Who wore number 13 in NFL?

American football players’ jersey numbers are often mystical. Fans and commentators associate numbers with renowned football players. Legendary NFL wide receivers and playmakers have worn number 13. This article will examine the remarkable careers of NFL players who wore the number 13. From game-changing receptions to spectacular touchdown catches, number 13 in the NFL is a testimony to these athletes’ exceptional talents to secure the pigskin and make their mark in American football history.

The number 13 is eligible to receive the ball, so for many years, it was accessible only to the offensive players. But now you can see it on the jerseys of linebackers and defensive ends. Are they eligible to receive the ball? The question is open for discussion.

The teams who retired number 13
Only two teams retired this number from the circuit. These are the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. The latter squad can soon deal with a deficit of numbers that are legal in the league because they have a massive list of retired numbers. The date when the Jets honored Don Maynard is unknown, but the player was active between 1960 and 1972. He became a member of Hall of Fame in 1987.

Miami Dolphins retired the number 13 in 2000, the next year after Dan Marino retired. This player shined from 1983 to 1999.

The sunrise of NFL: first player with number 13

George Trafton is the first player in the league who wore number 13 in the league’s history. Trafton played for Chicago Staleys/Bears during his entire career from 1920 to 1932. His position was the center. The performer participated in 148 games, including 100 starts.

The last player who wore number 13 before AV implementation

The quarterback Bill Macrides was the last player who wore number 13 before the AV implementation in the NFL. He got it in the Steelers before his retirement in 1953. The last season was successful for him because he collected 113 yards per game and scored a touchdown. His average yardage per game was the best result in his total career. When he played for the Eagles, he was good at scoring touchdowns, but he gained a few yards.

Top-5 players with highest AV

Dan Marino – 216 AV

The Hall of Famer Dan Marino was the leading quarterback of the Miami Dolphins who contributed to the dominance of Florida in the league. Despite the first failure, the performer led the team to victorious streaks against divisional and conference rivals. He touched the Pro Bowl 9 times and became a member of the All-Pro team 3 times. Unfortunately, he led the team to a single Super Bowl berth but lost it. But he was nominated or won several titles, like MVP. He is the author of 420 passing touchdowns in 242 games. His average yardage is 253 yards per game.

Ken Riley – 133 AV

Ken Riley collected his points as talented cornerback. The eligible number for the defensive back was a rarity then, so Riley successfully received the ball in his rookie season. But his main specialization was interceptions. He performed 4 to 9 interceptions per season. However, he didn’t succeed in scoring the defensive touchdown.

Don Maynard – 132 AV
He passed the path from halfback to wide receiver, and his heart belonged to New York. Don Maynard came to the Giants in 1958, but the following season, he spent in the Canadian Football League, where NYG had a controlled team. But he didn’t survive there and was sent to New York Titans, later renamed the Jets. He spent his entire career there except the last season in Saint Louis Cardinals. As the Jets were part of the American Football League in 1968, the player won the Super Bowl as its champion. However, his achievements, like being a perfect rusher and receiver, were enough for him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Kurt Warner – 113 AV

Kurt Warner was the St. Louis Rams, NYG and Arizona Cardinals quarterback. He wore number 13 in all teams except the initial season in Rams when he wore number 10. Warner led the team to two SBs in 1999 and 2001. 1999 brought the victory to the player and his team. He also played in SB XLVIII in 2008 but without huge success.

Jake Smith – 105 AV

Despite the declared defensive back position, Jake Smith acted as a free safety in Miami Dolphins and Washington redskins. The player started all games and collected the streak of the Pro Bowls. He didn’t score any touchdowns but was an excellent interceptor. His efforts helped Miami to win two Super Bowls in three attempts. His career lasted from 1970 to 1978 and was full of bright moments.