By Darin 
The Elite 45: Ranking the Greatest NFL Players to Wear This Historic Jersey Number
When you think of iconic NFL jersey numbers, 45 might not immediately jump out like 12 or 80, but it holds a truly legendary place in football history, particularly among defensive backs and versatile fullbacks. The number 45 has been worn by some of the game’s toughest players, including the first African-American defensive back inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We dive deep into the vault to rank the most dominant players who left their mark on the gridiron while rocking the number 45, from historic trailblazers like Emlen Tunnell to hard-hitting safeties and modern Pro Bowl fullbacks.
Best of the Best Number 45s
- Bill Willis: A true pioneer, Willis was one of the first two African-American players to permanently break the color barrier in modern professional football in 1946 with the Cleveland Browns; he was an undersized, quick defensive tackle who anchored eight straight championship appearances.
- Emlen Tunnell: The first African-American player signed by the New York Giants and the first African-American defensive player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tunnell pioneered the safety position, becoming a dominant interceptor and an elite punt/kick return threat.
- Kenny Easley: Nicknamed “The Enforcer,” Easley was one of the most feared and versatile safeties of the 1980s, earning the 1984 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award despite having a career shortened by injury.
- Gary Fencik: An enduring Chicago Bears legend and defensive captain, Fencik holds the franchise record for career interceptions and was a crucial leader in the secondary of the iconic 1985 Super Bowl-winning defense.
- Dave Grayson: A dominant defensive back in the American Football League (AFL), Grayson holds the AFL career record for interceptions with 47 and was a six-time AFL All-Star, making him a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders secondaries.
- Ed Sharockman: A highly durable and consistent cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings for 12 seasons, Sharockman was a vital member of the “Purple People Eaters” defense, retiring with a team record 40 interceptions.
- Homer Jones: A explosive wide receiver for the New York Giants, Jones holds the NFL record for the highest career average yards per reception (22.3) and is widely credited with inventing the modern touchdown spike celebration.
- Otis Smith: A journeyman cornerback who played 13 seasons, Smith is best known for his clutch play, including a key touchdown return in the 1996 AFC Championship and an interception that set up a critical score in the Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXVI victory.
- Speedy Duncan: Primarily a return specialist and cornerback, Duncan was a three-time AFL All-Star who led the AFL in punt return average multiple times and contributed five defensive touchdowns during his career with the Chargers and Redskins.
- Dick Gordon: A Pro Bowl wide receiver who played in the NFL during the late 60s and early 70s, Gordon led the NFL in both receptions and receiving touchdowns in 1970 for the Chicago Bears.
Other outstanding player who wore NFL Jersey 45
- Mike Sellers
- Curtis Johnson
- Don Burroughs
- Tom Hannon
- Jeris White
- Archie Griffin
- Jerry Hill
- Jim Bertelsen
- Deion Jones
- Leonard Smith
- Elbert Kimbrough
- Pete Athas
- Barry Wilburn
- Earlie Thomas
- Dan Lewis
Conclusion
While the jersey number 45 may have been quietly worn across various eras and positions—from halfbacks to defensive backs and fullbacks—its legacy is profoundly significant. It is anchored by the incredible career of Emlen Tunnell, a pioneer who broke racial barriers while dominating the secondary for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers. Modern fans recognize its toughness from players like Marcel Reece and others who carried on the tradition of two-way impact. This number stands as a tribute to players who often did the dirty work, excelling in their roles and ultimately earning a permanent place in the sport’s history books.
We would like to thank the National Football Foundation, Pro Football Hall of Fame, On this day.com and Pro Football Reference Websites for the information shared with you today.