Decoding Number 17: The Legends Who Defined the NFL’s Most Clutch Jersey
From historic Hall of Famers to the dynamic playmakers of the modern era, the No. 17 jersey has been worn by some of the most consistent and explosive talents in NFL history. Whether it’s a quarterback known for his iron-man toughness, a massive wide receiver who hauled in everything thrown his way, or a new generation of star quarterbacks and route runners, this number signifies elite production.
But who is the greatest player to wear No. 17? Is it the longevity and grit of a Chargers icon like Philip Rivers, the Hall of Fame legacy of Harold Carmichael, or the sheer dominance of current stars like Josh Allen and Davante Adams? Join us as we break down the definitive list, analyzing the careers and impact of the players who made the number 17 jersey unforgettable.
List of the Greatest Players who donned the Number 17 Jersey
- Josh Allen: A modern prototype quarterback for the Bills, he is known for his rare combination of a powerful arm, elite mobility, and high-volume, dynamic playmaking ability.
- Philip Rivers: A supremely durable and competitive quarterback for the Chargers, he was known for his unorthodox delivery, intense sideline demeanor, and consistently high passing yardage totals over 16 seasons.
- Harold Carmichael: An imposing 6’8″ wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, he used his massive frame to dominate opposing defensive backs and was later enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Davante Adams: One of the most technically gifted wide receivers in the modern era, he is renowned for his precise route running and exceptional ability to create separation and catch contested passes.
- Dave Krieg: A successful undrafted quarterback, he played with a gunslinger mentality and carved out a long, productive career primarily with the Seattle Seahawks, making three Pro Bowls.
- Richie Petitbon: A hard-hitting safety who played the majority of his career with Washington, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and later served as a coach, winning multiple Super Bowl rings.
- Ryan Tannehill: A dual-threat quarterback, he revitalized his career with the Tennessee Titans, known for his efficiency, play-action passing, and steady leadership in leading the team to playoff contention.
- Jake Delhomme: An inspirational quarterback who led the Carolina Panthers to an improbable Super Bowl appearance and was known for his emotional leadership, toughness, and timely fourth-quarter playmaking.
- Don Meredith: The charismatic quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys’ early expansion teams, “Dandy Don” was a three-time Pro Bowler known for his leadership, toughness, and later, his celebrated role as a broadcaster on Monday Night Football.
- Billy Kilmer: A tough, durable, and highly successful quarterback for Washington, he led the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance and was known for his effective scrambling and gritty leadership.
- Jim Hart: The record-setting quarterback for the St. Louis Cardinals, he was a four-time Pro Bowler who consistently put up big numbers and demonstrated remarkable longevity despite playing for a franchise with inconsistent team success.
- Steve DeBerg: A journeyman quarterback known for his incredible longevity and ability to mentor younger players, he played for six different teams over 17 seasons, often serving as a solid stopgap starter.
- Turk Edwards: A mammoth offensive and defensive tackle for the Boston/Washington Redskins, he was one of the original dominant linemen of the NFL and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Brian Sipe: A mobile and exciting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, he won the 1980 NFL MVP award by leading the famous “Kardiac Kids” to a thrilling playoff berth.
- Red Badgro: A versatile two-way end for the New York Giants in the 1930s, he was a dominant force on both offense and defense and became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Benny Friedman: An early passing pioneer who starred in the late 1920s and early 1930s, he was the first quarterback to regularly threaten defensive schemes with the forward pass and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Alshon Jeffery: A physically imposing wide receiver known for his strong hands and exceptional ability to win contested catches, he was a key target for the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LII winning team.
- Mike Wallace: A speed demon wide receiver, he was known for his elite ability to stretch the field, hauling in long passes, and generating explosive plays with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins.
- Braylon Edwards
- Plaxico Burress
- Bob Berry
- Eric Hipple
- Xavier Legette
- Chris Gardocki
- Jason Campbell
- Robert Woods
- Shayne Graham
- Chris Chandler
- Jim Everett
- Dave Brown
- John Friesz
- Mitch Berger
- Robert Meachem
- Hunter Smith
- David Whitehurst
- Devin Funchess
- Jarius Wright
