List of NFL retired numbers

The List of NFL Retired Numbers includes the jersey numbers that have been retired by National Football League (NFL) teams to honor players who have made significant contributions to their teams and the league. Retiring a player's number is considered one of the highest honors a team can bestow, ensuring that no other player on that team will wear that number again.

Overview

In the National Football League, each team has its own policy regarding the retirement of jersey numbers. The practice of retiring a number typically occurs after a player has demonstrated exceptional skill, longevity, and loyalty to a team, or has been significantly influential in the team's history. This tradition serves to honor past athletes and to build a sense of history and continuity within the team.

Retired Numbers by Team

Chicago Bears

• 34 - Walter Payton
• 51 - Dick Butkus
• 85 - George Halas

Green Bay Packers

• 4 - Brett Favre
• 15 - Bart Starr
• 92 - Reggie White

San Francisco 49ers

• 16 - Joe Montana
• 80 - Jerry Rice

Pittsburgh Steelers

• 75 - Joe Greene

Dallas Cowboys

• 12 - Roger Staubach
• 22 - Emmitt Smith

New York Giants

• 56 - Lawrence Taylor

Miami Dolphins

• 13 - Dan Marino

Denver Broncos

• 7 - John Elway
• 18 - Peyton Manning

Indianapolis Colts

• 18 - Peyton Manning
• 19 - Johnny Unitas

New England Patriots

• 12 - Tom Brady (pending official retirement ceremony)

Criteria for Number Retirement

The criteria for retiring a number can vary significantly from team to team. Common factors include:

• Player's impact on the team's success
• Longevity with the team
• Hall of Fame induction
• Personal character and contributions to the community

Controversies and Challenges

The practice of retiring numbers can lead to challenges, especially for teams with a long history and many deserving players. As the number of retired jerseys increases, the available numbers for current players decrease, which can create practical difficulties, particularly in teams with larger rosters.

Future of Number Retirement

Some teams have shifted from retiring numbers to honoring them in other ways, such as featuring them on a "ring of honor" or "hall of fame" within their stadium. This approach acknowledges the player's contributions without permanently removing a number from circulation.

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball retired numbers
• List of NBA retired numbers
• List of NHL retired numbers

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List of NFL retired numbers gallery

• 
  49ers retired numbers at Candlestick Park
• 
  Packers retired numbers at Lambeau Field
• 
  Jim Kelly
• 
  A photo of Otto Graham
• 
  Jim Brown 1959 Topps
• 
  Lenny Moore
• 
  Junior Seau
• 
  Phil Simms at Rams Park
• 
  Gale Sayers
• 
  Fran Tarkenton