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Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 6

By Pigskin Dispatch September 22, 2025 5 min read

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 isn’t just a digit; it’s 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 (1929–1931), and Brooklyn Dodgers (1932–1934). 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 (2018–2021) to split stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams in 2022, before finding a home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023–present). 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 (2011–2020), 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 (1927–1928), and the New York Giants (1929, 1931–1935). 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 (1985–1995), Arizona Cardinals (1996–1997) – 2 All-Pro selections

Jay Cutler

Quarterback – Denver Broncos (2006–2008), Chicago Bears (2009–2016), Miami Dolphins (2017) – 1 Pro Bowl selection

John James

Punter – Atlanta Falcons (1972–1981), Detroit Lions (1982), Houston Oilers (1982–1984) – 5 total selections (3 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pro)

Thomas Morstead

Punter – New Orleans Saints (2009–2020), New York Jets (2021, 2023–2024), Atlanta Falcons (2021), Miami Dolphins (2022), San Francisco 49ers (2025) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro

Rolf Benirschke

Kicker – San Diego Chargers (1977–1986) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro

Bubby Brister

Quarterback – Pittsburgh Steelers (1986–1992), Philadelphia Eagles (1993–1994), New York Jets (1995), Denver Broncos (1997–1999), Minnesota Vikings (2000) – 0 All-Pro or Pro Bowl selections

Marc Wilson

Quarterback – Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (1980–1987), New England Patriots (1989–1990) – 0 All-Pro or Pro Bowl selections

Brett Kern

Mark Sanchez

Joe Nedney

Placekicker – Miami Dolphins (1996), Arizona Cardinals (1997–1999), Baltimore Ravens (1999), Oakland Raiders (1999), Denver Broncos (2000), Carolina Panthers (2000), Tennessee Titans (2001–2004), San Francisco 49ers (2005–2010) – 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.

Here are some posts on Pigsin Dispatch that take you further into some legendary players who wore jersey number 6:

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