Who are the best NFL players who have worn the number 7?
Some jersey numbers in football are more than just a digit—they become a symbol of greatness. The number 7 is one of those legendary numbers, worn by quarterbacks who have defined an era of NFL history. From John Elway‘s thrilling comebacks and Super Bowl triumphs to Ben Roethlisberger‘s unparalleled toughness and two championships with the Steelers, this jersey has been a consistent mark of a franchise leader. But the legacy doesn’t stop there. We’re breaking down the top players who wore #7, including Hall of Famers like Mel Hein and the electrifying Michael Vick. Who do you think deserves the crown as the greatest to ever wear the number 7?
Top NFL Players of Jersey Number 7
John Elway
After a standout collegiate career at Stanford University, John Elway was drafted first overall in 1983 and spent his entire sixteen-season professional career playing quarterback for the Denver Broncos (1983–1998). Over the course of his illustrious career, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections, was named the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1987, and became renowned for orchestrating dramatic late-game comebacks. Elway capped off his legendary run by leading the Broncos to back-to-back championships in Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII, securing Super Bowl MVP honors in his final game before his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Mel Hein
Hein was a dominant center and defensive lineman who played his collegiate football at Washington State before spending his entire 15-year professional career with the New York Giants from 1931 to 1945. He was a cornerstone of the Giants’ early success, leading the franchise to NFL Championships in 1934 and 1938 while earning first-team All-Pro honors eight consecutive times. In 1938, Hein achieved a uniquely historic milestone by becoming the first and only offensive lineman to ever win the NFL Most Valuable Player award, an accolade that helped secure his induction as a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben played college football for the Miami RedHawks at Miami University in Ohio before being selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 18-season professional career as a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing from 2004 through 2021. During his tenure, Roethlisberger achieved remarkable career milestones, including leading the Steelers to two Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl XL and XLIII) and earning six Pro Bowl selections. He finished his illustrious career as one of the most prolific passers in league history, recording 64,088 career passing yards and 418 passing touchdowns.
Boomer Esiason
Norman “Boomer” Esiason played college football at the University of Maryland before being drafted into a 14-season NFL career. He spent the majority of his professional years with the Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1992, 1997), along with stints playing for the New York Jets (1993–1995) and the Arizona Cardinals (1996). His most prominent career milestones include winning the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1988, earning four Pro Bowl selections, and leading the Bengals to an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII. [Source]
Bob Waterfield
Bob Waterfield played his collegiate football at UCLA before embarking on a highly successful professional career in the NFL. He spent his entire eight-season tenure playing for the Cleveland and Los Angeles Rams from 1945 to 1952. Waterfield achieved numerous major career milestones, most notably winning the NFL MVP award during his rookie season and leading the Rams to two NFL Championships in 1945 and 1951. Widely recognized for his exceptional versatility as a quarterback, kicker, and punter, he was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. [Source]
Michael Vick
Michael Vick played college football at Virginia Tech before being selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. During his thirteen-season professional career, he revolutionized the quarterback position while playing for the Atlanta Falcons (2001–2006), Philadelphia Eagles (2009–2013), New York Jets (2014), and Pittsburgh Steelers (2015). His major career milestones include earning four Pro Bowl selections, winning the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and retiring as the all-time NFL leader in career rushing yards by a quarterback.
Joe Theismann
After a standout collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, Joe Theismann played professionally for the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts from 1971 to 1973 before joining the NFL’s Washington Redskins, where he played from 1974 until 1985. During his distinguished 12-season NFL tenure, his major career milestones included winning Super Bowl XVII, earning two Pro Bowl selections, and being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year in 1983. His impressive professional football journey concluded abruptly when he suffered a career-ending leg fracture during a nationally televised game against the New York Giants in 1985. [Source]
Ron Jaworski
Ron Jaworski played collegiate football for the Youngstown State Penguins before embarking on a 17-season career as a quarterback in the National Football League. During his time in the pros, he played for the Los Angeles Rams (1973–1976), the Philadelphia Eagles (1977–1986), the Miami Dolphins (1987–1988), and the Kansas City Chiefs (1989). Jaworski’s most notable career milestones occurred in 1980, when he earned a Pro Bowl selection, won the Bert Bell Award for Player of the Year, and led the Eagles to the franchise’s first-ever appearance in Super Bowl XV. By the end of his playing days, he had thrown for 28,190 yards and established a then-NFL record of 116 consecutive starts by a quarterback, a milestone that remained unbroken until 1999.
Bert Jones
Quarterback – Baltimore Colts (1973–1981), Los Angeles Rams (1982) – 1 Pro Bowl, 2 All-Pro (1 First-Team, 1 Second-Team)
Ken O’Brien
Quarterback – New York Jets (1983–1992), Philadelphia Eagles (1993) – 2 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro
Steve Beuerlein
Quarterback – Los Angeles Raiders (1987–1990), Dallas Cowboys (1991–1992), Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals (1993–1994), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995), Carolina Panthers (1996–2000), Denver Broncos (2001–2003) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pro
Dan Pastorini
Quarterback – Houston Oilers (1971–1979), Oakland Raiders (1980), Los Angeles Rams (1981), Philadelphia Eagles (1982–1983) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pro
George Halas
George Halas played college football at the University of Illinois before beginning his professional playing career with the Hammond Bobcats in 1919. He subsequently suited up for the franchise he helped establish, taking the field for the Decatur Staleys in 1920, the Chicago Staleys in 1921, and the Chicago Bears from 1922 until his retirement as a player in 1929. Among his notable playing milestones, Halas secured the 1921 NFL Championship as a player-coach, set a 49-year league record by returning a fumble 98 yards for a touchdown, and was honored as a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Morten Andersen
Kicker – New Orleans Saints (1982–1994), Atlanta Falcons (1995–2000), New York Giants (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (2002–2003), Minnesota Vikings (2004), Atlanta Falcons (2006–2007) – 7 selections as a Pro Bowl player and 6 selections as an All-Pro (4 First-team, 2 Second-team)
Craig Morton
Quarterback – Dallas Cowboys (1965–1973), New York Giants (1974–1976), Denver Broncos (1977–1982) – 1 selection as a Pro Bowl player.
Doug Flutie
Quarterback – Chicago Bears (1986–1987), New England Patriots (1987–1989), Buffalo Bills (1998–2000), San Diego Chargers (2001–2004), New England Patriots (2005) – 1 selection as a Pro Bowl player.
Colin Kaepernick
Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (2011–2016) – 0 selections as an All-Pro or Pro Bowl.
Elmer Angsman
Halfback – Chicago Cardinals (1946–1952) – 1 selection as a Pro Bowl player and 1 selection as an All-Pro (Second-team).
Dutch Clark
Earl “Dutch” Clark began his professional career with the Portsmouth Spartans (1931–1932) before the franchise relocated, leading him to continue his tenure with the Detroit Lions (1934–1938). After initially making his mark as a collegiate standout at Colorado College, the versatile back achieved significant professional milestones, including capturing the 1935 NFL Championship and pacing the league in scoring three times. In recognition of his six All-Pro selections and historic impact on the gridiron, Clark was immortalized as an inaugural inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Randall Cunningham
Randall Cunningham revolutionized the quarterback position after a stellar collegiate career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he was recognized as a two-time All-American punter and a standout passer. Throughout his 16-year NFL career, he showcased his dynamic dual-threat abilities across four different franchises: the Philadelphia Eagles (1985–1995), the Minnesota Vikings (1997–1999), the Dallas Cowboys (2000), and the Baltimore Ravens (2001). Cunningham achieved numerous milestones as a professional, earning four Pro Bowl selections, the 1992 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and First-team All-Pro honors during his historic 1998 season, ultimately retiring with 29,979 passing yards and 4,928 rushing yards.
Don Majkowski
Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (1987-1992), Indianapolis Colts (1993-1994), Detroit Lions (1995-1996) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro
Nick Foles
Position: Quarterback
NFL Teams & Years: Philadelphia Eagles (2012–2014), St. Louis Rams (2015), Kansas City Chiefs (2016), Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2018), Jacksonville Jaguars (2019), Chicago Bears (2020–2021), Indianapolis Colts (2022)
Pro Bowl/All-Pro Selections: 1 Pro Bowl selection, 0 All-Pro selections
Sam Bradford
Position: Quarterback
NFL Teams & Years: St. Louis Rams (2010–2014), Philadelphia Eagles (2015), Minnesota Vikings (2016–2017), Arizona Cardinals (2018)
Pro Bowl/All-Pro Selections: 0 Pro Bowl selections, 0 All-Pro selections
Byron Leftwich
Quarterback – Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-2006), Atlanta Falcons (2007), Pittsburgh Steelers (2008), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009), Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-2012) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Bob Avellini
Quarterback – Chicago Bears (1975-1984) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Fuad Reveiz
Placekicker – Miami Dolphins (1985-1988), San Diego Chargers (1990), Minnesota Vikings (1990-1995) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro
Chad Henne
Quarterback – Miami Dolphins (2008-2011), Jacksonville Jaguars (2012-2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2022) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Jim Finks
Quarterback / Defensive Back – Pittsburgh Steelers (1949–1955) – 1 Pro Bowl
Jacoby Brissett
Quarterback – New England Patriots (2016), Indianapolis Colts (2017–2020), Miami Dolphins (2021), Cleveland Browns (2022), Washington Commanders (2023), New England Patriots (2024), Arizona Cardinals (2025–present) – 0
Jeff Gossett
Punter – Kansas City Chiefs (1981–1982), Cleveland Browns (1983–1987), Houston Oilers (1987), Los Angeles Raiders / Oakland Raiders (1988–1996) – 2 (1 All-Pro, 1 Pro Bowl)
Jon Kitna
Quarterback – Seattle Seahawks (1996–2000), Cincinnati Bengals (2001–2005), Detroit Lions (2006–2008), Dallas Cowboys (2009–2011, 2013) – 0
Eddie Bell
Wide Receiver – New York Jets (1970–1975), San Diego Chargers (1976) – 0 (Note: There is also a second Eddie Bell who played Halfback / Defensive Back for the Philadelphia Eagles (1955–1958) and New York Titans (1960))
Matt Cassel
Quarterback – New England Patriots (2005–2008), Kansas City Chiefs (2009–2012), Minnesota Vikings (2013–2014), Buffalo Bills (2015), Dallas Cowboys (2015), Tennessee Titans (2016–2017), Detroit Lions (2018) – 1 Pro Bowl
Jeff Garcia
Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (1999–2003), Cleveland Browns (2004), Detroit Lions (2005), Philadelphia Eagles (2006, 2009), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007–2008), Houston Texans (2011) – 4 Pro Bowl selections
Tarvaris Jackson
Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings (2006–2010), Seattle Seahawks (2011, 2013–2015), Buffalo Bills (2012) – 0 Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections
Christian Ponder
Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings (2011–2014), Oakland Raiders (2015), Denver Broncos (2015), San Francisco 49ers (2016) – 0 Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections
Craig Erickson
Quarterback – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992–1994), Indianapolis Colts (1995), Miami Dolphins (1996–1998), Chicago Bears (1999) – 0 Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections
J.P. Losman
Quarterback – Buffalo Bills (2004–2008), Oakland Raiders (2009), Seattle Seahawks (2010), Miami Dolphins (2011) – 0 Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections
Jason Baker
Punter – San Francisco 49ers (2001–2002), Philadelphia Eagles (2002), Kansas City Chiefs (2003–2004), Indianapolis Colts (2004), Denver Broncos (2004), Carolina Panthers (2005–2011) – 0 Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections
Case Keenum
Quarterback – Houston Texans (2012-2014, 2023-2024), St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2014-2016), Minnesota Vikings (2017), Denver Broncos (2018), Washington Redskins (2019), Cleveland Browns (2020-2021), Buffalo Bills (2022), Chicago Bears (2025-present) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Martin Gramatica
Placekicker – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1999-2004), Indianapolis Colts (2004, 2006), New England Patriots (2005-2006), Dallas Cowboys (2006-2007), New Orleans Saints (2007-2008) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro
Kyle Boller
Quarterback – Baltimore Ravens (2003-2008), St. Louis Rams (2009), Oakland Raiders (2010-2011), San Diego Chargers (2012) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Harrison Butker
Placekicker – Carolina Panthers (2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2017-present) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Tony Zendejas
Placekicker – Houston Oilers (1985-1990), Los Angeles Rams (1991-1994), Atlanta Falcons (1995), San Francisco 49ers (1995) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Conclusion
The number 7 is arguably one of the most prestigious and historically significant quarterback jerseys in NFL history, but its legacy spans beyond that key position. While it is defined by Hall of Fame signal-callers like two-time Super Bowl champion John Elway and Steelers icon Ben Roethlisberger, it also represents foundational players from the league’s earliest days, such as legendary kicker Morten Andersen and the influential multi-threat back Earl “Dutch” Clark. Whether worn by players who were single-handedly dragging their teams to championships or those who specialized in setting historic scoring records, the No. 7 jersey is universally recognized as the mark of a true leader and an all-time great.
Big Thanks to the above-noted sources and to Pro-Football-Reference.com and Newspapers.com to help fill in the blanks. Our goal is to keep making this page better, so if you feel we are missing someone you feel should be added, please let us know at Pi*************@***il.com.
Find more on our legends of the NFL jersey series here.
For more on our jersey series, check out: NFL Jersey Number 6
- Bob Waterfield: Rams Hall of Fame Quarterback Legend
- Ace Parker: Legend of Duke and Pro Football
- Randall Cunningham: The Ultimate Weapon of UNLV and the NFL
- The Two-City Legend: The Storied Career of Craig Morton
- George Halas: The “Papa Bear” Who Built the NFL and the Chicago Bears
- The Small-School Quarterback Who Became a Hall of Famer
- From Fifth String to Football Legend: The Unforgettable Career of Doug Flutie
- The Bizarre Tale of Hall of Famer Earl “Dutch” Clark
- John Elway
- Bob Waterfield
- Joe Theismann
- George Halas
- Pug Rentner
