Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 20

Barry, Dawkins, Reed, Oh My! Why Number 20 is the NFL’s Hall of Fame Factory 🐐

Few numbers in NFL history boast the sheer concentration of Hall of Fame talent found in the No. 20 jersey. This is the sacred number of some of the most electric, game-breaking defensive backs and running backs to ever step onto the field.

The debate for the best No. 20 starts and ends with Barry Sanders, whose breathtaking jukes and impossible runs made him arguably the greatest running back of all time. But the competition is fierce on the defensive side: the legendary safety trifecta of Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and Mel Renfro—all Hall of Famers—cement the number’s legacy. From game-changing interceptions to ankle-breaking runs, No. 20 represents pure, unforgettable football magic. Join us as we rank the absolute best to wear this iconic number!

List of the Best NFL Players Who Donned the Number 20 Jersey

Barry Sanders

Considered one of the most elusive and exciting running backs in history, he consistently defied physics with his jukes, spins, and sudden stops, retiring unexpectedly with over 15,000 rushing yards.

The Outstanding Football Career of Barry Sanders

Running Back — Detroit Lions (1989–1998) — 10× All-Pro (6× First-team, 4× Second-team) and 10× Pro Bowl — Wore number 20 during the 1989–1998 seasons.

Ed Reed

One of the most instinctive and intelligent safeties ever, the Ravens’ Hall of Famer was famous for his elite range, spectacular interceptions, and ability to return turnovers for touchdowns.

Safety — Baltimore Ravens (2002–2012), Houston Texans (2013), New York Jets (2013) — 6× First-team All-Pro and 9× Pro Bowl — Wore number 20 during the 2002–2013 seasons.

Brian Dawkins

“Weapon X,” an electrifying, hard-hitting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrated intense passion, versatile playmaking, and inspiring leadership.

Safety — Philadelphia Eagles (1996–2008), Denver Broncos (2009–2011) — 6× All-Pro (5× First-team, 1× Second-team) and 9× Pro Bowl — Wore number 20 during the 1996–2011 seasons.

Lem Barney

This shutdown cornerback for the Detroit Lions and a Hall of Famer became an almost overnight star known for his incredible speed, ball-hawking ability, and aptitude as a dynamic return man.

Cornerback / Return Specialist — Detroit Lions (1967–1977) — 3× All-Pro (2× First-team, 1× Second-team) and 7× Pro Bowl — Wore number 20 during the 1967–1977 seasons.

Mel Renfro

A versatile Hall of Fame defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, he starred as both a cornerback and safety, earning Pro Bowl honors at three different positions during his long career.

Cornerback / Safety — Dallas Cowboys (1964–1977) — 4× Second-team All-Pro and 10× Pro Bowl — Wore number 20 during the 1964–1977 seasons.

Ronde Barber 

This iron-man cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers displayed remarkable durability, utilized exceptional coverage skills, and blitzed effectively from the corner position.

Cornerback / Safety — Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997–2012) — 5× All-Pro (3× First-team, 2× Second-team) and 5× Pro Bowl — Wore number 20 during the 1997–2012 seasons.

Paddy Driscoll

A versatile pioneer of the early NFL, he was a star quarterback, running back, and kicker who was one of the game’s first true offensive threats and a Hall of Famer.

Quarterback / Halfback / Drop Kicker — Hammond All-Stars (1917), Hammond Pros (1919), Racine/Chicago Cardinals (1920–1925), Chicago Bears (1926–1929) — 8× All-Pro (6× First-team, 2× Second-team; pre-merger/early NFL era, no Pro Bowls) — Wore number 20 during the 1926–1929 seasons with the Chicago Bears

Deron Cherry

A hard-hitting safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, he was a key defensive leader who earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections during the 1980s.

Safety – Kansas City Chiefs (1981–1991) – 5 times selected as an All-Pro (3x First-team, 2x Second-team) and 6 times selected to the Pro Bowl – Wore jersey number 20 during the 1981–1991 seasons.

Johnny Blood

An early, free-spirited star of the 1920s and 30s, this Hall of Famer played running back and receiver, known for his speed, scoring prowess, and legendary off-field antics.

Halfback / Tailback – Milwaukee Badgers (1925–1926), Duluth Eskimos (1926–1927), Pottsville Maroons (1928), Green Bay Packers (1929–1933, 1935–1936), Pittsburgh Pirates (1934, 1937–1938), and Buffalo Tigers (1941) – Selected 3 times as an All-Pro (Pro Bowls did not exist during his era) – Wore jersey number 20 during parts of his career with the Green Bay Packers / Pittsburgh Pirates.

Gino Cappelletti

A prolific kicker and wide receiver for the Boston/New England Patriots of the AFL, he was the AFL’s all-time leading scorer and defined the term “two-way threat.”

Wide Receiver / Placekicker – Boston Patriots (1960–1970) – 4 times selected as a Second-team All-AFL and 5 times selected as an AFL All-Star – Wore jersey number 20 during the 1960–1970 seasons (number retired by the franchise).

Lemar Parrish

This outstanding cornerback and return specialist for the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington had quickness and earned eight Pro Bowl selections across his career.

Cornerback / Return Specialist – Cincinnati Bengals (1970–1977), Washington Redskins (1978–1981), and Buffalo Bills (1982) – 5 times selected as an All-Pro (3x First-team, 2x Second-team) and 8 times selected to the Pro Bowl – Wore jersey number 20 during his career with the Cincinnati Bengals (1970–1977) and Washington Redskins (1978–1981).

Cliff Battles

One of the NFL’s first great running backs, this Hall of Famer was the first player in league history to rush for 200 yards in a single game and starred for the Boston Redskins.

Tailback / Fullback – Boston Braves / Boston Redskins / Washington Redskins (1932–1937) – 5 times selected as an All-Pro (3x First-team, 2x Second-team; Pro Bowls did not exist for most of his career) – Wore jersey number 20 during the 1932–1937 seasons.

Pete Henry

A massive and dominant tackle of the early NFL, this Hall of Famer was a rugged force on both the offensive and defensive lines, and was an effective drop-kicker.

Tackle / Kicker / Punter – Canton Bulldogs (1920–1923, 1925–1926), New York Giants (1927), and Pottsville Maroons (1927–1928) – 4 times selected as a First-team All-Pro (Pro Bowls did not exist during his era) – Wore jersey number 20 during portions of his career with the Canton Bulldogs.

More legends who donned the 21 on their back

Garrison Hearst

A powerful and explosive running back, he overcame serious injury issues to put together a Pro Bowl career, most notably leading the San Francisco 49ers’ rushing attack.

Running Back – Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals (1993–1995), Cincinnati Bengals (1996), San Francisco 49ers (1997–2003), and Denver Broncos (2004) – 1 time selected as a First-team All-Pro and 2 times selected to the Pro Bowl – Wore jersey number 20 during his time with the Arizona Cardinals (1993–1995), Cincinnati Bengals (1996), and San Francisco 49ers (1997–2003).

Jerry Logan

A reliable, three-time Pro Bowl safety for the Baltimore Colts, he helped anchor a dominant defense that won Super Bowl V.

Defensive Back – Baltimore Colts (1963–1972) – 3 Pro Bowl selections, 0 Associated Press First-Team All-Pro selections (2x NFL Champion) – Wore number 20 for the Colts (1963–1972).

Billy Sims

A dynamic and punishing running back for the Detroit Lions, Billy Sims left a legacy as one of the NFL’s most powerful runners in the early 1980s before an injury tragically cut short his career.

Running Back – Detroit Lions (1980–1984) – 3 Pro Bowl selections, 0 AP First-Team All-Pro selections – Wore number 20 for the Lions (1980–1984).

Louis Wright

A physical, four-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Denver Broncos, he was a shutdown defender and a key member of the famed “Orange Crush” defense.

Cornerback – Denver Broncos (1975–1986) – 5 Pro Bowl selections, 2 AP First-Team All-Pro selections – Wore number 20 for the Broncos (1975–1986).

Bobby Bryant

A ball-hawking, two-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, he was an integral part of the legendary “Purple People Eaters” defense that reached four Super Bowls.

Cornerback – Minnesota Vikings (1967–1980) – 2 Pro Bowl selections, 0 AP First-Team All-Pro selections (1x Second-Team All-Pro) – Wore number 20 for the Vikings (1967–1980).

Curly Lambeau

A foundational figure in NFL history, he was a co-founder, player, and coach of the Green Bay Packers, leading the franchise to six NFL championships.

Halfback – Green Bay Packers (1919–1929) – 0 Pro Bowl selections, 0 AP First-Team All-Pro selections (3x UPI/News Org Second-Team All-Pro) – Wore number 20 (alongside 1, 14, and 42 at various points) for the Packers during his playing career (1919–1929).

Dewayne Washington

A talented and durable cornerback who played for multiple teams, known for his solid coverage skills and consistency as a starter for over a decade.

Defensive Back – Minnesota Vikings (1994–1997), Pittsburgh Steelers (1998–2003), Jacksonville Jaguars (2004), Kansas City Chiefs (2005) – 0 Pro Bowl selections, 0 All-Pro selections – Wore number 20 primarily with the Steelers and other stops.

Miller Farr

A Pro Bowl cornerback, he was known for his ball-hawking skills, leading the NFL in interceptions in 1967 with the St. Louis Cardinals and later contributing to the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory.

Andre Waters

A hard-hitting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, he was known for his aggressive, punishing style of play and was a feared tackler throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Cornerback – Denver Broncos (1965), San Diego Chargers (1965–1966), Houston Oilers (1967–1969), St. Louis Cardinals (1970–1972), Detroit Lions (1973) – 3 AFL All-Star selections, 2 First-Team All-AFL selections – Wore number 20 during portions of his career (including with Houston and Denver).

Henry Jones

A durable safety who played most of his career with the Buffalo Bills, he was a key defensive back during the team’s run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.

Defensive Back – Philadelphia Eagles (1984–1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994–1995) – 0 Pro Bowl selections, 0 All-Pro selections – Wore number 20 for the Eagles and Cardinals.

Joe Morris

A powerful and explosive running back for the New York Giants, he set franchise records for rushing yards and touchdowns and was instrumental in their Super Bowl XXI victory.

Safety – Buffalo Bills (1991–2000), Minnesota Vikings (2001), Atlanta Falcons (2002) – 1 Pro Bowl selection, 1 AP First-Team All-Pro selection – Wore number 20 primarily with the Buffalo Bills (1991–2000).

Bobby Hunt

A versatile defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs, he was a part of the team’s Super Bowl I and IV appearances and led the AFL in interceptions in 1968.

Running Back – New York Giants (1982–1988), Cleveland Browns (1991) – 2 Pro Bowl selections, 0 AP First-Team All-Pro selections (1x Second-Team All-Pro) – Wore number 20 for the Giants (1982–1988) and Browns (1991).

Rocky Bleier

An inspirational running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he overcame severe combat injuries sustained in Vietnam to become a crucial blocking back and rusher during the Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.

Running Back – Pittsburgh Steelers (1968, 1970–1980) – 0 selections (0 Pro Bowls, 0 All-Pros) – Wore number 20 during the 1968 and 1970–1980 seasons.

Travis Henry

A talented but troubled running back who played for several teams, he was known for his power and effectiveness, achieving multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, though off-field issues derailed his career.

Running Back – Buffalo Bills (2001–2004), Tennessee Titans (2005–2006), Denver Broncos (2007) – 1 selection (1 Pro Bowl in 2002; 0 All-Pros) – Wore number 20 during the 2001–2007 seasons.

Mark Carrier

A highly productive safety who spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bears, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and known for his exceptional tackling and coverage skills.

Safety – Chicago Bears (1990–1996), Detroit Lions (1997–1999), Washington Redskins (2000) – 3× Pro Bowl, 1× Second-team All-Pro – Wore jersey number 20 during his NFL career (1990–2000).

Darren McFadden

An explosive running back with the Oakland Raiders, he showcased elite speed and power when healthy, though injuries often plagued his career.

Running Back – Oakland Raiders (2008–2014), Dallas Cowboys (2015–2017) – 0 selections (None) – Wore jersey number 20 during his NFL career (2008–2017).

Jimmy Patton

A dominant defensive back for the New York Giants in the 1950s and 1960s, he was a six-time Pro Bowler and held the then-record for career interceptions with the franchise.

Jimmy Patton – Defensive Back / Safety – New York Giants (1955–1966) – 5-time Pro Bowl (1958–1962), 6-time All-Pro selections total (5-time First-team All-Pro from 1958–1962, 1-time Second-team All-Pro in 1963) – Wore number 20 during the seasons (1955–1966)

Johnnie Johnson

A talented safety for the Los Angeles Rams, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and known for his durability and consistent play throughout the 1980s.

Cornerback and Safety – Los Angeles Rams (1980–1988), Seattle Seahawks (1989) – Selected as a First-team All-Pro once (1983) (and named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, but selected 0 times as a Pro Bowler) – Wore the number 20 jersey during the 1980–1988 and 1989 seasons.

Thomas Jones

A durable and consistent running back who played for several teams, he amassed over 10,000 career rushing yards and was known for his excellent vision and versatility.

Running Back – Arizona Cardinals (2000–2002), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003), Chicago Bears (2004–2006), New York Jets (2007–2009), Kansas City Chiefs (2010–2011) – Selected to 1 Pro Bowl (2008) (0 times selected as an All-Pro) – Wore the number 20 jersey during the 2004–2011 seasons (with Chicago, the Jets, and Kansas City).

Tommy Mason

The first overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, he was a Pro Bowl running back for the Minnesota Vikings, known for his effectiveness as both a runner and receiver.

Running Back – Minnesota Vikings (1961–1966), Los Angeles Rams (1967–1970), Washington Redskins (1971) – Selected to 3 Pro Bowls (1962–1964) and 1 First-team All-Pro selection (1963) – Wore the number 20 jersey during the 1961–1971 seasons (his entire NFL career).

Joe Lavender

A solid cornerback for the Washington Redskins, he was a key member of the team’s secondary during their Super Bowl XVII victory.

Cornerback – Philadelphia Eagles (1973–1975), Washington Redskins (1976–1982) – 2× Pro Bowl (1979, 1980) – Wore number 20 with Washington (1976–1982)

Jay Bellamy

A consistent and reliable safety who spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints, he was known for his excellent coverage skills and intelligence in the secondary.

Safety – Seattle Seahawks (1994–2000), New Orleans Saints (2001–2007) – 0 selections (None) – Wore number 20 with the Seattle Seahawks (1994–2000)

Jalen Ramsey

A highly decorated and vocal modern cornerback known for his exceptional size, athleticism, and shutdown coverage ability, earning multiple All-Pro selections across various teams.

Cornerback – Jacksonville Jaguars (2016–2019), Los Angeles Rams (2019–2022), Miami Dolphins (2023–2024), Pittsburgh Steelers (2025–present) – 3× First-team All-Pro (2017, 2020, 2021), 8× Pro Bowl – Wore number 20 with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016–2019) and Los Angeles Rams (2019–2020)

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the No. 20 jersey belongs on the short list of the most valuable uniform numbers in NFL history. It is the gold standard for skill positions, defined by the unbelievable elusiveness of the great Barry Sanders, who many argue is the greatest running back of all time. However, No. 20’s legacy is truly solidified by the sheer volume of defensive greatness, boasting Hall of Fame safeties like the ball-hawking Ed Reed, the fearless Brian Dawkins, and the pioneer Mel Renfro. This number doesn’t just represent excellence; it represents unforgettable, game-breaking talent on both sides of the ball, securing its place as an iconic symbol of the sport.

Be sure to check out more in our NFL jersey number series, including Jersey 21.

Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 21

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