Have you ever thought about the best players in NFL history who have worn jersey number 6? If so, we have provided a list of candidates to ponder.
Have you ever wondered who are the Top NFL Players Who Have Worn the Number 6 Jersey?
The number 6 jersey in football isnβt just a digit; itβs a symbol of a unique breed of player who left an indelible mark on the game. While not as common as other numbers, it has been worn by some of the most clutch kickers, dynamic quarterbacks, and game-changing punters in NFL history. From special teams masters who sealed victories to field generals who led their teams to glory, the legacy of the number 6 jersey is filled with stories of precision, poise, and power. But who is the ultimate king of this distinguished digit? Was it a record-setting punter, a reliable kicker, or a Super Bowl-winning QB? Join us as we explore the careers of these football legends and crown the top player to ever don the number 6. Get ready to settle the debate once and for all.
Here are some Legends of the Jersey 6
Benny Friedman
After a standout collegiate career at the University of Michigan, Benny Friedman entered the NFL and revolutionized the quarterback position while playing for the Cleveland Bulldogs (1927), Detroit Wolverines (1928), New York Giants (1929β1931), and Brooklyn Dodgers (1932β1934). Widely credited with popularizing the forward pass in professional football, he reached a historic milestone in 1929 by throwing a then-record 20 touchdown passes in a single season. In recognition of his pioneering impact on the modern aerial game and his multiple All-Pro selections, Friedman was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Baker Mayfield
Tough, gritty, and a man who can spin the ball with the best of them. After winning the Heisman Trophy during his standout collegiate career at Oklahoma, quarterback Baker Mayfield was selected first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. His professional journey has spanned multiple teams, taking him from the Cleveland Browns (2018β2021) to split stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams in 2022, before finding a home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023βpresent). Among his most notable professional milestones, Mayfield initially broke the NFL rookie passing touchdown record, led Cleveland to its first playoff victory in 26 years, and has subsequently earned multiple Pro Bowl selections.
Julio Jones
This is a guy who knows how to catch the ball! After starring collegiately at the University of Alabama, Julio Jones established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in NFL history. During his professional career, he played for the Atlanta Falcons (2011β2020), Tennessee Titans (2021), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2022), and Philadelphia Eagles (2023). Among his numerous career milestones, Jones earned seven Pro Bowl nods, two First-team All-Pro selections, two NFL receiving yards leader titles, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Ray Flaherty
Ray Flaherty was a professional football legend who played collegiately at Washington State before transferring to Gonzaga University. During his pro career, he played as an end for the Los Angeles Wildcats (1926), the New York Yankees (1927β1928), and the New York Giants (1929, 1931β1935). His major career milestones include winning the 1934 NFL Championship as a player, capturing two more NFL titles as a head coach, and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976. Additionally, upon his playing retirement, his No. 1 jersey for the Giants became the first number ever retired in professional football history.
Kevin Butler
Placekicker – Chicago Bears (1985β1995), Arizona Cardinals (1996β1997) – 2 All-Pro selections
Jay Cutler
Quarterback – Denver Broncos (2006β2008), Chicago Bears (2009β2016), Miami Dolphins (2017) – 1 Pro Bowl selection
John James
Punter – Atlanta Falcons (1972β1981), Detroit Lions (1982), Houston Oilers (1982β1984) – 5 total selections (3 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pro)
Thomas Morstead
Punter – New Orleans Saints (2009β2020), New York Jets (2021, 2023β2024), Atlanta Falcons (2021), Miami Dolphins (2022), San Francisco 49ers (2025) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro
Rolf Benirschke
Kicker – San Diego Chargers (1977β1986) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro
Bubby Brister
Quarterback – Pittsburgh Steelers (1986β1992), Philadelphia Eagles (1993β1994), New York Jets (1995), Denver Broncos (1997β1999), Minnesota Vikings (2000) – 0 All-Pro or Pro Bowl selections
Marc Wilson
Quarterback – Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (1980β1987), New England Patriots (1989β1990) – 0 All-Pro or Pro Bowl selections
Brett Kern
Mark Sanchez
Joe Nedney
Placekicker – Miami Dolphins (1996), Arizona Cardinals (1997β1999), Baltimore Ravens (1999), Oakland Raiders (1999), Denver Broncos (2000), Carolina Panthers (2000), Tennessee Titans (2001β2004), San Francisco 49ers (2005β2010) – 0 All-Pro or Pro Bowl selections
Jim Arnold
Punter – Kansas City Chiefs (1983-1985), Detroit Lions (1986-1993), Miami Dolphins (1994) – 2 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pros (1 First-Team, 1 Second-Team
Tommy Barnhardt
Punter – New Orleans Saints (1987, 1989-1994, 1999), Chicago Bears (1987), Washington Redskins (1988, 2000), Carolina Panthers (1995), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-1998) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Johnny Hekker
Punter – St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams (2012-2021), Carolina Panthers (2022-2024), Tennessee Titans (2025), Minnesota Vikings (2026-present) – 4 Pro Bowls, 6 All-Pros (4 First-Team, 2 Second-Team)
Waddy Young
End – Brooklyn Dodgers (1939-1940) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Charlie Whitehurst
Quarterback – San Diego Chargers (2006, 2013), Seattle Seahawks (2010-2011), Tennessee Titans (2014), Indianapolis Colts (2015), Cleveland Browns (2016) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Matt Cavanaugh
Quarterback – New England Patriots (1978-1982), San Francisco 49ers (1983-1985), Philadelphia Eagles (1986-1989), New York Giants (1990-1991) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Gene Ronzani
Halfback / Quarterback – Chicago Bears (1933-1938, 1944-1945) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Sam Martin
Punter – Detroit Lions (2013-2019), Denver Broncos (2020-2021), Buffalo Bills (2022-2024), Carolina Panthers (2025-present) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Don Kindt
Defensive Back / Halfback – Chicago Bears (1947-1955) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pros
Roddy Lamb
Back – Chicago Cardinals (1933) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Shaun Suisham
Placekicker – Dallas Cowboys (2005-2006, 2009), Washington Redskins (2006-2009), Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-2014) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Linebacker – Cleveland Browns (2021-present) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pros
Conclusion
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.
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