Who wore number 57 in NFL

The number 57 holds a unique place in NFL history, belonging to the ineligible range of numbers. This aspect means the players can’t advance the ball to the opponent side with three exceptions: interception, fumble or confirming the eligibility for a play by informing the referee. The linemen join the linebackers in the battle for these numbers. Let’s delve into the intriguing history of the famous carriers of the number 57 in the league.

Retired numbers 57 in the NFL

It is the only team that retired number 57 in NFL history. The New England Patriots made it in 1988 after Steve Nelson retired. He played there from 1974 to 1987.

The first player who wore number 57 in NFL history

Johnny Blood was the first player who wore number 57 in the NFL. He received it in 1926 when he defended the colours of the Duluth Eskimos for two seasons. He scored three touchdowns, including 2 receiving ones, in 22 games, 15 of which he played from the start.

The last player who wore the number 57 before the AV implementation

Roger Zatkoff wore number 57 in the Detroit Lions. This team from the automobile capital of the USA became the last in his short career. However, his tenure in Detroit was lucky because he helped the Lions win the 1957 championship. Zatkoff retired in the next season after 5 years of service time.

Top-5 players with the highest AV

Rickey Jackson – 157 AV

The New Orleans Saints may have undervalued Rickey Jackson when they picked him in the Round 2 of the 1981 Draft, but he proved them wrong. This performer acted in the way the best prospects usually do. For example, he had four leadings in the league concerning the forced fumbles. 6 FF was his top result in the 1986 regular season. He was the first winner of the fumbles recovered contest in the 1990 season. All his 6 Pro Bowls were connected with the Saints. But this team failed to win the Super Bowl. His dream became realistic in 1994 when the player moved to San Francisco—the debut season in the new team ended with the title. Jackson retired next season. The society thanked him with the 2010 Hall of Fame induction, a testament to his inspiring career.

Clay Matthews – 139 AV

Clay Matthews was the first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns. The player had a bright start in their career. For example, he was the unbeatable tackle leader during the first two seasons. 34 combined tackles was enough to win the 1978 race, and in 1979, he won again with 103 tackles. His best result was 128 tackles in the 1981 season. Matthews also became the league leader in forced fumbles after the 1980 season. He scored a single interception touchdown in the 1987 season and fumbled in 1989. Their tenure in Cleveland ended in 1993 with 4 Pro Bowls. Matthews continued his career in Atlanta till retirement in 1996.

Mo Lewis – 117 AV

This player joined the Jets in the 1991 Draft. Mo Lewis was the third-round pick of the New Yorkers. He scored four interceptions and 1 fumble touchdown. Mr. Lewis competed in three Pro Bowls and appeared in the 1998 first All-Pro team. The player retired in 2003.

Jeff Van Note – 115 AV

The center Jeff Van Note played in the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 to 1986. He rarely involved himself in the fumbles because his main role was to snap the ball to the quarterback or running back. He did it well; that’s why the league and fans wanted to see him in the Pro Bowl. Van Note appeared there six times per career despite the Falcons having three fails in the Pro Bowl during his activity.

Tom Jackson – 107 AV

The player started his career in the Denver Broncos in 1973. First, Tom Jackson got number 56, but the team renumbered him to 57 the next year. He scored three defensive touchdowns and played in three Pro Bowls.