Who wore number 31 in NFL?

The number 31 in the NFL relates to the eligible range for catching. It’s quite popular among wide receivers, running backs and so on. Sometimes, the defensive backs use it, too. No teams have retired this number from the circuit, even though there are a bunch of talented performers.

The first player with number 31 in NFL

The tackle Boni Petcoff joined the Columbus Tigers in 1924. He became a member of the first All-Pro in the debut season. Petcoff wore number 31 in 1925. Other data are unknown except for the players who participated in 21 games. 20 of them were starts.

The last player who wore number 31 in NFL before AV implementation

The defensive back Carl Carilivacz wore number 31 in their first year in the Los Angeles Rams, where he came from the New York Giants. In his final season, he spent under number 20. Karilivacz played only seven years in total and retired in 1960 with 2 NFL championships gained when he played for the Detroit Lions.

Top 5 players with the highest AV

Donnie Shell – 118 AV

Donnie Shell joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974 after the draft and played there till his retirement in 1987. He was a nominal defensive back, but the major part of his career consisted of strong safety duties. He was good at interceptions and scored two touchdowns after them. Interestingly, he became an eligible receiver in the 1975 season and released two catches with a gain of 39 yards. The player won 4 Super Bowls with the Steelers during his tenure. He also participated in 5 Pro Bowls and 3 first All-Pro appearances. Thus, Donnie Shell joined the Hall of Fame in 2020. His number is still in the circuit.

Jim Taylor – 97 AV

This fullback was active between 1958 and 1967. He played in the Green Bay Packers till 1966. Jim Taylor collected some MVP titles and 5 Pro Bowl appearances there. Taylor also played in the first Super Bowl against the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs and won the title. Another achievement is three NFL champion titles before the Super Bowl introduction. Thus, the player joined the Hall of Fame in 1976.

Aaron Glenn – 88 AV

This player, except for the Dallas Cowboys, wore number 31 throughout his career. Thus, we concentrate on all other teams where Aaron Glenn had the opportunity to play. The performer acted as a left cornerback. His top interception contribution happened in the Jets’ 1985 season when he gained 100 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. Glenn participated in 3 to 5 tackles in the game, but when he moved to Houston Texans in 2002, this number started to decline. However, he rarely qualified for the playoff with his team. Only 3 Pro Bowls are added to his nomination record. Glenn retired in 2008.

Joe Fortunato – 80 AV

This player was a true Chicago Bears player. The club picked Joe Fortunato in the 7th round of the 1955 Draft. The AV implementation started in 1960, and the player was expected to gain very few points. Meanwhile, Fortunato’s case is unique because the linebackers could rarely get this number compared to the modern days. He competed regularly in the playoffs but became champion only in 1963. The player retired in 1966 without the first Super Bowl in their career.

Jamal Lewis – 80 AV

The player had a dramatic career. Jamal Lewis started well as he became the Super Bowl winner and won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2000 when he became part of the Baltimore Ravens. Unfortunately, the talented player injured their knee and had to miss the next season. He pretended to comeback player title in 2002 but took only fourth place in the race. Lewis collected his best 2026 rushing yards in 2003 and became Offensive Player of the Year. That season was lucky for him because the player contested in the Pro Bowl and became part of the All-Pro first team. In 2006, he joined the Cleveland Browns but was a shadow there without achievements.