Which NFL running back numbers are the most recognizable, all-time? If I said number 22, who immediately comes to mind? Emmitt Smith, right? 21? LaDanian Tomlinson. Let's take a look at them all.
20 - Barry Sanders
21 - LaDanian Tomlinson
22 - Emmitt Smith
23 - Ronnie Brown
24 - Marion Barber
25 - Reggie Bush
26 - Clinton Portis
27 - Larry Johnson
28 - Marshall Faulk
29 - Eric Dickerson
30 - Terrell Davis
31 - Priest Holmes
32 - Jim Brown
33 - Tony Dorsett
34 - Walter Payton
35 - Anthony Thomas
36 - Jerome Bettis
37 - Shaun Alexander
38 - George Rogers
39 - Willie Parker
40 - Gale Sayers
It's interesting to take a look at this list and see which of these numbers are really the most recognizable. Jersey numbers 20 t0 22 are very recognizable, with three of the best running backs ever wearing these numbers. The same can be said for numbers 32 to 34, with three more of the best running backs ever wearing those numbers. The two outstanding numbers, which you don't see worn tremendously by running backs today, but have been worn by superstars here, are numbers 29 and 40. Eric Dickerson and Gale Sayers are easily two of the best running backs ever. You don't see the number 40 worn by halfbacks too often today, and the number 29, although worn, isn't as prominent as some of the other jersey numbers.
NFL
Running Backs
Jersey Numbers
20 - Barry Sanders
21 - LaDanian Tomlinson
22 - Emmitt Smith
23 - Ronnie Brown
24 - Marion Barber
25 - Reggie Bush
26 - Clinton Portis
27 - Larry Johnson
28 - Marshall Faulk
29 - Eric Dickerson
30 - Terrell Davis
31 - Priest Holmes
32 - Jim Brown
33 - Tony Dorsett
34 - Walter Payton
35 - Anthony Thomas
36 - Jerome Bettis
37 - Shaun Alexander
38 - George Rogers
39 - Willie Parker
40 - Gale Sayers
It's interesting to take a look at this list and see which of these numbers are really the most recognizable. Jersey numbers 20 t0 22 are very recognizable, with three of the best running backs ever wearing these numbers. The same can be said for numbers 32 to 34, with three more of the best running backs ever wearing those numbers. The two outstanding numbers, which you don't see worn tremendously by running backs today, but have been worn by superstars here, are numbers 29 and 40. Eric Dickerson and Gale Sayers are easily two of the best running backs ever. You don't see the number 40 worn by halfbacks too often today, and the number 29, although worn, isn't as prominent as some of the other jersey numbers.
NFL
Running Backs
Jersey Numbers
A list like this is tough because it eliminates some great backs like Tiki Barber, Roger Creig, Icky Woods, Bo Jackson, etc., because better players wore the same number. Makes for some good talking points. However, I don't think anybody can disagree with your choices.
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