From Undefeated Legends to Air Coryell: Who Wore the NFL’s Historic No. 14 Best? 🐐🏈
The number 14 might seem unassuming, but in NFL history, it represents a staggering collection of talent and iconic careers. This jersey has been worn by some of the most influential figures to ever step onto the gridiron, often embodying the very essence of their franchise.
From the quarterback arguably considered the greatest of the pre-Super Bowl era, Otto Graham—who led his team to ten consecutive championship games—to the “Little General” Eddie LeBaron, and the progenitor of modern receiving, Don Hutson, this number is steeped in legacy. Later generations saw Dan Fouts redefine passing in the “Air Coryell” offense and Ken Anderson earn an MVP award. Ready to explore the ultimate collection of Hall of Famers and franchise heroes who made the number 14 a symbol of football greatness?
List of NFL Jersey 14 Legends
- Otto Graham: A legendary quarterback and one of the greatest players ever, he led the Cleveland Browns to ten championship appearances in ten seasons (1946–1955), winning seven of them.
- Dan Fouts: A Hall of Fame quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, he was the first player in NFL history to pass for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons while directing the innovative “Air Coryell” offense.
- Y.A. Tittle: A Hall of Fame quarterback, he had a long career culminating in three consecutive MVP-caliber seasons with the New York Giants in the early 1960s.
- Don Hutson: Considered the first modern wide receiver, he was a Hall of Famer for the Green Bay Packers who held virtually every major receiving record upon his retirement in 1945.
- Fred Biletnikoff: A Hall of Fame wide receiver famous for his sticky hands and signature slow-footed but effective route running, he was MVP of Super Bowl XI for the Oakland Raiders (he wore #14 briefly before switching to #25).
- Johnny Blood McNally: A colorful Hall of Fame running back and defensive back, he was one of the NFL’s first stars who played primarily for the Green Bay Packers during the league’s formative years.
- Link Lyman: A Hall of Fame tackle known for his quickness and blocking versatility in the early NFL, playing for teams like the Canton Bulldogs and Chicago Bears.
- Curly Lambeau: A Hall of Fame player, coach, and co-founder of the Green Bay Packers, he was a halfback and star player before becoming the team’s first long-time head coach.
- Ken Anderson: A highly accurate quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, he was the 1981 NFL MVP and led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance (XVI).
- Fred Cox: The all-time leading scorer for the Minnesota Vikings upon his retirement, he was a durable and reliable placekicker who played 15 seasons with the team.
- Eddie LeBaron: A four-time Pro Bowl quarterback for Washington and the Dallas Cowboys, he was nicknamed “The Little General” for his leadership despite being one of the shortest QBs in league history.
- Craig Morton: A quarterback who reached the Super Bowl with two different teams (Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos), he was named the 1977 AFC Offensive Player of the Year with Denver.
- Ray Wersching: A consistent placekicker for the San Francisco 49ers, he was a member of four Super Bowl-winning teams and was known for his unorthodox kicking style.
- Frank Reich: A career backup quarterback known for orchestrating the greatest comeback in NFL history while playing for the Buffalo Bills in a 1993 playoff game against the Houston Oilers.
- Steve Grogan: A rugged and versatile quarterback who played 16 seasons for the New England Patriots and held many of the franchise’s passing records upon his retirement.
- Andy Dalton: A three-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, he set numerous franchise passing records and led the team to five consecutive playoff appearances early in his career.
- Brad Johnson: A journeyman quarterback who won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was a Pro Bowler for the Washington Redskins in 1999.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the No. 14 jersey represents far more than just a digit; it’s a living timeline of American football excellence. From the pioneering genius of Don Hutson and Otto Graham to the modern record-setting careers of Dan Fouts and Andy Dalton, this number marks players who didn’t just play the game—they defined it. These NFL legends left an indelible mark, proving that true greatness transcends any era.
