Who wore number 28 in NFL

The number 28 is still legal in the NFL. Many talents have used it as a wide receiver, defensive, or running back throughout its history. The 2022-2023 jersey numbering reform added linebackers to this list. Let’s remember the names of famous performers who wore the number 28 from 1920 to now.

Retired numbers 28 in NFL

Four teams retired number 28 in the NFL in memory of the talented players. Willie Galimore from Chicago Bears and Abner Haynes from Kansas City Chiefs are outside of the Hall of Fame. These players could meet each other in matches between Bears and Chiefs in 1960-1963 when Haynes was active. His opponent Galimore retired in 1963 from Bears. However, these teams first played a face-to-face match in 1973, after the Kansas City Chiefs joined the NFL as a result of a merger between AFL and NFL.

Another pair of retired numbers 28 met twice in 2001 and 2005 face to face. I mean Marshall Faulk from the St. Louis Rams, who came to the team in 1998, and Curtis Martin from the NY Jets, who appeared there in 1999. However, Marlins retired a year earlier than his opponent.

The first player with number 28 in NFL history

The tackle and wingback Ed Nason was the first player in history with number 28 on his jersey. As we noticed earlier, most numbers in the range 20 to 27 first appeared in 1925, while Oorang Indians gave him this number in 1922. He played only two seasons before retirement.

The latest player who wore number 28 before AV implementation

The back Don Wilson wore number 28 briefly when he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of the 1959 season. His position was classic back. Despite two games during that period, his activity needed to be improved. Later, he demonstrated his skills in the Dallas Cowboys until retirement in 1965.

Top 5 players with highest AV

Marshall Faulk – 164 AV

This running back was the second pick of the 1994 Draft. Marshall Faulk. His career includes two parts. RB played in the Colts till 1998. He won his first award immediately in 1994, becoming a participant in the Pro Bowl and offensive rookie title. Later, he won a streak of three best offensive players but with the St. Louis Rams. He also became the last seasonal MVP in the second millennium. The next season he ended with the Super Bowl for the Rams. He gained 70 yards per game on average. The 2000 season was his peak epoch because he scored 18 touchdowns during the regular season. His total contribution is 100 rushing touchdowns in his career plus 36 receiving.

Darrell Green – 152 AV

The defensive back Darrell Green had a long career in Washington Redskins. The team picked him in 1983 in the first round of the Draft and Green played his last game in 2002, after 20 seasons. He performed as a cornerback and was a perfect tackler. He intercepted the ball 54 times per game and collected close to 12 yards per attempt. His contribution to the team’s regular playoff appearances included him to the best team of the 1990s. The player won 2 Super Bowls and played in 7 Pro Bowls. He became part of the Hall of Fame in 2008, six years after his retirement. Redskins leave this number in the circuit. However, no player has taken it since that time.

Curtis Martin – 131 AV

Curtis Martin started his career in 1995 with a 3rd round of the Draft by New England Patriots. The running back immediately won the offensive rookie title, thanking 14 rushing TDs. He repeated the result next season. 8 touchdowns on rushing was his season average. However, his performance and scoring worsened, especially after dealing with the New York Jets. However, his yardage in the season was 1300+ stable till the last season in 2005. He retired that year with 5 Pro Bowls. Later, in 2012, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Warrick Dunn – 124 AV

This running back won the 1997 OROY race. Warrick Dunn started his career in Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This period awarded him two Pro Bowls. His peak season was 2000, when he scored 7 rushing touchdowns. Dunn performed himself not only as the rusher but also as a kick returner. He returned 5 punts and 6 place kicks in the 1997 season. But his peak performance happened in 1999 when he returned 8 kicks for 156 yards. He played in his third Pro Bowl, defending Atlanta Falcons from 2002 to 2007. Dunn collected the Man of the Year title in 2004 and the Bart Starr award in 2009. He retired in 2008 after returning to Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, he didn’t win the Super Bowl.

Adrian Peterson – 129 AV

This player had a rich professional career. He changed 7 teams throughout 14 years of his career. The running back Adrian Peterson joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2007. He spent ten seasons there, the longest tenure in his personal story. He played all 7 Pro Bowls while defending their colours. Besides, he became Offensive Rookie of the Year (2007) and MVP&OPOY in 2015. The performer had playoff appearances only with the Vikings. Our article doesn’t consider other teams because the players wore different numbers there.