In professional sports, retiring a player’s number is one of the highest honors, second only to getting a statue. Recently, the Washington Commanders honored Hall of Famer Art Monk by retiring his number, making him the sixth player in franchise history to receive this distinction. While many NFL teams have retired numbers, six teams (Cowboys, Raiders, Falcons, Texans, Ravens, Saints) still have notable former players who deserve this honor. Some teams, like the Saints, have opted to deactivate certain numbers instead of retiring them.
Here’s a breakdown of noteworthy former players for each NFL team whose numbers ought to be retired:
– Arizona Cardinals: WR Larry Fitzgerald (#11), expected to be honored soon, especially after his anticipated Hall of Fame induction.
– Atlanta Falcons: QB Matt Ryan (#2), the franchise’s only league MVP and a key player in their Super Bowl run.
– Baltimore Ravens: LB Ray Lewis (#52), the standout player in the team’s Super Bowl wins and multiple defensive accolades.
– Buffalo Bills: WR Andre Reed (#83), a Hall of Famer instrumental in the team’s four consecutive AFC titles.
– Carolina Panthers: QB Cam Newton (#1), known for his 2015 MVP season and leading the Panthers to an NFC title.
– Chicago Bears: LB Brian Urlacher (#54), a two-time defensive player of the year and key to their Super Bowl appearance.
– Cincinnati Bengals: OT Anthony Munoz (#78), regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history.
– Cleveland Browns: TE Ozzie Newsome (#82), a top player during the Browns’ dominant era in the 1980s.
– Dallas Cowboys: DT Bob Lilly (#74), the franchise’s first great player who helped win their first Super Bowl.
– Denver Broncos: RB Terrell Davis (#30), a key factor in the Broncos’ first two Super Bowl titles.
– Detroit Lions: WR Calvin Johnson (#81), who set NFL receiving records and is a Hall of Famer.
– Green Bay Packers: QB Aaron Rodgers (#12), a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion (number to be retired post-retirement).
– Houston Texans: DE J.J. Watt (#99), a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and 2023 Ring of Honor inductee.
– Indianapolis Colts: WR Marvin Harrison (#88), one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets and top league receivers.
– Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Jimmy Smith (#82), notable for his consistent production and contribution to the team’s success.
– Kansas City Chiefs: WR Otis Taylor (#89), instrumental in the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl victory.
– Las Vegas Raiders: QB Ken Stabler (#12), the team’s first MVP and Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
– Los Angeles Chargers: TE Antonio Gates (#85), the top tight end in touchdown catches.
– Los Angeles Rams: QB Kurt Warner (#13), a two-time MVP and Super Bowl winner who deserves this recognition.
– Miami Dolphins: LB Nick Buoniconti (#85), a key player in the team’s perfect season.
– Minnesota Vikings: WR Randy Moss (#84), iconic for his extraordinary contributions during his seven seasons.
– New England Patriots: WR Stanley Morgan (#86), a top receiver in the franchise’s earlier success.
– New Orleans Saints: QB Drew Brees (#9), pivotal to the franchise’s greatest achievements including a Super Bowl win.
– New York Giants: LB Harry Carson (#53), a nine-time Pro Bowler who helped the Giants’ mid-80s success.
– New York Jets: DE Mark Gastineau (#99), a star of the ‘New York Sack Exchange’ and former sack leader.
– Philadelphia Eagles: WR Harold Carmichael (#17), a career leader and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee.
– Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Terry Bradshaw (#12), the franchise’s only MVP and four-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
– San Francisco 49ers: RB Roger Craig (#33), influential in the 1980s dynasty and a former Offensive Player of the Year.
– Seattle Seahawks: RB Shaun Alexander (#37), the only Seahawks MVP who led them to their first Super Bowl.
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S John Lynch (#47), a defensive cornerstone during the team’s first Super Bowl victory.
– Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers: LB Robert Brazile (#52), a dominant defensive player during the franchise’s successful years.
– Washington Commanders: RB John Riggins (#44), the franchise’s leading rusher and Super Bowl star.
Fan Take: Retiring a player’s number is a profound tribute that cements their legacy and connects fans to the team’s rich history. For NFL enthusiasts, these honors not only celebrate legendary careers but also inspire future stars and elevate the cultural fabric of the sport.
