Who wore number 17 in NFL

In the fast-paced world of the NFL, jersey numbers can carry enormous weight, with each digit representing a distinct history of talent and accomplishment. A stunning assortment of players who left an everlasting impression on the game have worn the number 17, a seemingly simple numeral. This article goes into the unique history of the NFL’s Number 17, beginning with the first player to wear the jersey and highlighting the top five players with the highest approximate value (AV) linked with this famous number. This number is unique because no teams retired it.

The first player who wore number 17 in the NFL history

The fullback Arnie Wylman was the first player in history who wore number 17. He played six games for Rock Island Independents in 1920 season.

The latest player who wore number 17 before AV implementation

Tom Dublinski wore number 17 in NFL before the league implemented the approximate value system. He got it in New York Giant in 1958. It was return to the National Football League after three years in Canadian Football League.

Top-5 players with highest AV

Philip Rivers – 218 AV

The quarterback Philip Rivers spent his career in Chargers. They chose him in the Round 1 of 2004 NFL Draft. He pretended for the various prizes during his career. For example, he participated in 8 Pro Bowls and was regularly nominated in Player of the Year competitions as the offensive performer. Unfortunately, the player took only the 6th place in MVP and the 4th place in the OPoY race after 2008 season despite his peak 34 regular season touchdowns. Maybe the voters considered that the fail to advance to the Super Bowl denied aforementioned achievements. However, the team didn’t advance to the Super Bowl during his presence, so the player retired in 2020 without desired title.

Dave Krieg – 143 AV

The next player is the quarterback Dave Krieg. He wore number 17 in all teams he played. Unfortunately, he didn’t win any Super Bowls despite regular playoff appearances. The Krieg’s best achievements are Conference champion’s game. Most of his playoffs happened in the epoch of Seattle. The performer hasn’t any professional awards. Krieg played in three Pro Bowls in history.

Jim Hart – 131 AV

The player wore number 17 in Saint Louis Cardinals since 1967 till the decision of relocation to Washington in 1983. Jim Hart didn’t pretend for the professional awards during his career inside competition for Rookie of the Year in the 1967. He participated in four Pro Bowls. But the Cardinals trusted him and he started in most of his games. Hart played 199 games for Saint Louis and started 180 games. The team couldn’t advance to the playoffs at all or played only one match in the decisive stage. However, his average 172 yards per game and 200+ touchdowns didn’t open the way to the desired Super Bowl.

Ryan Tannenhill – 114 AV

The quarterback Ryan Tannenhill has career in progress. He is still wearing number 17 in Tennessee Titans. But he started in Miami Dolphins who picked him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite of his value and performance, this quarterback didn’t play in the playoffs with Dolphins. He could run to the Super Bowl in 2019 season but his Titans lost the Conference Champion’s Game.

Steve DeBerg – 109 AV

The quarterback Steve DeBerg had casual career. He even didn’t attract much attention to himself because 10th round draft picks remain impossible. The player didn’t gain any prizes, even Pro Bowls. He weas nominated for MVP in 1991 but took only the sixth place. DeBerg played from 1978 to 19998 and changed four teams. Despite of the poor career, the player scored 109 AV points and jumped on 5th place of our ranking.