their rise, their fall, and the impact they had on the game. From the early days of professional football to the more recent era of league expansion, we'll uncover the fascinating tales of teams that no longer exist.

Join us as we pay tribute to the pioneers, the underdogs, and the also-rans who helped shape the NFL into the powerhouse it is today.

Let's kick off this series by exploring...

Pigskin purists, gather round! Today, we embark on a journey through the gridiron gauntlet of the American Football League (AFL). But this isn't your grandfather's rival league. Forget the flash-in-the-pan ventures of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The AFL we're dissecting, born in the fiery crucible of the 1960s, was a different beast entirely.

This wasn't just another challenger to the National Football League's (NFL) ironclad grip. The AFL was a revolution, a renegade league built on innovation, audacious player acquisition strategies, and a relentless pursuit of excitement. Unlike its predecessors, the AFL wasn't content to simply chip away at the NFL's dominance. It aimed to reshape the sport itself, offering a faster, flashier brand of football that resonated with a new generation of fans.

Over the next few articles, we'll delve into the heart of this captivating rivalry. We'll explore the unique circumstances that birthed the AFL, the strategic decisions that set it apart, and the legendary clashes that forced the NFL to take notice. Buckle up, football fans, for a wild ride through a time when innovation challenged tradition, and a upstart league dared to rewrite the playbook.

The NFL Draft. It's a spectacle ingrained in the American sports calendar, a night filled with anticipation, analysis, and franchise-altering decisions. But how did this behemoth of an event come to be? Buckle up, football fans, because we're embarking on a journey through the rich history of the NFL Draft.

This series will delve into the fascinating evolution of the draft, from its humble beginnings in a smoky hotel conference room to the multi-day extravaganza it is today. We'll explore the rule changes, the draft day dramas, and the iconic moments that have cemented the draft's place in NFL lore. Get ready to meet the visionaries who shaped the draft, the surprise picks that shocked the world, and the legendary players who were selected with hopes of gridiron glory.

So, whether you're a seasoned draft enthusiast or a curious newcomer, join us as we uncover the stories behind the selections, the strategies, and the legacies built on the foundation of the NFL Draft.