The NFL retired jersey tradition honors the most iconic players in football history by permanently removing their numbers from circulation. As of 2024, 44 players have been immortalized this way, with the league continuing to add names annually. The practice reflects both individual achievement and the cultural significance of the game, blending sportsmanship with American heritage.

Why Does the NFL Retire Jerseys?

Unlike other sports leagues, the NFL retired jersey program is unique in its permanence and prestige. According to the official NFL retired numbers page, jerseys are retired to recognize players who have made “exceptional contributions” to their teams and the league. The decision is made by team owners and the NFL, often after a player’s retirement or death, though some—like Hall of Famers—are honored during their careers.

The tradition began in 1974 when the New York Giants retired the number 16 in honor of legendary tight end Law Taylor. Since then, the list has grown to include legends like Jim Brown (Cleveland Browns), Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers), and Terrell Owens (Dallas Cowboys). The most recent addition, as of this writing, is James Harrison, whose No. 74 was retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023.

How Are Players Selected for Retirement?

The NFL does not have a formal criteria list, but retired numbers typically go to players who meet at least one of these standards, according to league records:

• Hall of Fame induction: Nearly all retired jersey honorees are eventual Hall of Famers.
• Team legends: Players who defined an era for their franchise (e.g., Barry Sanders for the Detroit Lions).
• Cultural impact: Figures like Eric Dickey (New York Jets) or Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys) whose careers transcended the sport.
• Tragic circumstances: Players like Paul Warfield (Cleveland Browns), retired posthumously after his death in 1991.

The process begins with a team’s request to the NFL, which reviews the player’s career, impact, and public perception. Once approved, the number is permanently banned from future use by that team. For example, Richard Seaton’s No. 78 was retired by the New England Patriots in 2018, though he never played for them—his connection to the franchise (as a longtime fan and donor) was deemed significant enough for the honor.

Notable Exceptions and Controversies

The retired jersey tradition isn’t without debate. Some argue it’s too exclusive—only 44 players across 32 teams have been honored, meaning most franchises have never retired a number. Others question why certain players (e.g., Larry Allen, retired by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014) were chosen over others with similar stats.

A rare exception is Art Rooney, whose No. 99 was retired by the Steelers in 2004—not for playing, but for his role as the team’s owner for 66 years. This set a precedent for non-player honorees, though no other owners or executives have received the same recognition.

How Retired Jerseys Are Displayed

Retired jerseys are typically displayed in team locker rooms, stadiums, or the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The NFL does not produce official retired jerseys for sale, but some teams (like the San Francisco 49ers) have released limited-edition patches or commemorative items. For example, the Green Bay Packers retired Barrett Taylor’s No. 16 in 1974, and his jersey now hangs in Lambeau Field’s Hall of Fame Plaza.

Unlike the NHL or NBA, where retired numbers are often displayed on the rafters, NFL retired jerseys are more commonly seen in team museums or digital archives. The league has no uniform policy on display, leaving it to individual franchises to decide how to honor their retired numbers.

Who’s Next? Players on the Radar for Retirement

While the NFL doesn’t announce retirement candidates in advance, several players are frequently mentioned in discussions about future honors. According to Sports Illustrated and ESPN, potential candidates include:

• Tom Brady (New England Patriots/Tampa Bay Buccaneers): His No. 12 is already retired by the Patriots, but some fans speculate the Buccaneers may follow suit.
• Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers): The NFL’s all-time leading scorer (No. 80) has been rumored for years, but no official move has been made.
• Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts/Denver Broncos): His No. 18 could be retired by the Colts, who have yet to honor any player.
• Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens): The Ravens have retired No. 52 in his honor, but his legacy remains a strong candidate for future consideration.

The NFL has also hinted at expanding the tradition. In 2023, league officials told NFL Media that they were evaluating whether to retire numbers for players who contributed to the league in non-traditional ways, such as coaches or executives. No decisions have been made yet.

How to Follow Retired Jersey Updates

The NFL announces retired jersey decisions through official press releases and team statements. For real-time updates:

• Check the official retired numbers page.
• Follow team social media accounts (e.g., @NFL, @Steelers).
• Monitor Hall of Fame news for retirement-related announcements.

The next confirmed checkpoint for retired jersey news is the 2025 NFL Draft, where the league may announce new honorees alongside Hall of Fame inductions. Fans can also expect updates during the NFL’s annual awards season, typically held in February.