By Darin Hayes 
Unveiling the Legacy: The Greatest NFL Players to Wear Jersey Number 15
Few jersey numbers in NFL history carry the weight of both foundational legends and modern-day titans quite like Number 15. This iconic digit has adorned the backs of franchise-defining quarterbacks, game-breaking wide receivers, and even a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back! From the Golden Age of football to the dazzling highlight reels of today, the players who chose No. 15 were often central figures in championship stories.
Who truly owns the distinction as the best player to wear the NFL Number 15? Is it a five-time champion quarterback who started an NFL dynasty, a dominant wideout nicknamed after a robot, or the generational talent shattering records right now? Join us as we explore the career achievements and lasting impact of the top NFL players to wear 15, settling the debate once and for all!
Top NFL Jersey 15s
- Bart Starr was a legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback who led the team to five NFL Championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls, earning MVP honors in both.
- Patrick Mahomes is a prolific modern quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs who has already won multiple Super Bowl championships and MVP awards early in his career.
- Steve Van Buren was a powerful Hall of Fame running back for the Philadelphia Eagles who led the NFL in rushing four times and was the key offensive force for the Eagles’ 1948 and 1949 NFL Championship teams.
- Brandon Marshall was a highly productive, six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver known for his ability to gain yards after the catch and for setting the NFL record for most seasons with 100+ receptions.
- Johnny “Blood” McNally was a colorful and versatile Hall of Fame halfback who played for five teams, most notably the Green Bay Packers, where he won four NFL Championships in the early days of the league.
- Jack Kemp: A key quarterback for the Buffalo Bills who led them to two AFL Championships before embarking on a prominent political career as a congressman and cabinet secretary.
- Jeff Hostetler: A versatile quarterback who won a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants and later earned a Pro Bowl nod as a starter for the Los Angeles Raiders.
- Earl Morrall: One of the greatest backup quarterbacks in history, he won the NFL MVP in 1968 and stepped in to lead the Miami Dolphins’ 1972 undefeated season.
- Craig Morton: A Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Cowboys who later became the first quarterback to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises (Dallas and Denver).
- Golden Tate: A highly productive, Pro Bowl wide receiver known for his toughness and yards-after-catch ability for the Seahawks, Lions, and Giants.
- Babe Parilli: A three-time AFL All-Star quarterback who had his most notable success with the Boston Patriots before winning Super Bowl III as a backup for the New York Jets.
- Neil Lomax: A two-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the St. Louis Cardinals whose promising career was unfortunately cut short due to hip injuries.
- Michael Crabtree: A physical and reliable wide receiver who was a first-round pick by the 49ers and later had productive years with the Raiders, famous for his fierce rivalry with Richard Sherman.
- Mike Phipps: The third overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft, he was a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, though his NFL career never quite matched his college promise.
- Tom Flores: A trailblazing quarterback for the Raiders who is best known for becoming a Hall of Fame coach who led the organization to two Super Bowl victories.
- Ed Brown: A Pro Bowl quarterback who played for the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1950s and 60s, also serving as a frequent punter for his teams.
- Jim Turner: A two-time Pro Bowl placekicker who was the leading scorer for the Super Bowl III champion New York Jets and later spent nine seasons with the Denver Broncos.