Who Wore It Best? Unpacking the Legendary History of NFL Jersey Number 22
The number 22 represents football royalty, worn by an incredible collection of Hall of Fame legends spanning nearly every era and position. When you think of No. 22, does your mind immediately jump to Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and a cornerstone of the Cowboys dynasty? Or perhaps the lockdown coverage and flair of cornerback Mike Haynes? Maybe the leadership of quarterback Bobby Layne, or the interception prowess of safety Paul Krause? This jersey has been a badge of honor for running backs, quarterbacks, and defensive backs alike. We dive into the careers of these iconic athletes and more to determine which superstar truly dominates the legacy of the No. 22 jersey.
List of Number 22 NFL legends
The following list provides football career bios for players who have worn the number 22:
- Emmitt Smith: The NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 career yards and all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (164), Smith was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
- Paul Krause: A Pro Football Hall of Fame safety, he holds the NFL record for career interceptions with 81, a record he achieved during his 16-year career with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings.
- Mike Haynes: Widely recognized as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive backs, this Pro Football Hall of Famer was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and won Super Bowl XVIII with the Los Angeles Raiders.
- Roger Wehrli: A Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback who spent his entire 14-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, he was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.
- Bobby Layne: A Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, he led the Detroit Lions to three NFL Championships in the 1950s and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Bob Hayes: Nicknamed “Bullet Bob,” this Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver is the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold medal and a Super Bowl ring (VI with the Dallas Cowboys).
- George Blanda: A Hall of Fame quarterback and placekicker, he played an incredible 26 professional seasons and retired holding the all-time scoring record with 2,002 points.
- Dave Brown: A Super Bowl X champion and College Football Hall of Fame cornerback, he retired tied for tenth in NFL history with 62 career interceptions, 50 of which remain a Seattle Seahawks franchise record.
- Asante Samuel: A four-time Pro Bowl cornerback and two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, he led the NFL in interceptions twice (2006, 2009) and finished his career with 51 total interceptions.
- Derrick Henry: A Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama, this two-time NFL rushing leader was the 2020 AP Offensive Player of the Year and is known as one of the most dominant power backs of his era.
- Christian McCaffrey: The 2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year and a three-time First-team All-Pro, he is one of only three players in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.
- Jimmy Smith (Cornerback): A first-round pick who spent his entire 11-season career with the Baltimore Ravens, he was a key defensive back on their Super Bowl XLVII championship team.
- Ed Reed: A Pro Football Hall of Fame safety and Super Bowl XLVII champion, he holds the NFL record for most career interception return yards (1,590) and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.
- Matt Forte: A two-time Pro Bowl running back for the Chicago Bears, he is one of only three players in NFL history to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 100 receptions in a single season.
- Frank Gatski: A Pro Football Hall of Fame center, he played on a remarkable eight championship teams with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, never missing a game or practice in his career.
- Ty Law: A Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and three-time Super Bowl champion, he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and set the Patriots’ franchise record for career interceptions (36).
More Top Players Who Wore Number 22
- Clarence Scott
- James Lofton
- Mike Michalske
- Gill Byrd
- Doug Martin
- Nate Clements
- Mark Lee
- Fred Jackson
- Carlos Rogers
- Rolland Lawrence
- Steve Freeman
- Mark Ingram
- John Cappelletti
- Timmy Brown
- Harrison Smith
- Dave Duerson
- Tony Nathan
- Tim McKyer
- Zeke Moore
Conclusion
The history of jersey Number 22 is rich with names that defined their positions and their eras. From Emmitt Smith setting the NFL’s all-time rushing record and Mike Haynes locking down receivers with flair, to Paul Krause snatching a record 81 career interceptions, this jersey signifies unparalleled excellence across the field whether worn by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback like Bobby Layne or a modern superstar like Derrick Henry, the players who chose No. 22 consistently represented dominance, versatility, and an enduring legacy in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
You can find more on the legend at each jersey number on this site, including Jersey Number 21.
