List of NFL retired numbers
The List of NFL Retired Numbers includes the jersey numbers that have been retired by National Football League (NFL) teams to honor players who have made significant contributions to their teams and the league. Retiring a player's number is considered one of the highest honors a team can bestow, ensuring that no other player on that team will wear that number again.
Overview[edit | edit source]
In the National Football League, each team has its own policy regarding the retirement of jersey numbers. The practice of retiring a number typically occurs after a player has demonstrated exceptional skill, longevity, and loyalty to a team, or has been significantly influential in the team's history. This tradition serves to honor past athletes and to build a sense of history and continuity within the team.
Retired Numbers by Team[edit | edit source]
Chicago Bears[edit | edit source]
- 34 - Walter Payton
- 51 - Dick Butkus
- 85 - George Halas
Green Bay Packers[edit | edit source]
- 4 - Brett Favre
- 15 - Bart Starr
- 92 - Reggie White
San Francisco 49ers[edit | edit source]
- 16 - Joe Montana
- 80 - Jerry Rice
Pittsburgh Steelers[edit | edit source]
- 75 - Joe Greene
Dallas Cowboys[edit | edit source]
- 12 - Roger Staubach
- 22 - Emmitt Smith
New York Giants[edit | edit source]
- 56 - Lawrence Taylor
Miami Dolphins[edit | edit source]
- 13 - Dan Marino
Denver Broncos[edit | edit source]
- 7 - John Elway
- 18 - Peyton Manning
Indianapolis Colts[edit | edit source]
- 18 - Peyton Manning
- 19 - Johnny Unitas
New England Patriots[edit | edit source]
- 12 - Tom Brady (pending official retirement ceremony)
Criteria for Number Retirement[edit | edit source]
The criteria for retiring a number can vary significantly from team to team. Common factors include:
- Player's impact on the team's success
- Longevity with the team
- Hall of Fame induction
- Personal character and contributions to the community
Controversies and Challenges[edit | edit source]
The practice of retiring numbers can lead to challenges, especially for teams with a long history and many deserving players. As the number of retired jerseys increases, the available numbers for current players decrease, which can create practical difficulties, particularly in teams with larger rosters.
Future of Number Retirement[edit | edit source]
Some teams have shifted from retiring numbers to honoring them in other ways, such as featuring them on a "ring of honor" or "hall of fame" within their stadium. This approach acknowledges the player's contributions without permanently removing a number from circulation.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- List of Major League Baseball retired numbers
- List of NBA retired numbers
- List of NHL retired numbers
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