By Darin Hayes While numbers like 12 and 80 are synonymous with singular legends, the number 8 holds a unique and diverse place in NFL history. It’s a jersey that has been worn by some of the most dynamic quarterbacks, record-breaking punters, and even a clutch kicker. From the Hall of Fame arm of Troy Aikman, who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships, to the revolutionary rushing ability of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, the number 8 has been defined by incredible talent. We can’t forget Steve Young, a Super Bowl MVP and Hall of Famer in his own right, or Ray Guy, the first and only punter enshrined in Canton. This list ranks the best players ever to wear the number 8 and celebrates their lasting impact on the game.
List of Legendary number 8s
- Steve Young: A Hall of Fame quarterback, Young revolutionized the position with his dual-threat ability, winning Super Bowl XXIX MVP and setting the record for the highest career passer rating upon his retirement.
- Larry Wilson: A Hall of Fame safety for the Cardinals, Wilson earned 8 Pro Bowl selections and 5 First-team All-Pro nods, and is widely credited with pioneering the safety blitz.
- Troy Aikman: The Hall of Fame quarterback and centerpiece of the Dallas Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, Aikman led the team to three Super Bowl victories, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XXVII.
- Mark Brunell: A three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Brunell was instrumental in the rapid success of the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars, guiding them to two AFC Championship appearances in their first five seasons.
- Lamar Jackson: A two-time NFL MVP, Jackson redefined the quarterback position with his exceptional rushing ability, becoming the first quarterback in league history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in multiple seasons.
- Aaron Rodgers: Known for his elite accuracy and improvisational skills, this four-time NFL MVP won Super Bowl XLV and cemented his legacy as one of the most statistically dominant and efficient quarterbacks in history.
- Kirk Cousins: A consistent, high-volume passer, Cousins is recognized for his exceptional accuracy and being one of the most financially successful quarterbacks in NFL history due to fully guaranteed contracts.
- Matt Hasselbeck: A three-time Pro Bowl quarterback, Hasselbeck was the steady leader who guided the Seattle Seahawks to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance (XL) and provided a reliable presence for over a decade.
- Archie Manning: Though his New Orleans Saints teams struggled, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback was admired for his incredible athleticism, scrambling ability, and enduring toughness while playing on losing rosters.
More Great NFL 8s
- Morten Andersen
- Nick Lowery
- Ray Guy
- Matt Schaub
- Kyle Van Noy
- Jeff Blake
- Ryan Longwell
- Tommy McDonald
- Marcus Mariota
- David Carr
- Sam Bradford
- Brian Moorman
- Jon Kitna
- Rex Grossman
- Tommy Maddox
- Sean Salisbury
- Kyle Orton
- Greg Coleman
- Chip Lohmiller
- Brandon McManus
- Vince Evans
- Josh Jacobs
- Daniel Jones
- Paul McFadden
- Matt Moore
- Jason Campbell
- Mike Glennon
[…] You might want to check out more of our jersey lists like this one: Top NFL Players Who Wore Number 8. […]
[…] You might want to check out more of our jersey lists like this one: Top NFL Players Who Wore Number 8. […]