Who wore number 77 in NFL

Only three numbers remained unbroken in this defensive range. Today, we open the box with two digits: 77. This number is considered double luck because the digit 7 symbolises comfort and happiness. In the context of the NFL, the number 77 holds a special significance as it has been worn by some of the most iconic players in the league. Let’s examine the history of the NFL and the famous players who wore number 77.

Retired numbers 77 in NFL

Four teams retired number 77 in the league.Stan Maudin  from Arizona wore it from 1946 to 1948. He is the non-Hall of Famer like Korey Stringer, who presented the Minnesota Vikings from 1995 to 2000. Two other players, Red Grange from Chicago Bears (1925-1934) and Jim Parker (Colts, 1957- 1967), are members of the Hall of Fame.

The first player who wore number 77 in NFL

Red Grange was the first player who wore number 77 in the Chicago Bears from 1925 to 1934. The long career in one team was rare during the early times of the NFL. He won the NFL twice in 1932 and 1934 and was included in All-Pro in the 1930 and 1931 seasons. The player became the representative of the best team of the 1920s. Just imagine his achievements: 32 touchdowns, 21 of which are rushing, 10 receiving ones and 1 interception TDs. He is one of the earliest selected players to the Hall of Fame despite induction in 1963.

The last player who wore number 77 before the AV implementation

The defensive end Willie Davis wore number 77 for two initial seasons in the Cleveland Browns. However, his full potential was developed in the Green Bay Packers, where he wore number 87. We could mention him in the article dedicated to the corresponding number.

Top 5 players with the highest AV

Willie Roaf – 145 AV

The player had two teams in career record. Willie Roaf was a Round 1 pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 1993 Draft. He played there till 2001 when he decided to change the team in 2002. The player competed for the Chiefs till the 2004 season, when he retired. He collected 11 Pro Bowls and 4 All-Pros during his career. He also became the best player in the 1990s and the 2000s. The final step was the induction to the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jim Tyrer – 144 AV

The player has spent most of the time in AFL. Jim Tyrer was the third-round pick of the Dallas Texans in the 1961 Draft. Tyrer favored them above the Bears. He played there till 1973 when he competed for the Redskins in his final 1974 season. The player retired with 9 Pro Bowls, 6 All-Pro first-team appearances, 3 AFl champs and a Super Bowl victory.

Andrew Whitworth – 142 AV

Andrew Whitworth had two stages in his career. The Cincinnati Bengals picked him in the 2006 Draft Round 2. All his important milestones are connected with this team. He participated in the Pro Bowl four times, plus two AP1 appearances. The player came to the Rams in 2017, where he played until retirement in 2021. He won his last season in California.

Dick Shafrath – 120 AV

The player started his career with the Cleveland Browns in 1959 and received number 77 the next year. Dick Shafrath streaked 3 AP1 appearances and six Pro Bowls from 1963 to 1968. The performer retired in 1971 with only 1 NFL championship in 1964.

Lyle Abzado – 116 AV

Lyle Abzado was next performer who wore number 77 after Dick Shafrath. He used it from 1979 to 1981. But that was his second career step. Lyle was the 4thround pick in the 1971 Draft for the Detroit Lions. He scored 3 safeties and a fumble TD during his career. His active status ended in 1985 after four years in the Las Vegas Raiders. Abzado performed his teams in two Pro Bowls and 2 AP1 teams.