Who wore number 99 in NFL

Before we start, let us thank our readers who read 98 previous articles. Understand that it could be difficult, but every article is unique. And now, take a cup of coffee and read attentively and engagingly. The number 99, a rarity in the league, is worth your attention.

Retired numbers 99 in NFL

Three players preserve their numbers forever, but only Warren Sapp from the Buccaneers entered the Hall of Fame after retiring in 2003. Jerome Brown died in 1992 at the peak of their career with the Eagles. The Cardinals retired number 99 after Mark Goldberg finished to play in 1948. That was his second return to the team in 1946. The first session was from 1939 to 1943.

The first player who wore number 99 in NFL

Strangely, 99 debuted in 1920, just after the first NFL seasons. Joe Shoemaker wore it in the Decatur Staleys in 6 games with 4 starts.

The last player who wore number 99 before AV implementation

The Washington Redskins picked the half- and defensive back Eddie Saenz in the 15th round of the 1946 Draft. He played in 50 games, changing positions, but was always involved in the rushing or receiving. As a result, he scored 12 touchdowns. The player retired in 1951.

Top 5 players with the highest AV

Aaron Donald – 153 AV

The defensive tackle Aaron Donald had a phenomenal career. He claimed the Pro Bowl berth every season from 2014 to 2023 in the Rams. The defender won the Defensive Player of the Year award 4 times, plus 8 times he appeared in the first All-Pro team. Strangely, the team with powerful tackles or ends won only one Super Bowl in 2021. However, it’s not a hint to the Hall of Fame, right?

Jason Taylor – 151 AV

This player is already in the Hall of Fame despite his achievements being more modest than his predecessor in the article. He wore the number 99 everywhere except the 2008 season when he played in Washington using the number 55. Taylor competed in 6 Pro Bowls and 3 AP1 teams. He became the league leader in different nominations, such as fumble touchdowns. In 4 of 6 cases, the single fumble touchdown was enough to win the race. He became the best player of the 2000s. Taylor became a member of the Hall of Fame in 2017.

Warren Sapp – 149 AV

This player is another Hall of Famer. He wore number 99 in two teams he played for. His career majority fell on the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, who picked him in the 1st round of the 1995 Draft. The defender competed in 7 Pro Bowls and won the 1999 DPoY title. He participated in the 2000 race, too, but lost it. The player started his AP1 streak in 1999, which lasted till 2002. An Oakland tenure started in 2004 and continued till 2007. It didn’t change anything except for the figures in his statistics. However, he qualified for the Hall of Fame in 2013.

J.J. Watt – 131 AV

The Houston Texans picked the defensive end J.J. Watt in 2011 Draft Round 1. His first season was unmemorable. The next season opens the streak of defensive player title races and league leadership. Sacks and tackle for loss are his best skills and categories. Watt became the best player of the 2010s and left Houston in 2020 with 5 PBs and 5 AP1 appearances. He played two seasons before retiring in 2022.

Dan Hampton – 125 AV

The defensive end and tackle Dan Hampton was the opening pick in the 1979 Draft for the Chicago Bears. He played there till retirement in 1990. Sometimes, he recovered the fumbles but didn’t perform the tackles. He played in four Pro Bowls and the 1984 AP1 team. The league recognized him as one of the best players of the 1980s, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.