Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 20

Barry, Dawkins, Reed, Oh My! Why Number 20 is the NFL’s Hall of Fame Factory 🐐

Few numbers in NFL history boast the sheer concentration of Hall of Fame talent found in the No. 20 jersey. This is the sacred number of some of the most electric, game-breaking defensive backs and running backs to ever step onto the field.

The debate for the best No. 20 starts and ends with Barry Sanders, whose breathtaking jukes and impossible runs made him arguably the greatest running back of all time. But the competition is fierce on the defensive side: the legendary safety trifecta of Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins, and Mel Renfro—all Hall of Famers—cement the number’s legacy. From game-changing interceptions to ankle-breaking runs, No. 20 represents pure, unforgettable football magic. Join us as we rank the absolute best to wear this iconic number!

List of the Best NFL Players Who Donned the Number 20 Jersey

• Barry Sanders: Considered one of the most elusive and exciting running backs in history, he consistently defied physics with his jukes, spins, and sudden stops, retiring unexpectedly with over 15,000 rushing yards.

The Outstanding Football Career of Barry Sanders

• Brian Dawkins: “Weapon X,” an electrifying, hard-hitting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrated intense passion, versatile playmaking, and inspiring leadership.

Brian Dawkins: Eagles High-Flying Safety

• Lem Barney: This shutdown cornerback for the Detroit Lions and a Hall of Famer, became an almost overnight star known for his incredible speed, ball-hawking ability, and aptitude as a dynamic return man.

From Unknown Rookie to Lockdown Legend: The Explosive Career of Lem Barney

• Ed Reed: One of the most instinctive and intelligent safeties ever, the Ravens’ Hall of Famer was famous for his elite range, spectacular interceptions, and ability to return turnovers for touchdowns.
• Mel Renfro: A versatile Hall of Fame defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys, he starred as both a cornerback and safety, earning Pro Bowl honors at three different positions during his long career.
• Ronde Barber: This iron-man cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers displayed remarkable durability, utilized exceptional coverage skills, and blitzed effectively from the corner position.
• Paddy Driscoll: A versatile pioneer of the early NFL, he was a star quarterback, running back, and kicker who was one of the game’s first true offensive threats and a Hall of Famer.

Paddy Driscoll

• Deron Cherry: A hard-hitting safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, he was a key defensive leader who earned six consecutive Pro Bowl selections during the 1980s.
• Johnny Blood: An early, free-spirited star of the 1920s and 30s, this Hall of Famer played running back and receiver, known for his speed, scoring prowess, and legendary off-field antics.
• Gino Cappelletti: A prolific kicker and wide receiver for the Boston/New England Patriots of the AFL, he was the AFL’s all-time leading scorer and defined the term “two-way threat.”
• Lemar Parrish: This outstanding cornerback and return specialist for the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington had quickness and earned eight Pro Bowl selections across his career.
• Cliff Battles: One of the NFL’s first great running backs, this Hall of Famer was the first player in league history to rush for 200 yards in a single game and starred for the Boston Redskins.
• Pete Henry: A massive and dominant tackle of the early NFL, this Hall of Famer was a rugged force on both the offensive and defensive lines, and was an effective drop-kicker.

More legends who donned the 21 on their back

• Garrison Hearst: A powerful and explosive running back, he overcame serious injury issues to put together a Pro Bowl career, most notably leading the San Francisco 49ers’ rushing attack.
• Jerry Logan: A reliable, three-time Pro Bowl safety for the Baltimore Colts, he helped anchor a dominant defense that won Super Bowl V.
• Billy Sims: A dynamic and punishing running back for the Detroit Lions, Billy Sims left a legacy as one of the NFL’s most powerful runners in the early 1980s before an injury tragically cut short his career.
• Louis Wright: A physical, four-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Denver Broncos, he was a shutdown defender and a key member of the famed “Orange Crush” defense.
• Bobby Bryant: A ball-hawking, two-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, he was an integral part of the legendary “Purple People Eaters” defense that reached four Super Bowls.
• Curly Lambeau: A foundational figure in NFL history, he was a co-founder, player, and coach of the Green Bay Packers, leading the franchise to six NFL championships.
• Dewayne Washington: A talented and durable cornerback who played for multiple teams, known for his solid coverage skills and consistency as a starter for over a decade.
• Miller Farr: A Pro Bowl cornerback, he was known for his ball-hawking skills, leading the NFL in interceptions in 1967 with the St. Louis Cardinals and later contributing to the Baltimore Colts’ Super Bowl V victory.
• Andre Waters: A hard-hitting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, he was known for his aggressive, punishing style of play and was a feared tackler throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• Henry Jones: A durable safety who played most of his career with the Buffalo Bills, he was a key defensive back during the team’s run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s.
• Joe Morris: A powerful and explosive running back for the New York Giants, he set franchise records for rushing yards and touchdowns and was instrumental in their Super Bowl XXI victory.
• Bobby Hunt: A versatile defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs, he was a part of the team’s Super Bowl I and IV appearances and led the AFL in interceptions in 1968.
• Rocky Bleier: An inspirational running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he overcame severe combat injuries sustained in Vietnam to become a crucial blocking back and rusher during the Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.
• Travis Henry: A talented but troubled running back who played for several teams, he was known for his power and effectiveness, achieving multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, though off-field issues derailed his career.
• Mark Carrier: A highly productive safety who spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Bears, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and known for his exceptional tackling and coverage skills.
• Darren McFadden: An explosive running back with the Oakland Raiders, he showcased elite speed and power when healthy, though injuries often plagued his career.
• Jimmy Patton: A dominant defensive back for the New York Giants in the 1950s and 1960s, he was a six-time Pro Bowler and held the then-record for career interceptions with the franchise.
• Johnnie Johnson: A talented safety for the Los Angeles Rams, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and known for his durability and consistent play throughout the 1980s.
• Thomas Jones: A durable and consistent running back who played for several teams, he amassed over 10,000 career rushing yards and was known for his excellent vision and versatility.
• Tommy Mason: The first overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, he was a Pro Bowl running back for the Minnesota Vikings, known for his effectiveness as both a runner and receiver.
• Joe Lavender: A solid cornerback for the Washington Redskins, he was a key member of the team’s secondary during their Super Bowl XVII victory.
• Jay Bellamy: A consistent and reliable safety who spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints, he was known for his excellent coverage skills and intelligence in the secondary.
• Jalen Ramsey: A highly decorated and vocal modern cornerback known for his exceptional size, athleticism, and shutdown coverage ability, earning multiple All-Pro selections across various teams.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the No. 20 jersey belongs on the short list of the most valuable uniform numbers in NFL history. It is the gold standard for skill positions, defined by the unbelievable elusiveness of the great Barry Sanders, who many argue is the greatest running back of all time. However, No. 20’s legacy is truly solidified by the sheer volume of defensive greatness, boasting Hall of Fame safeties like the ball-hawking Ed Reed, the fearless Brian Dawkins, and the pioneer Mel Renfro. This number doesn’t just represent excellence; it represents unforgettable, game-breaking talent on both sides of the ball, securing its place as an iconic symbol of the sport.

Be sure to check more in our NFL jersey number series, including Jersey 21.

Greatest Players Who Wore the NFL Jersey 21