A player is recognizable by his style of play, his personality, his physique… but also his number. Sign of a strong attachment, players often keep the same number (if possible) when they change teams, and it sometimes becomes a communication tool.
During 99 episodes, we will talk regarding the best players by number in the NFL. With each time a holder and a substitute.
In this 86th episode, one of the artisans of the Chiefs’ first title.
Titulaire : Buck Buchanan (DT, Kansas City Chiefs 1963-75)
Before knowing the Mahomes era, Kansas City experienced the intoxication of a title in 1970 during Super Bowl IV. This surprise victory once morest the Vikings is marked by the dominance of the defensive linemen, whose leader was Buck Buchanan.
First choice of the 1963 AFL draft, Buchanan became a starter for the Chiefs from his rookie season and for 13 seasons. Author of 70.5 career sacks, he is a craftsman of the coronation as mentioned above. In three matches, the defense only conceded 20 points in total, a symbol of total domination by this team.
Eightfold All pro and Pro Bowler, member of the centennial team, Hall of Famer and jersey retired in Missouri, Buchanan lacks nothing to be a legend of the game. Indisputable holder, he represents a glorious team now forgotten .
Remplaçant : Hines Ward (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers 1998-2011)
There are players who built their legend in the regular season, Hines Ward built it in the playoff. Former third round of the 1998 draft, Ward took time to become a great receiver, reaching 1,000 yards in 2001. He accumulated in his career 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns, with remarkable consistency.
During his rich career, he will have the opportunity to play 8 playoff campaigns, accumulating 12 wins, 1,181 yards (9th in history), 10 touchdowns (5th) and 2 titles. Best of all, he was also awarded Super Bowl LV MVP, hitting the game-winning touchdown thrown by fellow receiver Antwaan Randle El.
A three-time All Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, he has always been underrated outside of Pittsburgh. He is, however, an outstanding player of the 2000s, and his place as a substitute is deserved.
Mentions : Boyd Dowler (WR), Stanley Morgan (WR), Antonio Freeman (WR), Gary Collins (WR), Cedrick Hardman (DE), Verlon Biggs (DE)