Who Wore It Best? The Greatest NFL Players by Jersey Number, 75-99

Jerry Rice was, of course, the ultimate No. 80. But how do you choose between the 12 total Hall of Famers who wore No. 88? 

About 30,000 players have suited up for an NFL game over the past 105 years, using every jersey number over and over again. We've taken on the daunting task of combing through NFL history to decide who wore each number best. 

Among the criteria considered were the players’ cumulative statistics, awards (MVP, Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year, etc.) and honors such as All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. Super Bowl championships mattered as well, as did the impact players had on their era. Historical importance was very significant, which is why the list is littered with members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

That said, here are the choices for Nos. 75-99 as we conclude our four-part series. Note that since many great players switched numbers during their careers, the list is based on the number each player is best known for wearing.

[Greatest NFL players by jersey number: 00-24 | 25-49 I 50-74 ]

This longtime Steelers defensive tackle was one of the fiercest players on one of the all-time fiercest defenses. Greene was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, a 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro. One of only three Steelers to have his number retired, "Mean Joe" finished his 13-year career with 77½ sacks. He just barely gets the nod here, though, edging out longtime Rams defensive end Deacon Jones, who literally invented the sack and unofficially had 173½ of them in his 14 NFL seasons.

Honorable Mentions: Howie Long, Deacon Jones

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