A player is recognizable by his style of play, his personality, his physique… but also his number. A sign of a strong attachment, players often keep the same number (if possible) when changing teams, and it sometimes becomes a communication tool.
During 99 episodes, we are going to talk about the best players by number in the NFL. With each time a holder and a replacement.
In this 41st episode, a reliable man and a forgotten hero.
Titulaire : Eugene Robinson (S, Seattle Seahawks 1985-95, Green Bay Packers 1996-97, Atlanta Falcons 1998-99, Carolina Panthers 2000)
The 1990s were rich in defensive backs of talent, and Eugene Robinson was one of them. The former Colgate player quickly established himself as the leader of the Seahawks’ defense, becoming one of the league’s top safetys in the early 1990s.
Mulitple pro Bowler and All pro in 1993 after a season with 9 interceptions, he joined the Green Bay Packers in 1996, giving him the opportunity to join one of the best teams in the league. With LeRoy Butler, he formed the best safety duo in the league, and he won the SuperBowl in his first year against the Patriots.
A member of the typical Seahawks team for the 35th anniversary of the franchise, he won the starting spot with flying colors after a rich career that made him a player who will be remembered almost 30 years later.
Remplaçant : Matt Snell (RB, New York jets 1964-72)
Small exception in this ranking, Matt Snell did not have his entire career during the Super Bowl era, but he left his mark on Super Bowl III with the New York Jets. If this match is known in particular for the promise of Joe Namath, Snell actively participated in this surprise victory of the Jets.
Author of a more than honorable career, with 4 All-AFL selections and three All Star, he could have largely repeated the title of MVP of the Super Bowl with his 121 yards in 30 races and a touchdown. History has forgotten him in favor of Namath, but the latter is far from winning this Super Bowl alone and he owes a lot to Snell.
Mentions : Charlie Waters (DB), Phil Villapiano (LB), Randy Logan (DB), Antoine Bethea (S), Tom Matte (RB/QB)Todd Lyght (DB)
