Who Wore 66 In The NFL? Uncovering The Legacy Of A Powerful Number

Prof. Josie Frami 01 Aug 2025

The numbers players wear on their backs in the National Football League are more than just digits; they tell stories. Each jersey number, in a way, carries a bit of history, a bit of the spirit of those who have graced the gridiron while sporting it. Fans often feel a connection to these numbers, remembering the incredible plays, the unforgettable seasons, and the athletes who made them famous. It's a rather special part of the game's tradition, you know? When we think about who wore 66 in the NFL, we're really asking about the powerful players who left their mark, often in the trenches, doing the tough, essential work that helps teams win games.

This jersey number, 66, has seen its share of talented individuals. It's a number that, for many years, has been strongly linked with offensive linemen, the big, strong folks who protect the quarterback and open running lanes. These players, who wore 66, are the unsung heroes of many a legendary team. Their hard work, their sheer strength, and their dedication on every single play are just so important, yet sometimes they don't get all the headlines. So, too, it's almost a number that represents a certain kind of football player: tough, reliable, and absolutely crucial to success.

So, who are these remarkable athletes? Who truly embodied the spirit of number 66? We're going to explore some of the most memorable players who had this number on their jersey, looking at their careers, their teams, and the lasting impact they made on the sport. It's a bit like digging into a treasure chest of football history, finding out about the people who, in their time, really shaped the game with their efforts while wearing that specific number.

The Meaning of Wearing a Jersey Number
Notable Players Who Wore 66 in the NFL
What Position Typically Wears Number 66 in the NFL?
Is Number 66 Retired in Any NFL Team?
Are There Any Active NFL Players Wearing Number 66 Today?
The Enduring Legacy of Number 66

The Meaning of Wearing a Jersey Number

When we talk about someone who "wore" a jersey number, it simply means they had that number on their uniform during games. It's the simple past tense of the verb "to wear," as in someone put on clothes or an item, like a jersey, in the past. So, when we ask who wore 66, we're looking for the players who, in their time on the field, sported that particular digit. This concept of having "worn" a number is quite fundamental to how we remember players and their connections to teams. A player might wear a number for a long time, making it truly their own, or just for a brief period. Either way, they "wore" it, and that becomes part of their story.

Jersey numbers in the NFL are more than just identifiers. They can become symbols of excellence, perseverance, or even a team's spirit. Fans often associate certain numbers with specific positions or legendary players. For instance, you know, a quarterback usually wears a number in the single digits or teens. A running back might have a number in the 20s or 30s. The higher numbers, like 66, often point to the linemen, the big guys who battle in the trenches. This system helps us quickly identify roles and, over time, builds a shared history around each number. It's a bit like a badge of honor, really.

Notable Players Who Wore 66 in the NFL

The number 66 has been on the backs of some truly great players throughout NFL history. Many of these athletes were powerful offensive linemen, protecting quarterbacks and creating paths for running backs. Their work, while not always flashy, was absolutely essential for their teams' success. Let's take a look at some of the most prominent figures who wore this particular number.

Alan Faneca: A Hall of Fame Guard

One of the most recognized players to wear number 66 is Alan Faneca. He was an incredibly dominant offensive guard, known for his powerful blocking and his long, successful career. Faneca played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Jets, and the Arizona Cardinals. He truly made a huge impact on every team he played for, especially with the Steelers, where he spent most of his time.

Faneca was a first-round draft pick in 1998, and he quickly became a cornerstone of the Steelers' offensive line. He was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times, which is a very, very impressive feat for any player. He was also named a First-Team All-Pro six times, showing just how consistently excellent he was. His blocking helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XL, a huge achievement for the team and for him personally. Faneca's career was so distinguished that he was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a player who, in a way, redefined the guard position for his era. He wore 66 for almost his entire career, making that number synonymous with his powerful style of play. You can learn more about his incredible career and other football legends on our site, here.

Larry Little: The Undefeated Dolphin

Another legendary player who wore 66 was Larry Little, an offensive guard for the Miami Dolphins. Little was a key part of the Dolphins' historic undefeated 1972 team, which remains the only NFL team to complete a perfect season. He was a powerful and athletic blocker, often praised for his ability to clear paths for Miami's famous running game. His contributions were just so vital to their success.

Larry Little played college football at Bethune-Cookman before joining the NFL. He started his professional career with the San Diego Chargers but truly found his stride after being traded to the Dolphins in 1969. With Miami, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and was a First-Team All-Pro twice. His powerful run blocking was a major reason why the Dolphins had such a dominant ground attack during their championship years. Little's career culminated in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, cementing his place among the game's greats. He truly wore number 66 with distinction for a very successful team.

Bob Kuechenberg: Another Miami Legend

Staying with the Miami Dolphins, Bob Kuechenberg also wore number 66 and was another crucial member of their dominant offensive line in the 1970s. He played alongside Larry Little, forming one of the most formidable guard duos in NFL history. Kuechenberg was known for his toughness and his consistent performance, playing a huge role in the Dolphins' two Super Bowl victories and their undefeated season.

Kuechenberg played his entire 14-year career with the Dolphins, from 1970 to 1983. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times, a testament to his consistent high level of play. His ability to block for both the run and the pass made him an incredibly valuable asset to the team. While he has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame, many fans and analysts believe he is very deserving of the honor, given his significant contributions to one of the most legendary teams in NFL history. His dedication to the game and his team, while wearing 66, was just so clear.

Bill Fralic: The Falcons Strongman

Moving to a different team, Bill Fralic was another notable player who wore number 66, primarily for the Atlanta Falcons. Fralic was a dominant offensive guard who earned a reputation for his incredible strength and aggressive style of play. He was a highly touted college player at Pittsburgh, where he was a three-time All-American, before being drafted second overall by the Falcons in 1985.

During his time with the Falcons, Fralic was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro twice. He was known for his powerful run blocking and his ability to stand up to some of the league's toughest defensive linemen. After playing for the Falcons for eight seasons, he finished his career with the Detroit Lions. Fralic's impact on the Falcons' offensive line was significant, and he is remembered as one of the franchise's strongest players to wear the number 66. He was, in a way, a true force on the field.

Other Notable Wearers of 66

While Faneca, Little, Kuechenberg, and Fralic are some of the most famous, many other players have worn number 66 throughout NFL history. These include players from various eras and teams, each contributing to their team's efforts. For example, some defensive linemen have also worn the number, though it is less common. It's interesting how a number can be associated with a certain position, yet still see diversity in its wearers. The history of jersey numbers is quite broad, you know?

The number has been worn by offensive tackles, centers, and even some defensive players over the years. This shows the flexibility in jersey numbering rules over time and how different teams assign numbers based on their roster needs. Each player who wore 66 added a small piece to the number's overall story, making it a rich part of football lore. It's almost like a tapestry, with each player adding a thread.

What Position Typically Wears Number 66 in the NFL?

In the NFL, jersey numbers are generally assigned based on a player's position. This helps officials and fans quickly identify players and their roles on the field. For numbers in the 60s, like 66, they are almost exclusively worn by offensive linemen. This includes guards, centers, and sometimes offensive tackles. These are the players who line up on the offensive side of the ball, directly in front of the quarterback, working to block defenders.

The rules for jersey numbers have been pretty consistent for a long time regarding linemen. So, typically, if you see a player wearing 66, you can be fairly certain they are playing on the offensive line. They are the ones who, in a way, pave the way for the skill players to make big plays. Their job is often about brute strength, quick thinking, and working as a cohesive unit. It's a very physical role, and the number 66 has become quite symbolic of that toughness.

Is Number 66 Retired in Any NFL Team?

Retiring a jersey number in the NFL is a very special honor. It means that no future player on that particular team will ever wear that number again, usually because a truly legendary player wore it and left an indelible mark on the franchise. It's a way to permanently honor a player's contributions. As of late 2023, the number 66 is not widely retired across the NFL, unlike some other famous numbers like 12 or 88.

However, individual teams might have their own ways of honoring players without formally "retiring" the number across the league. For example, while the Miami Dolphins have had two Hall of Fame guards wear 66 (Larry Little and Bob Kuechenberg), the number is still available for current players. This is actually quite common for offensive linemen numbers, as their contributions, while vital, are sometimes less celebrated with number retirements compared to quarterbacks or wide receivers. It's just how things tend to be in the league.

Are There Any Active NFL Players Wearing Number 66 Today?

Yes, absolutely! The number 66 continues to be worn by active players in the NFL today. As of the current NFL season, many offensive linemen across different teams are sporting this number. While none might have the Hall of Fame status of an Alan Faneca or Larry Little just yet, they are carrying on the tradition of the number. It's a bit of a continuous story, really, with new players adding their own chapters.

You can find players wearing 66 on various teams, playing guard or center, working hard in the trenches. These players are part of the current generation of NFL talent, striving to make their own mark on the league. Their presence shows that the number 66 remains a common and important jersey number for offensive linemen across the league, just as it has been for decades. It's a number that, in some respects, truly represents the backbone of an offense.

The Enduring Legacy of Number 66

The story of who wore 66 in the NFL is, in many ways, the story of the offensive line itself. It's about the players who consistently showed up, put in the hard work, and paved the way for others to shine. From Hall of Famers like Alan Faneca and Larry Little to the many other strong, reliable players, number 66 has been a symbol of power, resilience, and dedication in football. It's a number that truly stands for the unsung heroes of the game.

The legacy of this number continues with current players who wear it, each adding their own efforts to its rich history. The next time you watch an NFL game, pay a little extra attention to the player wearing 66. You'll likely see someone doing the crucial, often overlooked, work that makes the entire offense function. It's a number that, very, very often, represents the heart of the team's blocking unit. To see more historical player information and learn about other significant jersey numbers, you might want to check out this page here.

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Number 66 and the Three Dolphins Who Wore It Best - Sports Illustrated Miami Dolphins News

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