Who wore number 47 in NFL

Our portal invites you to explore the famous players who wore number 47 in the NFL. Most are kickers, punters or wide receivers eligible to advance the ball to the opponent’s end zone. But sometimes, the defensive backs or linebackers refine their dominance.

The first player with number 47 in the NFL

The guard and tackle Murrell Hogue got his number 47 in the Chicago Cardinals in 1929 and brought it further to the Minnesota Red Jackets, the predecessor of the Vikings.

The last player who wore number 47 before AV

The player Johnny Sample debuted in 1958 after the Draft. His first number in the Baltimore Colts was 47. In 1960, the team renumbered him to 44, so he was the latest player to wear the number 47 before the league introduced the AV system.

Top-5 players with the highest AV

Mel Blount – 128 AV

The player who marked the beginning of a new era, Mel Blount, debuted in 1970 when the Pittsburgh Steelers added him to their roster. Blount remained with the team until his retirement in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of 4 Super Bowl wins in two consecutive groups (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979). The cornerback’s prowess was recognized with 5 Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989, a testament to his exceptional career.

John Lynch – 116 AV

Another Hall of Famer on the list. Later, The defensive back, free and strong safety John Lynch appeared on the field in 1993. The Buccaneers signed him in the third round of the 1993 Draft. This player was a good tackler with effective counteraction to the opponents. Lynch was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to read the game, which made him a formidable opponent for any offense. He contributed greatly to winning the 2002 Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay team. In 2003, he moved to the Denver Broncos. He retired in 2007 with nine Pro Bowls and two AP1 appearances. His contribution was a reason to induct him into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

LeRoy Irvin – 90 AV

The defensive back LeRoy Irvin started his career in the 1980 Draft when the Rams picked him. The performer acted as the cornerback, a position that requires speed, agility, and good anticipation skills. He excelled in intercepting passes and recovering fumbles, scoring five interceptions and 1 fumble touchdown during his career. Irvin played in two Pro Bowls and competed in two AP1 teams. He retired in 1990 with the season in Detroit Lions, leaving a legacy as one of the best cornerbacks of his time.

Joey Browner – 87 AV

The defensive back Joey Browner was the first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 1983 Draft. He played there in the 1992 season, a period when the Vikings were known for their strong defense. In the final season of his career, he spent in Tampa. The performer scored three interceptions plus one fumble touchdown. He also played in six Pro Bowls and participated in All-Pro first team thrice, a testament to his exceptional skills and his impact on the team’s performance.

Ryan McNeil – 64 AV

The defensive back Ryan McNeil started his career in the 1993 Draft. The Detroit Lions took him as the cornerback. He played there till 1997 when St. Louis Rams signed him. He scored all his interception touchdowns there and left for the renowned Cleveland Browns in 1999. He also played in the Dallas Cowboys (2000) and the San Diego Chargers, scoring a fumble touchdown. The player retired in 2003. After retiring from the NFL, McNeil went on to coach at the high school level, passing on his knowledge and love for the game to the next generation of players.