The Most Popular Jersey Number in the NFL, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the jersey number you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:41
Fans often rally behind their favorite NFL players, showcasing their loyalty by donning replica jerseys emblazoned with their favorite athlete's number. The popularity of these jersey numbers can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including player performance, public appearances, or even pivotal game moments. Tracking the most popular jersey numbers helps identify trends and fan favorites over time.
By participating in the ranking of the most beloved jersey numbers, fans contribute to a dynamic snapshot of NFL allegiances and preferences. This interactive process not only engages the community but also provides insightful data back to the fans. Such rankings can influence merchandise production and even marketing strategies, making each vote a valuable part of the broader fan ecosystem.
What Is the Most Popular Jersey Number in the NFL?
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138votesThis is the jersey number worn by some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, including Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Namath. It has become synonymous with the position of quarterback and is often seen as a lucky number.The jersey number #12 in cricket is a special designation used for the team's 12th man, who is a substitute player available to field in case of injury or other circumstances. The 12th man does not bat or bowl but can field on behalf of any player in the team.
- Position: 12th man
- Responsibilities: Fielding on behalf of any player in the team
- Batting: Does not bat
- Bowling: Does not bowl
- Jersey number: #12
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236votesThis is the number worn by some of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, including Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown, and Marcus Allen. It has become synonymous with the position of running back and is often seen as a symbol of toughness and tenacity.The jersey number #22 is a widely recognized and popular number in the NFL. It has been worn by several notable players throughout history, representing talent and success on the field.
- Famous Players: Emmitt Smith, Paul Krause, Marcus Allen
- Position: Commonly associated with running backs and defensive backs
- Historical Significance: Associated with Hall of Fame players and iconic performances
- Multiple Super Bowl Winners: Emmitt Smith and Marcus Allen both won multiple Super Bowls wearing #22
- All-Time Leading Rushers: Emmitt Smith, the all-time leading rusher in NFL history, wore #22 throughout his career
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323votesThis is the number worn by some of the most iconic defensive players in NFL history, including Deion Sanders, Champ Bailey, and Willie Brown. It has become synonymous with the position of cornerback and is often seen as a symbol of speed and agility.The jersey number #24 is commonly associated with defensive backs in the NFL, known for their exceptional skills and versatility in the secondary.
- Player association: Many legendary players have worn the #24 jersey, including Hall of Famers such as Willie Wood, Roger Wehrli, and Champ Bailey.
- Position: It is predominantly worn by cornerbacks and safeties, who are responsible for shutting down opposing receivers and making crucial tackles in the open field.
- Popularity: The #24 jersey is highly sought after by fans, often ranking among the top jersey numbers purchased.
- Iconic players: Some of the iconic NFL players who have donned the #24 jersey include Darrell Green, Charles Woodson, and Marshawn Lynch.
- Versatility: Players wearing #24 are known for their versatility, excelling in coverage, tackling, and even contributing to the pass rush.
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48votesThis is the number worn by some of the most feared linebackers in NFL history, including Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, and Mike Singletary. It has become synonymous with the position of linebacker and is often seen as a symbol of strength and intimidation.The #52 jersey number in the NFL is typically associated with the middle linebacker position, known for their leadership and defensive prowess.
- Position: Middle Linebacker
- Leadership: Traditionally worn by a team captain and leader of the defense
- Defensive Prowess: Typically associated with hard-hitting, run-stopping, and quarterback-sacking abilities
- Play Recognition: Middle linebackers are often responsible for diagnosing plays and making defensive adjustments
- Jersey Color: Varies depending on team, but typically matches the primary colors of the respective team
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516votesThis is the number worn by some of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, including Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, and Shannon Sharpe. It has become synonymous with the position of tight end and is often seen as a symbol of versatility and athleticism.The jersey number #87 is popularly associated with the tight end position in the National Football League (NFL).
- Position: Tight End
- Famous Players: Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, George Kittle
- Significance: Usually worn by dynamic, pass-catching tight ends who excel in both receiving and blocking.
- Reception Ability: Known for making acrobatic catches and being a reliable target for quarterbacks.
- Size: Tight ends wearing #87 are often taller and have a solid build to handle both receiving and blocking duties.
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69votesThis is the number worn by some of the most iconic wide receivers in NFL history, including Michael Irvin, Lynn Swann, and Dez Bryant. It has become synonymous with the position of wide receiver and is often seen as a symbol of speed and agility.The #88 jersey number in the NFL is typically associated with wide receivers. It has been worn by many notable players throughout history and is considered a prestigious number.
- Position: Typically worn by wide receivers
- Notable Players: Michael Irvin, Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison
- Historical Significance: It has been associated with dynamic and successful wide receiver play
- Prestige: Considered a prestigious number, often associated with iconic receivers
- Recognition: Fans and fellow players instantly recognize the significance of the number
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79votesThis is the number worn by some of the most dominant defensive linemen in NFL history, including J.J. Watt, Warren Sapp, and Aaron Donald. It has become synonymous with the position of defensive end and is often seen as a symbol of power and strength.The '#99' is a jersey number widely recognized and associated with the Australian cricket legend, Ricky Ponting. It is a symbol of dominance, excellence, and perennial success in the sport of cricket.
- Player: Ricky Ponting
- Nationality: Australian
- Career: 1995 - 2012
- Matches: 168 Tests, 375 ODIs
- Runs: 13,378 Test runs, 13,704 ODI runs
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88votesThis is the number worn by some of the most electrifying running backs and cornerbacks in NFL history, including Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders, and Sean Taylor. It has become synonymous with both the positions of running back and cornerback, and is often seen as a symbol of speed and agility.The jersey number #21 is synonymous with excellence and success in the NFL. It has been worn by some of the game's greatest players, known for their exceptional skill and impact on the field.
- Notable Players: Some of the notable players who have worn the #21 jersey include Deion Sanders, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Ezekiel Elliott.
- Position: The number #21 has been worn by players from various positions, including defensive backs, running backs, and wide receivers.
- Super Bowl Wins: Players wearing the #21 jersey have contributed to multiple Super Bowl victories, with Deion Sanders and Ed Reed winning 2 Super Bowls each.
- Pro Bowl Appearances: Numerous players wearing the #21 jersey have earned Pro Bowl selections, highlighting their consistent dominance.
- Impactful Defensive Play: The #21 jersey has become synonymous with outstanding defensive play, with players like Sean Taylor known for their hard-hitting and game-changing performances.
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99votesThis is the number worn by some of the most reliable and consistent defensive backs in NFL history, including Darrelle Revis, Richard Sherman, and LeRoy Butler. It has become synonymous with the position of safety and is often seen as a symbol of intelligence and versatility.The number 25 is one of the most popular jersey numbers in the NFL. It has been worn by numerous talented players throughout the league's history.
- Player: Barry Sanders
- Position: Running Back
- Teams: Detroit Lions
- Years Active: 1989-1998
- Accolades: Pro Football Hall of Fame
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107votesThis is the number worn by some of the most tenacious and hard-hitting linebackers in NFL history, including Brian Urlacher, Zach Thomas, and Ray Nitschke. It has become synonymous with the position of middle linebacker and is often seen as a symbol of toughness and leadership.#54
- Position: Linebacker
- Teams: New York Giants, Washington Redskins
- Super Bowl Championships: 1
- Pro Bowl Appearances: 5
- All-Pro Selections: 3
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular jersey number
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Number of prominent players wearing the numberConsider how many well-known and successful players have worn or are wearing the particular jersey number. This could include MVPs, Pro Bowlers, Hall of Famers, and Super Bowl MVPs.
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Team successA jersey number's popularity may be influenced by the success of the team. If a team has a great track record associated with a particular number, it may become more popular among fans.
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Historical significanceSome jersey numbers have important historical significance, such as Joe Montana's #16 or Jerry Rice's #80. These numbers become synonymous with the legacy of the players who wore them, making them popular choices for fans.
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Positional trendsCertain positions tend to prefer specific numbers, such as quarterbacks wearing numbers between 1-19 and wide receivers wearing 80-89. Consider the popularity of a number within the context of the position it is worn by.
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Marketability and merchandise salesAssess how popular a jersey number is based on merchandise sales. This is a direct indicator of how many fans are buying and wearing a specific number.
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Cultural significanceSome jersey numbers become popular because of cultural reasons. For example, the number 12 is often associated with the "12th man" in football, representing the fans who support the team.
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Retired numbersConsider the significance of retired jersey numbers. In some cases, a team may retire a number due to its association with a legendary player, which can elevate the status and popularity of the number.
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Franchise playersSome jersey numbers gain popularity due to their association with a franchise player who has a significant impact on the team's success and identity. These numbers become iconic and are often worn by fans as a symbol of support for their favorite player.
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Recency effectNumbers that have been worn by recent star players may become more popular as they are more fresh in the minds of fans.
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Personal preferences and superstitionsFinally, consider that some players have personal reasons for choosing their number, such as a childhood idol, a meaningful date, or simply because they think it looks good. These personal connections can influence the popularity of a number among fans.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular jersey number in the NFL. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or number is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4028 views
- 144 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each number once every 24 hours. The rank of each number is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular jersey number in the nfl
The NFL is a league of numbers, and jersey numbers are an integral part of the game. From iconic numbers like 12 (Tom Brady) and 16 (Joe Montana) to the more obscure numbers like 87 (Rob Gronkowski) and 92 (Reggie White), each number carries its own significance and history. But which number is the most popular among NFL players and fans alike? We delved into the data and found some surprising results.
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