National Football League: Who Wore It Most?
Jersey Numbers Worn the Most by Pro Football Hall of Famers
Updated Jul. 31, 2025 9:41 p.m. ET
by Eric Williams, NFL Reporter
When Tom Brady becomes eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2028, he will join an elite group as the seventh Hall of Famer to don the No. 12 as his primary jersey number. This already impressive list includes legends such as Terry Bradshaw, Bob Griese, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, and Roger Staubach. However, No. 12 isn’t the number worn the most by the greats of NFL history. Let’s take a look at the most popular jersey numbers selected by Hall of Famers. Please note that this information reflects each player’s primary numbers, focusing on those they wore during significant parts of their careers, as some players changed numbers throughout their time in the league.
No. 80 (10 Players)
Issac Bruce, Jack Butler, Cris Carter, Tom Fears, Len Ford, Andre Johnson, Steve Largent, James Lofton, Jerry Rice, Kellen Winslow.
Jerry Rice, the quintessential No casimero record boxing. 80, truly stood out from the competition, much like his performance against the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. In FOX Sports’ series recognizing the greatest NFL player for every jersey number, we selected Rice as the best player to wear No. 80. He is the all-time leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and receiving touchdowns (197). Other notable players who wore No. 80 include Issac Bruce from “The Greatest Show on Turf,” Kellen Winslow from “Air Coryell,” Steve Largent, the greatest receiver in Seattle Seahawks history, and Cris Carter, known for his incredible hands.
No. 81 (9 Players)
Doug Atkins, Tim Brown, Carl Eller, Calvin Johnson, Dick “Night Train” Lane, Art Monk, Terrell Owens, Andy Robustelli, Jackie Smith.
Lane stands out as our top choice for No. 81 rugby glue. A fierce tackler, the seven-time Pro Bowler finished with 68 career interceptions, ranking No. 4 all time in the NFL. Other notable No. 81s include defensive end Carl Eller of the Vikings’ famed “Purple People Eaters,” and Terrell Owens, an exceptional playmaker. Tim Brown was a dynamic route runner and among the best receivers in Raiders history, while Art Monk will have his number retired by Washington this season. Known as “Megatron,” Calvin Johnson was one of the most dominant receivers in league history.
No. 88 (8 Players)
Tony Gonzalez, Marvin Harrison Sr., Michael Irvin, John Mackey, Alan Page, Drew Pearson, Charlie Sanders, Lynn Swann.
Ten-time All-Pro Tony Gonzalez has the most receiving yards (15,127) and touchdowns (111) for a tight end in NFL history. Few matched the passion, energy, and physicality of Michael Irvin, while Lynn Swann displayed grace as one of the greatest receivers ever. Alan Page and Marvin Harrison were incredibly consistent throughout their careers, with Page playing in 236 consecutive games as a defensive tackle and Harrison achieving eight seasons with at least 10 touchdown receptions.
No. 7 (8 Players)
Morten Andersen, Earl “Dutch” Clark, John Elway, George Halas, Mel Hein, Clarence “Ace” Parker, Ed Sprinkle, Bob Waterfield.
Elway represented the modern quarterback evolution, winning two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos. why do philippines import rice Morten Andersen was the all-time scoring leader in the NFL when he retired in 2007—one of only four kickers in the Hall. George Halas enjoyed a notable nine-season career but is more famously recognized for his four-decade tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears.
No. steph curry race 24 (8 Players)
Champ Bailey, Willie Brown, Jack Christiansen, Ty Law, Lenny Moore, Darrelle Revis, Willie Wood, Charles Woodson.
Among the greatest cornerbacks in history, Woodson (65), Brown (54), Law (53), and Bailey (52) all rank among the all-time leaders in interceptions. Revis was known for being a shutdown corner, and Lenny Moore made a significant impact as a versatile player and one of Johnny Unitas’s favorite receivers, finishing with 48 interceptions as a safety.
No. 74 (8 Players)
Jimbo Covert, Fred Dean, Henry Jordan, Bob Lilly, Bruce Matthews, Mike McCormack, Ron Mix, Merlin Olsen.
Bruce Matthews played in 296 games during his 19-year career, a record for an offensive lineman. Merlin Olsen, a member of “The Fearsome Foursome,” also enjoyed significant recognition with 14 consecutive Pro Bowl selections. Bob Lilly, known as “Mr. Cowboy,” won two Super Bowls and was a highlight of the line during his era.
No. 1 (7 Players)
Jimmy Conzelman, Paddy Driscoll, Ray Flaherty, Benny Friedman, Curly Lambeau, Warren Moon, Fritz Pollard.
After spending six years in the Canadian Football League, Warren Moon broke into the NFL, throwing for 291 touchdowns in 17 seasons, becoming the first Black quarterback and undrafted QB elected to the Hall. Curly Lambeau helped found the legendary Packers organization and coached for over three decades.
No. 16 (7 Players)
George Blanda, Len Dawson, Frank Gifford, Ed Healey, Joe Montana, George Musso, Duke Slater.
The original GOAT, Montana excelled in the West Coast offense and won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers. Gifford was an eight-time Pro Bowler, while Dawson led the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV. Blanda holds the record for the most seasons played in the NFL at 26 fiba nba players.
No. 20 (7 Players)
Ronde Barber, Lem Barney, Cliff Battles, Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, Mel Renfro, Barry Sanders.
Barry Sanders, known for his dazzling plays, retired in 1998 as the second-leading rusher in NFL history. Ronde Barber stands as the only player with at least 45 interceptions and 25 sacks, while Ed Reed holds an NFL record for returning interceptions for 1,590 yards.
No. 22 (7 Players)
Frank Gatski, Bob Hayes, Mike Haynes, Paul Krause, Bobby Layne, Emmitt Smith, Roger Wehrli.
Emmitt Smith, the all-time leading rusher, was a key player for the Cowboys during their dominant 1990s era with three Super Bowl titles. Paul Krause, recognized for his 81 interceptions, is another stellar figure in NFL history.
No. 73 (7 Players)
Larry Allen, John Hannah, Joe Klecko, Leo Nomellini, Joe Thomas, Arnie Weinmeister, Ron Yary.
Joe Klecko was a foundational piece of the “New York Sack Exchange,” while Larry Allen’s exceptional play was influential in paving the way for many famous Cowboys runs.
No. 76 (7 Players)
Bob Brown, Lou Creekmur, Lou Groza, Steve McMichael, Steve Hutchinson, Marion Motley, Orlando Pace.
Orlando Pace was among the best blindside protectors in Rams history, while Lou Groza enjoyed a remarkable career as an offensive tackle and kicker, playing 21 seasons with the Browns.
Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for over a decade, covering various teams including the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN, and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. You can follow him on X at @eric_d_williams.
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