Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 17

Decoding Number 17: The Legends Who Defined the NFL’s Most Clutch Jersey

From historic Hall of Famers to the dynamic playmakers of the modern era, the No. 17 jersey has been worn by some of the most consistent and explosive talents in NFL history. Whether it’s a quarterback known for his iron-man toughness, a massive wide receiver who hauled in everything thrown his way, or a new generation of star quarterbacks and route runners, this number signifies elite production.

But who is the greatest player to wear No. 17? Is it the longevity and grit of a Chargers icon like Philip Rivers, the Hall of Fame legacy of Harold Carmichael, or the sheer dominance of current stars like Josh Allen and Davante Adams? Join us as we break down the definitive list, analyzing the careers and impact of the players who made the number 17 jersey unforgettable.

List of the Greatest Players Who Donned the Number 17 Jersey

Josh Allen

A modern prototype quarterback for the Bills, he is known for his rare combination of a powerful arm, elite mobility, and high-volume, dynamic playmaking ability.

Position: Quarterback

NFL Team(s): Buffalo Bills (2018–Present)

Pro Bowl / All-Pro Selections: 4-time Pro Bowl selection, 2-time All-Pro selection

Seasons wearing #17: 2018–Present

Philip Rivers

A supremely durable and competitive quarterback for the Chargers, he was known for his unorthodox delivery, intense sideline demeanor, and consistently high passing yardage totals over 16 seasons. He even made a comeback with the Colts during the 2025 season after retiring.

• Position: Quarterback
• Teams & Years: San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2004–2019), Indianapolis Colts (2020, 2025)
• All-Pro / Pro Bowl Selections: 8-time Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2009–2011, 2013, 2016–2018)
• Seasons wearing #17: 2004–2020, 2025 (his entire NFL career)

Harold Carmichael

An imposing 6’8″ wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, he used his massive frame to dominate opposing defensive backs and was later enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Harold Carmichael

Position: Wide Receiver

NFL Team(s): Philadelphia Eagles (1971–1983), Dallas Cowboys (1984)

Pro Bowl / All-Pro Selections: 4-time Pro Bowl selection, 2-time All-Pro selection

Seasons wearing #17: 1971–1984

Davante Adams

One of the most technically gifted wide receivers in the modern era, he is renowned for his precise route running and exceptional ability to create separation and catch contested passes.

Position: Wide Receiver

Teams & Years: Green Bay Packers (2014–2021), Las Vegas Raiders (2022–2024), New York Jets (2024), Los Angeles Rams (2025–present)

All-Pro / Pro Bowl Selections: 3-time First-team All-Pro (2020–2022), 6-time Pro Bowl selection (2017–2022)

Seasons wearing #17: 2014–present (his entire NFL career)

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Dave Krieg

A successful undrafted quarterback, he played with a gunslinger mentality and carved out a long, productive career primarily with the Seattle Seahawks, making three Pro Bowls.

Quarterback – Seattle Seahawks (1980-1991), Kansas City Chiefs (1992-1993), Detroit Lions (1994), Arizona Cardinals (1995), Chicago Bears (1996), Tennessee Oilers (1997-1998) – 3 Pro Bowl selections – Wore number 17 for his entire 19-season career from 1980 to 1998.

Richie Petitbon

A hard-hitting safety who played the majority of his career with Washington, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and later served as a coach, winning multiple Super Bowl rings.

Safety/Defensive Back – Chicago Bears (1959-1968), Los Angeles Rams (1969-1970), Washington Redskins (1971-1972) – 4 Pro Bowl selections, 1 First-Team All-Pro selection, 2 Second-Team All-Pro selections – Wore number 17 from 1959 to 1970 with the Bears and Rams (he switched to number 16 when he joined the Redskins).

Ryan Tannehill

A dual-threat quarterback, he revitalized his career with the Tennessee Titans, known for his efficiency, play-action passing, and steady leadership in leading the team to playoff contention.

Position played in the NFL: Quarterback

NFL team(s) played for: Miami Dolphins (2012–2018), Tennessee Titans (2019–2023)

All-Pro / Pro Bowl selections: 1 Pro Bowl (2019)

Seasons wearing the number 17 jersey: 2012–2023 (Tannehill wore #17 for his entire NFL career)

Jake Delhomme

An inspirational quarterback who led the Carolina Panthers to an improbable Super Bowl appearance and was known for his emotional leadership, toughness, and timely fourth-quarter playmaking.

Position played in the NFL: Quarterback

NFL team(s) played for: New Orleans Saints (1997–2002), Carolina Panthers (2003–2009), Cleveland Browns (2010), Houston Texans (2011)

All-Pro / Pro Bowl selections: 1 Pro Bowl (2005)

Seasons wearing the number 17 jersey: 2003–2011 (Delhomme wore #17 during his time with the Panthers, Browns, and Texans)

Don Meredith

The charismatic quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys’ early expansion teams, “Dandy Don” was a three-time Pro Bowler known for his leadership, toughness, and later, his celebrated role as a broadcaster on Monday Night Football.

Billy Kilmer

A tough, durable, and highly successful quarterback for Washington, he led the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance and was known for his effective scrambling and gritty leadership.

Billy Kilmer: UCLA and Redskin Star

Jim Hart

The record-setting quarterback for the St. Louis Cardinals, he was a four-time Pro Bowler who consistently put up big numbers and demonstrated remarkable longevity despite playing for a franchise with inconsistent team success.

Quarterback – St. Louis Cardinals (1966–1983), Washington Redskins (1984) – 4 Pro Bowls – Wore #17 in 1966–1984

Steve DeBerg

A journeyman quarterback known for his incredible longevity and ability to mentor younger players, he played for six different teams over 17 seasons, often serving as a solid stopgap starter.

Quarterback – San Francisco 49ers (1977–1980), Denver Broncos (1981–1983), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984–1987, 1992–1993), Kansas City Chiefs (1988–1991), Miami Dolphins (1993), Atlanta Falcons (1998) – 0 Pro Bowls/All-Pros – Wore #17 in 1977–1993 and 1998

Turk Edwards

A mammoth offensive and defensive tackle for the Boston/Washington Redskins, he was one of the original dominant linemen of the NFL and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tackle – Boston Braves/Boston Redskins/Washington Redskins (1932–1940) – 1 Pro Bowl, 3 All-Pro (First-team) – Wore #17 (1932–1940)

Brian Sipe

A mobile and exciting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, he won the 1980 NFL MVP award by leading the famous “Kardiac Kids” to a thrilling playoff berth.

Quarterback – Cleveland Browns (1974–1983) – 1 Pro Bowl, 2 All-Pro (1 First-team, 1 Second-team) – Wore #17 (1974–1983)

Red Badgro

A versatile two-way end for the New York Giants in the 1930s, he was a dominant force on both offense and defense and became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Red Badgro: The Three-Sport Star Who Mastered the NFL End Position

End – New York Yankees (1927–1928), New York Giants (1930–1935), Brooklyn Dodgers (1936) – 0 Pro Bowls (predated the Pro Bowl), 3 All-Pro (First-team) – Wore #17 (1930–1935)

Benny Friedman

An early passing pioneer who starred in the late 1920s and early 1930s, he was the first quarterback to regularly threaten defensive schemes with the forward pass and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Quarterback – Cleveland Bulldogs (1927), Detroit Wolverines (1928), New York Giants (1929–1931), Brooklyn Dodgers (1932–1934) – 0 Pro Bowls, 6 All-Pro (4 First-team, 2 Second-team) – Wore #17 (1929–1931)

Alshon Jeffery

A physically imposing wide receiver known for his strong hands and exceptional ability to win contested catches, he was a key target for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII-winning team.

Wide Receiver – Chicago Bears (2012–2016), Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2020) – 1 Pro Bowl – Wore #17 (2012–2020)

Mike Wallace

A speed-demon wide receiver, he was known for his elite ability to stretch the field, haul in long passes, and generate explosive plays with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins.

Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers (2009–2012), Miami Dolphins (2013–2014), Minnesota Vikings (2015), Baltimore Ravens (2016–2017), Philadelphia Eagles (2018) – 1 Pro Bowl – Wore #17 (2009–2012)

Braylon Edwards

Wide Receiver – Cleveland Browns (2005–2009), New York Jets (2009–2010, 2012), San Francisco 49ers (2011), Seattle Seahawks (2012) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2005–2012.

Plaxico Burress

Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers (2000–2004, 2012–2013), New York Giants (2005–2008), New York Jets (2011) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 in 2011.

Bob Berry

Quarterback – Minnesota Vikings (1965–1967, 1973–1975), Atlanta Falcons (1968–1972) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1968–1972.

Eric Hipple

Quarterback – Detroit Lions (1980–1989) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1980–1989.

Xavier Legette

Wide Receiver – Carolina Panthers (2024–present) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2024–present.

Chris Gardocki

Punter – Chicago Bears (1991–1994), Indianapolis Colts (1995–1998), Cleveland Browns (1999–2003), Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2006) – 1 Pro Bowl, 2 All-Pro (1 First-team, 1 Second-team) – Wore #17 from 1991–2006.

Jason Campbell

Quarterback – Washington Redskins (2005–2009), Oakland Raiders (2010–2011), Chicago Bears (2012), Cleveland Browns (2013), Cincinnati Bengals (2014) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2005–2009 and in 2013.

Robert Woods

Wide Receiver – Buffalo Bills (2013–2016), Los Angeles Rams (2017–2021), Tennessee Titans (2022), Houston Texans (2023–present) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2017–2020.

Shayne Graham

Placekicker – Buffalo Bills (2001), Carolina Panthers (2002), Cincinnati Bengals (2003–2009), New York Giants (2010), New England Patriots (2010), Miami Dolphins (2011), Baltimore Ravens (2011), Houston Texans (2012), Pittsburgh Steelers (2013), New Orleans Saints (2013–2014), Atlanta Falcons (2015) – 1 Pro Bowl, 1 All-Pro (Second-team) – Wore #17 from 2003–2009.

Chris Chandler

Quarterback – Indianapolis Colts (1988–1989), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1990–1991), Phoenix Cardinals (1991–1993), Los Angeles Rams (1994), Houston Oilers (1995–1996), Atlanta Falcons (1997–2001), Chicago Bears (2002–2003), St. Louis Rams (2004) – 2 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1988–1991.

Jim Everett

Quarterback – Los Angeles Rams (1986–1993), New Orleans Saints (1994–1996), San Diego Chargers (1997) – 1 Pro Bowl, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1994–1996.

Dave Brown

Quarterback – New York Giants (1992–1997), Arizona Cardinals (1998–2001) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1992–1997.

John Friesz

Quarterback – San Diego Chargers (1990–1993), Washington Redskins (1994), Seattle Seahawks (1995–1998), New England Patriots (1999–2000) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1990–2000.

Mitch Berger

Punter – Philadelphia Eagles (1994), Minnesota Vikings (1996–2001), St. Louis Rams (2002), New Orleans Saints (2003–2006), Arizona Cardinals (2007), Pittsburgh Steelers (2008), Denver Broncos (2009) – 2 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pro (1 First-team, 1 Second-team) – Wore #17 from 1994–2009.

Robert Meachem

Wide Receiver – New Orleans Saints (2007–2011, 2013–2014), San Diego Chargers (2012) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2007–2011 and 2013–2014.

Hunter Smith

Punter – Indianapolis Colts (1999–2008), Washington Redskins (2009–2010) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1999–2010.

David Whitehurst

Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (1977–1983), Kansas City Chiefs (1984) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 1977–1983.

Devin Funchess

Wide Receiver – Carolina Panthers (2015–2018), Indianapolis Colts (2019) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2015–2019.

Jarius Wright

Wide Receiver – Minnesota Vikings (2012–2017), Carolina Panthers (2018–2019) – 0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pro – Wore #17 from 2012–2017

Conclusion

As you can see, many amazing players wore jersey number 17. We are honored to be able to present them to you with help from great resources like Pro-Football-Reference.com, NFL.com, Newspapers.com, and Wikipedia.