The Most Iconic Athletes at Every Number (80-89)

Welcome back to WLTL’s weekly sports blog, where we at the station catalog the greatest athletes at every number. The clock is winding down, and we are near the end of the list with #80-89. It’s the fourth quarter of WLTL’s most iconic athletes at every number.

#80 - Jerry Rice (Honorable Mentions: Steve Largent and Chris Carter)

A player known as the greatest wide receiver of all time, ironically, took that number after an idol who is often forgotten amongst recent fans. Jerry Rice was drafted in 1985 by the San Francisco 49ers and took the number 80 after his inspiration, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent. Upon his arrival in San Francisco, Rice immediately became a favorite among the coaching staff for his high work ethic and drive, and all that appeared in training camp transferred to his regular-season play. Paired with quarterback Joe Montana, the dynamic duo torched the league with their fast-paced play. At the end of his rookie season, CBS commentator Pat Summerall claimed, “When this guy is finished, he’ll be considered one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play the game.” Rice was named the NFC Rookie of the Year as he emerged as the next superstar of the league. After back-to-back playoff losses to the New York Giants, Rice had a dominant year in 1987, being selected to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro and setting a record 22 receiving touchdowns in 12 games. The following year would see Rice take home his first Lombardi as the 49ers routed the Cincinnati Bengals 20-16, with Rice winning MVP. He would then take back-to-back championships following a 55-10 beatdown against the Denver Broncos. He would follow the year up by leading the NFL in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions, becoming the first ever player to do so. With the arrival of Steve Young, Rice kept form, however, the team missed the postseason for the first time in his career. In 1992, with Montana and Young still fighting for the starting job, Rice would surpass Steve Largent for the record in receiving touchdowns. The team had the best record in the NFL, but were felled by Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs. After another loss to the Cowboys, the team acquired superstar corner Deion Sanders. Rice openly criticized Sanders, however still still believed that he could help the team. This belief was proven correct as the 49ers took home the 1994 Super Bowl over the San Diego Chargers. While Rice’s final years in the 49ers were headlined by a lack of postseason success and the arrival of Terrell Owens, he still maintained a high level of production and set longstanding NFL records. Rice joined a talented Oakland Raiders team in 2001 and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2002, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rice retired from the league in 2005 after 20 years in the league. Jerry Rice is the standard by which all wide receivers are measured, with his records in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns undoubtedly standing the test of time, making him our easy choice for #80 in this list.

#81 - Terrell Owens (Honorable Mentions: Marian Hossa and Calvin Johnson)

The iconic T-O. Terrell Owens was drafted in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. After playing a backup and special-teams role in his first few years, Owens stepped into the spotlight following an injury to Jerry Rice in 1997. The following year would see him truly break out, as Owens had his first 1000-yard receiving season, including a game-winning touchdown in the 1998 Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers. 2000 saw him set a record 20 catches for 283 yards in a 17-0 victory over the Chicago Bears. As he kept up consistency for the 49ers, his career in Philadelphia would challenge that, as he suffered a severely sprained ankle and fractured fibula during a game against the Dallas Cowboys. Defying doctors' orders, Owens returned to the field for the Eagles as they advanced to the 2004 Super Bowl, where they lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The McNabb-Owens tandem was a strong duo; however, a severe injury to the quarterback saw Owens’ production drop off. His Philadelphia tenure was filled with controversies, leading to him getting cut by the Eagles in 2006. Owens joined the Dallas Cowboys, where injuries would stain his stay in Texas. He still had his typical production, passing Cris Carter for 2nd all-time in receiving touchdowns behind the aforementioned Jerry Rice, however, he was released by the team in 2008. After final years in Buffalo and Cincinnati, Owens left the league and was inducted into Canton in 2018. Well known for his many touchdown celebrations and almost as numerous controversies, T.O. had to follow the legendary Jerry Rice, yet he managed to carve his legacy and become one of the most well-renowned players of the late 90s and 2000s.

#82 - Ozzie Newsome (Honorable Mentions: Yancy Thigpen and Raymond Berry)

A legendary fixture of the Cleveland Browns, Ozzie Newsome was drafted with the 23rd overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft. Newsome was named as Offensive Player of the Year in his rookie year. A fixture of the tight end position, Newsome set multiple Browns records and helped them reach the postseason 7 times in his 12-year career. While, like many Browns players of the modern era, he was consistently the best part of many average teams, Newsome still notched 4 second team All-Pros, 2 first team All-Pros, and 3 Pro Bowls as well as being named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1980s. Newsome even stayed with the franchise as an executive, including when it made the transfer to Baltimore, as Newsome became the vice president of the now twice Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens. The Hall-of-Famer is one of the most underrated tight ends in NFL history, and he is our choice for the most iconic #82 in sports history.

#83 - Andre Reed (Honorable Mentions: Santana Moss and Wes Walker)

While the 1990s Buffalo Bills teams live in infamy for their failure in the big game, it cannot be understated just how incredible those teams were to even make it in the first place. Among all of the talent from those rosters that reside in Canton, one that rises above the rest is the iconic Andre Reed. Reed was drafted in 1985 by the Bills and would go on to play in 15 consecutive seasons for the team. Catching passes from Jim Kelly, Reed would help lead the Bills into the 90s as the team became the top dogs of the AFC. It was only a missed kick from Scott Norwood in the 1990 Super Bowl that put a stop to the team. It was the first of what would become four straight losses in the big game by the team, the worst of which was the 1993 beatdown, where the Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious 52-17. His most iconic moment came in the game prior, where Reed was instrumental in winning what was the largest comeback in NFL history (since been broken by the 2023 Minnesota Vikings), as the team emerged from a 35-3 third-quarter deficit to win the AFC Championship 41-38 over the Houston Oilers. Reed stayed with the team until 1999, when salary cap troubles led the team to cut him alongside fellow Bills legends Thurman Thomas and Bruce Smith. Reed would sign with the Denver Broncos for the 2000 season, and later join the Washington Redskins that same offseason before retiring at the end of the year. He currently sits 15th in NFL history for touchdown receptions and 9th in postseason receptions, making his way to Canton in 2014 after being shafted by the league for years. Andre Reed is a Bills legend, and the 7-time Pro Bowler was instrumental in bringing the team to their four Super Bowl appearances, and he takes home the honor of being the most iconic #83 in sports history.

#84 - Randy Moss (Honorable Mentions: Chris Webber and Shannon and Sterling Sharpe)

Always runner-up, even in the GOAT debates, Randy Moss revolutionized the wide receiver position arguably more so than Jerry Rice. Taken 21st overall for fear of his troubled past with law enforcement, Moss was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 despite many Dallas Cowboys fans and staff clamoring for the team to draft the hometown hero. Moss helped the Vikings become the #1 offense in the NFL, setting the single-season scoring record with 556 points. The Vikings finished the year 15-1 and were poised to make the Super Bowl, as they were a missed field goal away from beating the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship (who then lost to John Elway and the Denver Broncos). All of this in his rookie season, Moss easily took home the league’s NFL Rookie of the Year, and was third in MVP voting for the league. The years following were productive for Moss; however, the team failed to achieve any meaningful success in the playoffs. He would be traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2005. Moss would change to his college number, 18, as a league rule change had allowed him to reclaim the number. However, the 18 wouldn’t shine as bright as 81, and Moss’ underwhelming stay in Oakland would lead to him embarking for the New England Patriots in 2007. Reclaiming 81, Moss would lead the charge as the Patriots put together arguably the greatest team in NFL history, obliterating multiple records (including the single season scoring record Moss set in his rookie season and the most receiving touchdowns in a single season with 23) en route to the 2007 Super Bowl, where they were upset by the New York Giants in what would be the closest Moss would get to receiving a Super Bowl ring. He finished out his stay with strong numbers in New England before rejoining the Vikings in 2010, and later the Tennessee Titans in the same calendar year. Randy Moss originally announced his retirement from the NFL in 2011, however, he unretired the next year and joined a San Francisco 49ers team that made it to the Super Bowl on the back of Colin Kaepernick. However, they lost 34-31 to Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens. Moss retired as a 6-time Pro Bowler and 4-time first-team All-Pro, eventually making his way to the Hall of Fame. Randy Moss’ athleticism and personality made him a standout at the position and arguably the first modern wide receiver who many who currently reside in the league take after.

#85 - Antonio Gates (Honorable Mentions: Jack Youngblood and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson)

While the Chargers always faltered in the playoffs during their stay in San Diego (and so far in Los Angeles), at least they bore witness to the legendary Antonio Gates. The 2025 Hall of Fame inductee was an undrafted free agent for the San Diego Chargers, and he made great strides in 2003 as he rose from the third-string tight end to the starter throughout the Chargers’ miserable 2003 campaign. With the emergence of future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees under center, Gates saw his targets increase as he became a favorite of the QB, tying the record for the most receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season with 12. He was a consistent offensive threat in the Chargers front line, however, the departure of Drew Brees in 2006 led him to see a drop in numbers. Replacing Brees was an underrated player under center in Phillip Rivers, and his emergence as a top QB in the AFC helped the Chargers reach the postseason. However, injuries to Gates, Rivers, and running back LaDainian Tomlinson would see the team fall to the (at the time) undefeated New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. It was this injury that would give Gates chronic foot problems throughout the rest of his career, however, he would still play at an elite level during his stint in the NFL. The duo of Gates and Rivers would be a constant in the AFC until controversy in 2015 when Gates tested positive for PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs), and was suspended. His production was even more limited in the years following the emergence of rookie tight end Hunter Henry. In 2017, he would make his legendary mark on the NFL when he caught his 112th touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins, the most all-time among tight ends in league history. He retired in 2020 and is making his way to Canton this year. Antonio Gates is arguably the greatest tight end in the history of the game, and his accomplishments at the position have made him our top pick for the greatest #85 in sports history.

#86 - Hines Ward (Honorable Mentions: Nikita Kucherov and Zach Ertz)

One of the most underrated players in NFL history, Hines Ward was taken in the 2nd round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he saw limited production in his rookie year, he stepped into a larger role in year two after the Steelers’ top receiver Charles Johnson left for Philadelphia. Ward became a consistent threat to Pittsburgh’s offensive attack, making his first Pro Bowl in 2001. Things turned around for him in 2004, when an injury to Steelers quarterback Ken Whisenhunt allowed rookie backup Ben Roethlisberger to take over the starting role. Working with the standout play of Rothlisberger and a dominant defense led by Troy Polamalu, the Steelers advanced to the AFC Championship game. The next year would be an extraordinary one, as Ward would become the all-time leading receiver in Steelers history in a year that saw them advance to the Super Bowl. In the big game, Ward had 5 receptions for 123 yards and recorded a touchdown, earning him the game’s MVP as the Steelers beat the Seahawks. After a down year, the arrival of head coach Mike Tomlin produced another Super Bowl run as the Steelers won a hotly contested game against the Arizona Cardinals. Ward remained with the Steelers until 2011, tallying another Super Bowl run, although this one didn’t yield a Lombardi as they fell to the Green Bay Packers. His number 86 hasn’t been retired yet, but the team has made it clear that no other player will be wearing the number in the future, and Ward’s legacy as a strong wide receiver has made him our choice for #86.

#87 - Sidney Crosby (Honorable Mentions: Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski)

Arguably, the greatest player still residing in the NHL, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 Entry Draft. “Sid the Kid” registered his first NHL goal in the team’s home opener of that season. He played with team legend Mario Lemieux briefly before an irregular heartbeat forced the veteran to retire. He would begin his rivalry with Washington Capitals standout Alex Ovechkin as the two would emerge as dominant rookies in the league. After recording his first playoff goal in 2006, 2007 would see Sid become the youngest team captain in NHL history. The year would also see him sweep the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and the Lester B. Pearson Award. He would be the second youngest behind Gretzky to win the Hart, and the youngest ever selected to the NHL All-Star Game. An injury to Crosby during the 2008 season would lead to the rise of Crosby’s teammate Evgeny Malkin, who finished 2nd to Alex Ovechkin and above Sidney Crosby for the majority of the league’s top awards in the season. Malkin, star goaltender Marc Andre-Fleury, and recent acquisition from the dying Atlanta Thrashers, Marian Hossa, led the charge for the Penguins to make the Stanley Cup Finals, however, they were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings. Filled with vengeance, the team made a second run to the finals in 2009, rematching against the Red Wings, who recently acquired Marian Hossa. This time, the Penguins came out on top in 7 games, though Crosby was sidelined with a knee injury for the final minutes of game 7. After an early exit from the 2010 playoffs, Crosby and the Penguins were plagued by several key injuries, which would sideline them from any meaningful playoff runs in the years following. Crosby got healthy again for the 2014 playoffs, where the team fell to the eventual Eastern Conference Champion New York Rangers, and they lost against their New York rivals the following year as well. Under new head coach Mike Sullivan in 2016, the Penguins looked to make a big splash in the league, acquiring talented winger Phil Kessel from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and leading the roster to the Stanley Cup Finals. Matched up against the San Jose Sharks chasing the franchise’s first ever cup, the Penguins dispatched the Sharks in 6 games to give Sid his second cup. They looked to repeat the following year, and following a tough 7 game series versus the rival Alex Ovechkin led Washington Capitals, the Penguins nearly fell to a “cinderella story” Ottawa Senators squad, as a game 7 overtime winner from Chris Kunitz sent them to the finals, where they quieted another “cinderella story” with the 8-seeded Nashville Predators making their maiden finals appearance. The team became the first back-to-back champions since the 1997 and 1998 Detroit Red Wings, and Crosby became the first back-to-back Conn Smythe Trophy winner since former teammate Mario Lemieux. They nearly made a “three-peat” the following season, however, it was an overtime winner from Evgeny Kushnesov of the eventual champion Washington Capitals that put a stop to them. The following years, though still productive from Crosby, were well remembered for the team's constant early playoff exits as the Penguins seemed to be a “regular season team” who couldn’t perform in the postseason. As the team around him has departed for greener pastures, Crosby has remained with the Penguins, registering his 600th goal in 2024. The 10-time All-Star, 2-time Art Ross, Hart Memorial, Mark Messier, Maurice Richard, and Conn Smythe trophy winner, and 3-time Ted Lindsay Award winner and Stanley Cup Champion is this generation’s “Great One”, and his honor as the greatest #87 of all time was out of the question.

#88 - Patrick Kane (Honorable Mentions: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Gonzalez)

From a modern Canadian legend to the greatest American player of all time. Patrick Kane was a dominant prospect who drew the eyes of many teams seeking to sign the young phenom. In the end, he would be selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He would easily run away with the league’s Rookie of the Year Award over teammate Jonathan Toews and Washington Capitals standout Nicklas Backstrom. The following year, the dynamic duo of Toews and Kane would rejuvenate the Blackhawks with a strong playoff run into the 2009 Western Conference Finals, where they would fall to the eventual cup runners-up, the Detroit Red Wings. The team would return with another strong campaign the following year, as new standouts Duncan Keith and Marian Hossa contributed to a run to the Stanley Cup Finals. In a hard-fought series against the Philadelphia Flyers, Kane would score the series-winning goal in overtime of game 6 on a shot that initially not even the commentators thought went into the net, becoming the youngest player to ever score an overtime goal in the Stanley Cup Finals. The following year would see Kane become the third youngest player in league history to hit the 100 goal mark, however the team would see a first round exit in 7 games via a miracle win from the Vancouver Canucks. Following a wrist surgery in the offseason, his performance would drop off as the Hawks were eliminated from the playoffs by the Arizona Coyotes. After playing overseas during the lockout-shortened 2013 season, Kane returned to the team to help lead the Hawks to the Western Conference Finals, scoring the series-clinching goal in double overtime against the Los Angeles Kings. The Blackhawks would rout the Boston Bruins in that year’s finals to clinch another Cup victory, with Kane taking home the Conn Smythe Award. 2014 saw Kane suffer a leg injury that hindered his play during the season, however he returned to the team for the playoffs as the Blackhawks dispatched the Minnesota Wild, but then fell to the Los Angeles Kings after a game 7 overtime winner from Alex Martinez (who would score the Stanley Cup winning overtime goal for the Kings a week later). 2015 was initially going to be deja vu as Kane had another bad injury that sidelined him for 12 weeks; however, down 3-2 in the Western Conference Finals against the Anaheim Ducks, Kane was moved back into the first line alongside Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad. The change revitalized the team, as they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in 6 games. Attempting to repeat their success, the team unfortunately fell in 7 games to the St. Louis Blues, however, a promising new young core was on the rise. The team won the 1st seed in the Western Conference the following year, however, they were infamously swept by the 8th-seeded Nashville Predators. The loss triggered a tailspin for the team, and while Kane’s play remained at a high level within the league, the team suffered. In 2023, as the Blackhawks sought a rebuild, Kane was sent to the New York Rangers. He had a decent year with the Rangers, however, a hip injury and overall inconsistency prompted the team to send him to the Detroit Red Wings. He has been a staple for the Red Wings for the past two seasons and has earned great praise from management for his contributions to the team. Patrick Kane is regarded as arguably the greatest American hockey player of all time, and his ridiculous shot accuracy and contribution to 3 Stanley Cup-winning teams have made him a Chicago legend, and easily befitting of the greatest #88 in sports history.

#89 - Mike Ditka (Honorable Mentions: Steve Smith and Pavel Buchnevich)

Before he was a coach, he was a player. Mike Ditka was taken 5th overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1961 NFL Draft. He revolutionized the tight end position in his rookie season, taking home Rookie of the Year. He was a key piece of a Chicago Bears team that took home the 1963 NFL Championship, and he was a Pro Bowler in all 5 of his seasons in Chicago. He would be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967, where he played until 1969, when he made his way to Dallas. While he was mainly a backup in Dallas, he was still a key contributor to a Cowboys team that took home the Lombardi in Super Bowl VI over the Miami Dolphins. Mike Ditka retired in 1973 and holds the distinction of being the first tight end inducted into the Hall of Fame. After his retirement, Ditka was hired by the Cowboys as a head coach, where the team made the playoffs 8 times in his tenure, winning 3 NFC Championships and Super Bowl XII. After his stay in Dallas, Ditka took the head coaching position in Chicago, where he helped revitalize the Chicago Bears and took them to victory in the 1985 Super Bowl. After an unsuccessful year in New Orleans, Ditka retired from coaching in 2000, but his final coaching tenure failed to blemish his legendary resume. Whether it was as a coach or a player, Ditka remains a legendary figure for both the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, and easily the most recognizable #89 of all time.