Who wore number 45 in NFL

The number 45, a significant part of the offensive range, has a rich history in the NFL. It’s a number that has been popular among wide receivers, kickers, and running backs. Interestingly, the rules allow it to be used for defensive backs or linebackers if the teams exceed the range of 50 to 79. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of the famous carriers of this iconic number in football.

Retired numbers 45 in NFL

Only two teams have retired number 45 in history. First are the Cleveland Browns, who remember Ernie Davis. This player died during the 1962 off-season due to leukaemia. He never played on a professional level, but the memory of this running back is alive. Interesting, that Davis was the first African American Heisman Trophy owner. The Seattle Seahawks honoured Kenny Easley, who wore number 45 from 1981 to 1987 there.

The first player with number 45 in NFL history

Verne Lawellen is the first player who wore number 45 in NFL history. That happened in 1928 when the player got a new number in Green Bay Packers, where he spent his career in the Yankees except for the half of the 1927 season. The player scored nine touchdowns, including six rushing ones.

The last player who wore number 45 before AV implementation

The back Don Bishop was the previous player who wore number 45 before implementing the approximate value system. He wore it during a single game for the Chicago Bears. Then he moved to the Dallas Cowboys, where he got number 44.

Top-5 players with the highest AV

Dave Grayson – 105 AV

The defensive back Dave Grayson started his career in 1961 without a draft. He played mostly in the AFL (Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, the Oakland Raiders) and had only one season of NFL experience after the merger of the leagues. He wore number 45 in both teams, becoming a key player in their defensive strategies. He was a right cornerback in the Texans/Chiefs, plus a couple of years in Oakland, where he changed the position to the free safety. The player scored eight touchdowns, including one from kick return in 1963, demonstrating his ability to make game-changing plays. Grayson was one of the performers who competed in the first Super Bowls, showing his consistency and longevity in the game. He even played in Super Bowl II, but the Raiders lost it. Grayson retired in 1970 with 2 AFL champions, 6xPro Bowls and 4xAP1 appearances, leaving a significant mark on the teams he played for.

Garry Fencik – 97 AV

The player was one of the latest picks – as the Chicago Bears noticed him only in the 10th round of the 1976 Draft. He spent his entire career in safety positions. First, he was the strong safety and later transformed into the free safety. The player scored his single touchdown in a 1981 game against the Broncos. He intercepted the opponent’s offensive attempt and brought the ball on the distance 69 yards. The player retired in 1985 with two Pro Bowls and 1 appearance in the top All-Pro team.

Ed Sharockman – 77 AV

Ed Sharockman started his career after Round 5 of the 1961 Draft. The Minnesota Vikings picked him and kept him to retirement. Sharockman performed a cornerback and scored 4 touchdowns. Three of them resulted from the interception return plus the single fumble variety. This cornerback competed in the last Super Bowl between the AFL and NFL when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Vikings. He retired in 1972 without the title or at least the All-Pro appearance.

Ken Easley – 73 AV

The player started his career in 1981 Draft Round 1 when the Seattle Seahawks picked him. Ken Easley performed as strong safety. His role was to intercept and advance the balls to the opponent’s side. He scored his first interception touchdown in 1981 debut season, plus two more in 1984. The performer generated effective defense, which helped him to play in 5 Pro Bowls and become the AP1 member four times. The league included him on the list of the best performers of the 1980s. This safety became a member of the Hall of Fame in 2017.

Curtis Johnson – 62 AV

Curtis Johnson was among the first rookies in the NFL of the new era. He joined the Miami Dolphins in 1970, right after the merger of two leagues. He spent there till 1978. He scored a touchdown after blocking the field goal in his rookie season, plus a safety in the 1973 season. Johnson’s best achievements are two Super Bowls he won with the Dolphins in 1972 and 1973.