Who is the GOAT of Number 19? Unpacking the Legacy of Football’s Most Iconic QBs and Receivers
When you think of the No. 19 jersey in football, you think of game-changers. This number has been graced by legends of the passing game, from the trailblazers of the league’s earliest eras to dynamic modern-day playmakers. The conversation begins with a true icon: Johnny Unitas, whose swagger and skill defined the quarterback position and earned him a Hall of Fame bust while wearing No. 19.
Yet, he has fierce competition! You also have the smooth route-running and blazing speed of Hall of Fame receiver Lance Alworth, the grit of Keyshawn Johnson, and the undeniable talent of current stars like Deebo Samuel and Amari Cooper (who now wears 2), defining the modern legacy of the jersey. Join us as we settle the debate on which player truly reigns supreme in the history of the legendary No. 19.
The Legends Who Wore the Number 19 NFL Jersey
- Johnny Unitas
- Lance Alworth
- Keyshawn Johnson
- Bernie Kosar
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
- Adam Thielen
- Ted Ginn Jr.
- Joe Montana
- Amari Cooper
- Tom Dempsey
- Bill Munson
- Cotton Davidson
- Ray Flaherty
- Dutch Clark
- Jack Christiansen
- Mike Michalske
- Willie Alexander
- Josh Sweat
- Scott Mitchell
- Essex Johnson
- Lance Rentzel
- Miles Austin
- Devery Henderson
- Mike Williams
- Eddie Royal
- Kenny Golladay
- Jim Nettles
- Calvin Austin III
- Ernest Wilford
The Golden Standard: Jersey 19’s Enduring Legacy
The number 19 stands as one of the most historically significant jerseys in NFL lore, primarily due to Johnny Unitas, whose era-defining career set the standard for the modern quarterback. While Hall of Fame receiver Lance Alworth and modern stars like Deebo Samuel and Amari Cooper have worn it with distinction, Unitas’s status as the three-time NFL MVP and pioneer of the passing game secures his place atop the list. Ultimately, jersey 19 represents football excellence and leadership, carrying a Pro Football Hall of Fame pedigree that few numbers can match.
