Only Diehard NFL Fans Can Match These Players To Their Numbers
Throughout the course of NFL history, players who have made their mark have had their numbers retired by their respective franchises. Iconic players, such as Walter Payton and Jerry Rice are immortalized not only through their highlight reels, but also their jerseys.
NFL jerseys are some of the best selling jerseys of any sport, with players such as Russell Wilson and Tom Brady traditionally ranking as two of the best selling jerseys.
While some players keep the same number throughout their entire career, such as Brian Urlacher, other players change numbers when leaving a team they spent many years with. Players like Randy Moss wore multiple numbers while on different teams. On the other hand, players like Peyton Manning wore the same number throughout their entire career, and have had their number retired by more than one franchise. Manning, of course, won his first Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts in 2006, before then winning his second Super Bowl in 2015 with the Denver Broncos.
This quiz will challenge even the most diehard NFL fans, as we take a look back at several legendary NFL players, as well as several Hall of Fame playmakers. All numbers have been removed from player jerseys in photos, and it will take a true diehard NFL fan to match all of these players to their jersey numbers. Best of luck!
Aaron Rodgers
Drafted as the 24th overall pick in 2005, Aaron Rodgers played backup quarterback to NFL legend Brett Favre early in his career, before then proving himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Rodgers, a two-time NFL MVP, led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory in 2011 over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now a twelve-year NFL veteran, Rodgers has worn the same number during his entire career with the Green Bay Packers. What number does he wear?
Marvin Harrison
Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1996, Marvin Harrison spent his entire twelve year career with the Colts, wearing the same number throughout his entire career. In addition to winning a Super Bowl championship with the Colts in 2006, Harrison was an eight-time NFL Pro Bowler, being nominated every year from 1999 to 2006. To add to Harrison's impressive resume, he was also nominated to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team before being voted to the NFL Hall of Fame. What number did he wear?
Adrian Peterson
Drafted in 2007 as the 7th overall pick, Adrian Peterson spent nine of his eleven seasons playing for the Minnesota Vikings. His rookie year, Peterson set an NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game, leading to him being named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson is widely considered to be one of the top 10 running backs of all time. He won the NFL's MVP award in 2012, and wore the same number for nearly his entire career. Do you know what number he most notably wore?
Torry Holt
Drafted sixth overall in the 1999 NFL draft, Torry Holt spent nine of his eleven years in the league with the St. Louis Rams. During that time, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler, and helped lead the Rams to the 1999 Super Bowl championship in his rookie year as he filled the stat sheet with a touchdown, 109 yards, and 7 receptions. He ranks in the top 10 for career receiving yards and wore the same number during his nine years with the Rams. Do you know what number he wore?
JJ Watt
The eleventh overall pick in the 2011 draft, JJ Watt has spent the last seven years playing for the Houston Texans. In that time, he set the Houston Texans franchise record for most career sacks with 76, and most career forced & recovered fumbles. Watt, a four-time NFL Pro Bowler won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2017 for his charitable efforts throughout the years through his JJ Watt Foundation. Do you know what number he wears?
Donovan McNabb
A Chicago native, Donovan McNabb was selected as the second overall pick in the 1999 draft after playing at Syracuse. He spent the first decade of his twelve year career with the Philadelphia Eagles, being nominated to the Pro Bowl 6 times in ten seasons. McNabb was known for his rushing ability as a Quarterback, and finished his career with 3,469 rushing yard, ranking him at number 6 for all-time NFL Quarterback rushing yards. Do you know what number he wore with the Eagles?
Arian Foster
After going undrafted in 2009, Arian Foster signed to the Houston Texans in 2009. While he only played eight seasons in the league, seven with the Texans, Foster led the league in rushing yards in 2010, in addition to leading the league in rushing touchdowns and yards per game. A four-time Pro Bowler, Foster also set the Houston Texans franchise record for most career rushing yards, as well as most career rushing touchdowns, and most rushing yards & touchdowns in a single season. What number did he wear?
Randy Moss
Drafted as the 21st overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Randy Moss went on to have a historic career. A six-time Pro Bowler widely regarded as a top five wide receiver of all time, Moss holds countless NFL records, including most receiving touchdowns in a season with 23, and most receiving touchdowns in a rookie season with 17. A member of the NFL Hall of Fame, Moss wore several numbers during his career, including number 81 with the New England Patriots. During the first six years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Moss wore what other number?
Brett Favre
Drafted in the second round of the 1991 draft with the 33rd pick, Brett Favre's NFL career is a storied one. A Super Bowl champion, eleven-time Pro Bowler, and NFL 1990s All-Decade Team member, Favre holds the NFL record for most pass completions in his career, as well as most seasons with over 300 completions. His number was retired by the Green Bay Packers, and he is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Do you know what number Brett Favre wore?
Marshall Faulk
Drafted as the second overall pick in 1994, Marshall Faulk is the only player in the history of the NFL to rush for 12,000 yards and reach 6,000 receiving yards in a single season. In addition to being an NFL Hall of Famer, Faulk is a College Football Hall of Famer as well. After spending four years with the Colts, Faulk joined the St. Louis Rams in 1999, where he won a Super Bowl championship the same year. What number did this all-time great running back wear?
LaDainian Tomlinson
The fifth overall pick in 2005, LaDainian Tomlinson owns some of the most impressive rushing touchdown highlights in NFL history. A five-time Pro Bowler, NFL MVP, two-time NFL rushing yards leader, and three-time NFL rushing touchdown leader, LT boats some incredible NFL records. In addition to his accolades, Tomlinson holds NFL records for most rushing touchdowns in a season with 28, and most consecutive games with a touchdown with 18. LT played for a decade in the NFL, and never changed his number. What number did he wear?
Dez Bryant
The 24th overall pick in 2010, Dez Bryant has played the last seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he has proved himself to be one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL. An NCAA All-American, and first-team All-Big 12, Bryant lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2014. In addition, he's a three-time NFL Pro Bowler, who led the NFL in both punt and kick return yards in his rookie year. He's worn the same number his whole career. What number does he wear?
Ray Lewis
The 26th overall draft pick in 1996, Ray Lewis is considered by many to be the most ferocious linebackers in NFL history. He played nearly two decades with the Baltimore Ravens, wearing the same number the entire time. During that time, he helped lead the Ravens to two Super Bowl championships, being named the Super Bowl MVP in 2000. In addition, he's a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and thirteen-time NFL Pro Bowler. What number did Rice wear?
Cam Newton
Drafted as the first overall pick in the 2011 draft, it took just four seasons for Cam Newton to be named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. Newton is considered by many to be one of the top rushing quarterbacks in the NFL. He currently holds the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 54, and is the first & only rookie to pass for more than 4,000 yards and rush for over 700 yards in their rookie season. He boasts one of the top selling jerseys in the NFL. What number does he wear?
Tim Tebow
Widely considered to be one of the top 10 best college quarterbacks of all time, Tim Tebow was drafted as the 25th pick in the NFL draft out of Florida after leading the Florida Gators to several national championships. Upon joining the NFL, Tebow managed to rally the Denver Broncos to a win in the fourth quarter during a string of several games in his sophomore season, helping the Broncos reach the Playoffs. Despite his brief success in the league, he only played in three NFL seasons, most notably with the Denver Broncos. While he also wore numbers 11, and 5, what number did Tebow most notably wear with the Broncos?
Marshawn Lynch
Drafted as the 12th overall pick in 2007, Marshawn Lynch returned to the NFL last season after a two-season hiatus. A two-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader, Lynch is also a five-time Pro Bowler. In 2013, Lynch helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII win over the Denver Broncos. Lynch is one of the most polarizing players in the NFL, and is known for his personality off the field just as much as he is for his personality on the field. Do you know what number he wears?
Julius Peppers
A unanimous All-American in college back in 2001, Julius Peppers was selected as the second overall pick of the 2002 draft by the Carolina Panthers. After seven seasons with the team, Peppers joined the Chicago Bears for three seasons. After playing for the Bears, Peppers then played for the Green Bay Packers briefly before returning to the Carolina Panthers last season. A member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Peppers has worn the same number throughout his entire career. Do you know what number he wears?
Larry Fitzgerald
Drafted as the third overall draft pick in 2004, Larry Fitzgerald has played the past fourteen seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, wearing the same number throughout the course of his entire career. A two-time NFL receptions leader, and two-time NFL receiving touchdowns leader, Fitzgerald holds countless NFL records, including most touchdowns, receptions, and yards in a post-season. In addition, Fitzgerald is third for all-time career receiving yards, and receptions. His jersey number is nearly guaranteed to be retired after he retires. What number does he wear?
Brian Urlacher
The ninth pick of the 2000 NFL draft, Brian Urlacher played his entire twelve-year career with the Chicago Bears. Urlacher went on to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2000, before then winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005. A member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade team, Urlacher went down in history as one of the greatest Defensive Chicago Bears players of all time. He wore the same number throughout his entire career, do you know what it is?
Calvin Johnson
The number two overall draft pick in 2007, Calvin Johnson was a two-time NFL receiving yards leader in 2011, and 2012. A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-team All-Pro, Johnson played his entire nine-season career with the Detroit Lions before retiring at the end of the 2015 season. At the time of his retirement, Johnson had the highest average receiving yards among players who have played in over 100 career games. He wore the same number his entire career, what number did he wear?
Drew Brees
Drafted as the 32nd pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft, Drew Brees has proven himself to be one of the best quarterbacks of the decade. A seven-time NFL passing yards leader and four-time NFL passing touchdown leader, Brees also tied the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single game back in 2015, with seven. In addition, he was named the Super Bowl XLIV MVP after leading the New Orleans Saints to a win over the Indianapolis Colts. He's worn the same number throughout his whole career, what number does he wear?
Terrell Owens
Despite being drafted in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft, Terrell Owens went on to have one of the most historic NFL careers of any wide receiver. Owens holds countless NFL records in addition to franchise records with the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. A member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade team, Owens wore two numbers during his NFL career. One of which was #10, however what was the other number he wore?
Troy Polamalu
The sixteenth overall pick of the 2003 NFL draft, Troy Polamalu is widely considered to be one of the top strong safety's in NFL history. A two-time super bowl champion, Polamalu is also a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. His entire eleven year NFL career was spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was an eight-time Pro Bowler. Polamalu finished his NFL career in 2014 with 32 interceptions, and 770 sacks. Do you know what number he wore?
Peyton Manning
Widely considered to be one of the top 5 greatest quarterbacks of all time, Peyton Manning's storied career began with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 after he was drafted as the number one overall draft pick. Manning spent the first fourteen years of his career with the Indianapolis Colts before then playing for the Denver Broncos for the last four years of his career. Manning wore one number his entire career, and led both the Colts and the Broncos to Super Bowl victories. What number did he wear?
Robbie Gould
NFL kicker Robbie Gould went undrafted in the 2005 NFL draft before then being signed by defending Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. After eventually winding up with the Chicago Bears, Gould spent ten years with the franchise, setting the Chicago Bears record as the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Currently, Gould plays for the San Francisco 49ers, where he recently set an NFL record for 15 field goals across three games. He also wore number 5, but what number does he currently, and most notably wear?
Michael Vick
Drafted as the first overall draft pick of 2001, Michael Vick quickly earned the reputation as one of the most unique quarterbacks in NFL history. In addition to being a left handed quarterback, Vick possessed some of the most impressive rushing abilities the NFL has ever seen. Over the course of his thirteen year NFL career, Vick racked up over 6,000 rushing yards, the most of any quarterback in NFL history. While he wore several numbers during his career, which number did he most notably wear?
Shaun Alexander
Drafted as the nineteenth pick of the 2000 NFL draft, Shaun Alexander proved himself to be one of the best running backs of the 2000s. A three-time pro bowler and 2005 NFL MVP, Alexander led the NFL in rushing yards in 2005, in addition to leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2001, and 2005. In addition to several Seattle Seahawks franchise records, Alexander is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He wore the same number throughout his entire career. Do you know what it is?
Reggie Bush
Drafted in 2006 as the second overall draft pick, Reggie Bush had a historic college career with USC, leading the team to two national championships in 2003, and 2004. A two-time All-American, Bush spent the first five years of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, where he ran for 17 touchdowns. He won a Super Bowl with the Saints in 2009, where he ran for 25 yards on five carries. While he has worn several numbers throughout his career, what number did he wear with the New Orleans Saints?
Brian Dawkins
An NFL Hall of Famer, Brian Dawkins was drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996 as the 61st pick in the draft. Dawkins went on to have a historic career, playing his first twelve seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Dawkins was the first NFL player to record 30 interceptions, and 30 forced fumbles. In addition, he's the only NFL player with 25+ interceptions, forced fumbles, and sacks. He wore the same number throughout his entire career. Do you know what number?
Michael Strahan
Drafted as the 40th pick in the 1993 draft out of Texas Southern College, Michael Strahan was one of the most fearsome defensive ends in NFL history. In addition to being a seven-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Strahan won a Super Bowl during his fourteen years with the New York Giants. In 2001, and 2003, Strahan led the NFL in sacks, and set the NFL record for 22 sacks in a season. He wore one number his entire career... what number is it?
Philip Rivers
Drafted as the fourth overall pick of the 2004 NFL draft, Philip Rivers has spent the last fourteen seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers franchise. A 2010 NFL passing yards leader, Rivers has made seven Pro Bowl appearances, and is one of the few NFL quarterbacks to pass for more than 400 yards in a game. In that same game, Rivers set an NFL record for having the highest passer rating of any quarterback in a 400+ yard game. What number does he wear?
Odell Beckham Jr
Drafted as the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Odell Beckham Jr. has spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants, where he has quickly proven himself to be one of the best wide receivers in the league. Over the course of his four-year career, Odell Beckham Jr. has been named to the NFL Pro Bowl three times. In addition, he was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2014. What number does he wear?
Warren Sapp
Drafted as the twelfth overall pick of the 1995 NFL draft, Warren Sapp entered into the NFL as a Big East Defensive Player of the year and Unanimous All-American, before then going on to have a historic NFL career. Over the course of his twelve-year career, Sapp became a Super Bowl champion, and was named as the NFL Defensive Player of the year in 1999. He wore the same number his whole career, and was named to the NFL's 1990s and 2000s All-Decade Teams. What number did he wear?
Tom Brady
After being picked as the 199th pick of the 2000 draft by the New England Patriots, Tom Brady promised Patriots owner Robert Craft he would be the greatest quarterback in franchise history. 18 seasons later, Brady has brought five Super Bowl championships to the Patriots franchise, and has been named the NFL MVP three different times. In addition to his countless NFL awards, Brady is the most accomplished quarterback in NFL history with 196 games won. What number does he wear?
Lesean McCoy
A dominant collegiate running back, Lesean McCoy was voted Big East Rookie of the Year in 2007 before being voted the Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2008. Following that, McCoy was drafted as the 53rd overall draft pick in 2009. McCoy was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the first five years of his career. In 2011, McCoy lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns, before then leading the league in rushing yards two seasons later. What number has he worn?
Tony Romo
After going undrafted in the 2003 draft, Tony Romo was signed to the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent in 2003. Romo spent the next thirteen seasons with the Cowboys, wearing the same number the entire time. A four-time Pro Bowler, Romo lead all NFL quarterbacks with a passer rating of 113.2 in 2014. Romo also holds a unique NFL record for having the most consecutive road games with at least touchdown pass over the course of seven seasons. What number did he wear?
Chris Johnson
Drafted as the 24th overall pick in the 2008 draft, Chris Johnson entered into the NFL with 24 touchdowns and nearly 3,000 yards under his belt. Throughout his first five seasons in the league, Johnson played for the Tennessee Titans, where he led the NFL in rushing yards in 2009. In addition, Johnson was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009. While he has worn several numbers over the course of his NFL career, what number did he most notably wear with the Titans?
Robert Griffin III
Drafted as the 2nd overall pick in 2012, Robert Griffin III, better known as 'RG3' entered into the league as the 2011 Heisman Trophy Winner, First-team All-Big 12, and Consensus All-American. Upon entering the league with the Washington Redskins, Griffin won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after leading the Redskins to their first playoff appearance in five years. Unfortunately for Griffin, due to injuries, his elusive play-style has been compromised over the years due to injuries. What number did he wear with the Washington Redskins?
Tedy Bruschi
Drafted as the 86th pick of the 1996 NFL draft, Tedy Bruschi is considered one of the best linebackers of the 2000s decade. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Bruschi played his entire twelve-year career with the New England Patriots. After his lengthy career, which included coming back from a major stroke, Bruschi retired in 2008, with a total of 30 career sacks, 12 interceptions, and 11 forced fumbles. Do you remember what number he most notably wore during his career?
Matt Ryan
The third overall pick of the 2008 draft, Matt Ryan has spent the last ten seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he has been named to the Pro owl four times. In addition, Ryan was the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and the 2016 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. He has worn the same number his entire career, and lead the Falcons to Super Bowl LI, where the Falcons were on the losing end of one of the biggest comebacks in NFL history. What number does he wear?
Tony Gonzalez
The thirteenth pick of the 1997 draft, Tony Gonzalez is widely considered to be one of the best, if not the single best, tight ends in NFL history. Gonzalez played seventeen seasons in the NFL, and holds the NFL record for most receiving yards by a tight end. In addition, he is second in all time receptions by an NFL player, and is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He wore the same number throughout his entire career. What number did he wear?
Tiki Barber
Drafted as the 36th overall pick in the 1997 draft out of University of Virginia, Tiki Barber played his entire nine-season career with the New York Giants. Barber was a three-time NFL Pro Bowler, and wore the same number throughout the course of his entire career with the Giants. He holds several New York Giants franchise records, with most rushing yards in a career, season, and single game. In addition, he has the most total yards gained by a Giant with 17,359. What number did he wear?
Russell Wilson
Drafted as the 75th overall draft pick of the 2012 draft, Russell Wilson entered into the NFL as a 2012 Rose Bowl winner. Upon joining the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson quickly proved himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league, throwing 26 touchdowns his rookie season, before then leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII win in his sophomore season. Throughout his first six seasons in the NFL, Wilson has won more games than any other quarterback in NFL history. What number does he wear?
Ben Roethlisberger
The eleventh overall draft pick of 2004, Ben Roethlisberger has spent his entire fourteen-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his time with the team, Roethlisberger has won two Super Bowls, and has been named to six Pro Bowls. His 2004 season was enough to earn him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, thanks to 17 touchdowns, and 2,621 yards. He has worn the same number throughout his entire career with the Steelers. Do you know what number?
Matt Forte
Drafted as the 44th pick of the 2008 NFL draft, Matt Forte spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears, where he predominantly served as the Bears starting running back from 2008-2015. During his time with the Bears, Forte set a franchise record for most receptions in his rookie season with 63, and most games with more than three touchdowns in a season, tying him with Walter Payton for the record. Do you know what number he wore?
Rob Gronkowski
Drafted as the 42nd overall pick of the 2010 draft, Rob Gronkowski entered into the league as a first-team All-Pac 10 player after playing college football at Arizona. Upon entering into the league, Gronkowski quickly proved himself to be one of the best tight ends in the league, leading the league in receiving touchdowns in 2011. In addition, throughout his first six seasons, he tied a record for most receiving touchdowns with 68. He's worn the same number his entire career; what number does he wear?
Andrew Luck
Drafted as the first overall pick in the 2012 draft, Andrew Luck has spent the last six seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, where he has proven himself to be an elite level NFL quarterback. A three-time Pro Bowler, Luck lead the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2014, with 40. Luck holds the NFL record for most passing yards by a rookie in a single season with 4,374. He has worn the same number his entire career. What number does he wear?
Nick Foles
Drafted as the 88th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, Nick Foles spent the first three seasons of his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles before then playing a single season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs. It was during the 2017-18 season that Foles broke out as a true NFL star as he seized the opportunity of starting for the Eagles after Carson Wentz got injured in week 14. Foles went on to start for the remainder of the season, and post-season, and lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship. What number does he currently wear?
Devin Hester
Drafted as the 57th overall pick in 2006, Devin Hester is widely considered to be the single greatest kick & punt returners of all time. Despite being drafted as a cornerback, Hester found his place as a receiver and returner. A four-time Pro Bowler, Hester is a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade team. He holds several notable NFL records, including most return kicks and punts, in addition to most returns in a season with 6. What number did he wear with the Bears?
Eli Manning
Drafted as the first overall pick of the 2004 NFL draft, Eli Manning has spent his entire career as a member of the New York Giants. During that time, Manning has brought the franchise two Super Bowl championships, which saw him named Super Bowl MVP twice. In addition to countless Giants franchise records, Manning holds several NFL records, including most passing yards in a single post-season. He is the only quarterback in NFL history to have never thrown an interception while starting in multiple conference championships. What number does he wear?