Who Wore It Best? Part 8

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By Noonefromtampa

Welcome to part 8 of my offseason column series that reflects back on the history of the Redskins franchise by looking at former and current players and the jersey numbers they wore.

This week, I’ll cover jerseys numbered from 70 to 79, which by modern jersey assignment numbering means offensive and defensive lineman.

Jersey #70

A couple of players have worn jersey #70 recently, journeyman lineman D’Anthony Batiste and Kipp Vickers. However, the player who wore it best was Hall of Fame linebacker Sam Huff. He was traded from the Giants to the Redskins in 1964 and in 1965 the perennially bad Redskins defense improved to 2nd in the league. While his greatest years were with the Giants, he was the soul of the late 60’s Redskins defenses. He retired but came back to play and coach for Vince Lombardi. Post-career, he was the Redskins’ longtime radio color analyst. He was named both to the 70 Greatest Redskins and Redskins Ring of Fame.

Jersey #71

The #71 will come down to two obvious players, but a few others also claimed it. Defensive end Karl Lorch wore it during the late 70’s while offensive linemen Todd Wade and Mike Williams wore it in the mid to late 2000’s. The two best players who wore #71 were Trent Williams and Charles Mann. While Williams was an outstanding left tackle, the one who wore it best goes to Mann. His accolades with the Redskins include:

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XXII, XXVI)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (1987–1989, 1991)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1991)
  • 70 Greatest Redskins
  • Washington Redskins Ring of Fame

Jersey #72

At #72, there are journey defensive linemen like N.D. Kalu, Anthony Lanier, Al Noga, and Carl Powell. Then there is defensive tackle Diron Talbert and defensive end Dexter Manley. Talbert played 10 years for the Redskins and was on the 1972 Super Bowl team. While Talbert made the list of 70 Greatest Redskins, the player who wore it best was Manley. His accolades include:

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XVII, XXII)
  • Pro Bowl (1986)
  • First-team All-Pro (1986)
  • 70 Greatest Redskins
  • Washington Redskins Ring of Fame

Jersey #73

#73 has been worn by forgettable players like Darryl Ashmore (OL), Ryan Boschetti (DT), Adam Gettis (G) and Frank Kearse (DE).  Paul Laaveg, also #73, he played guard for six years and was on the 1972 Super Bowl team. Currently, center Chase Roullier wears #73. The who wore it best award goes to Mark May, who played both guard and tackle for the Gibbs 1.0 era teams. His accolades include:

  • 2× Super Bowl champion (XVII, XXII)
  • Pro Bowl (1988)
  • 80 Greatest Redskins

Jersey #74

Number 74 has been a popular jersey over the years, from offensive linemen Brad Badger, Stephon Heyer, Tyler Polumbus, and Jim Snowden, plus defensive end Markus Koch. The player who wore it best was right tackle George Starke, an original member of the Hogs, who played on the 1982 Super Bowl team and was named as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.

Jersey #75

There is a long list of unmemorable players at #75. The names people will remember are Deacon Jones, who played for the “Over the Hill Gang” for one year, nose tackle Brandon Noble, and guard Chad Rinehart.  Brandon Scherff currently wears the number; however, Terry Hermeling is the player who wore it best. Hermeling played his entire 11-year career for the Redskins, including the 1972 Super Bowl team and was named 80 Greatest Redskins.

Jersey #76

A lot of players have worn #76 through the years, including offensive lineman Jon Jansen, Walter Rock, Ed Simmons, and Morgan Moses, plus defensive lineman Mat Mendenhall from 1982 Super Bowl team. The one who wore it best award goes to Ed Simmons, who was on two Super Bowl teams (XXII, XXVI) and is one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.

Jersey #77

There are four key players for #77, defensive linemen Bill Brundige and Darryl Grant, and offensive linemen Shawn Lauvao and Randy Thomas. Brundige was a key member of the 1972 Super Bowl team, playing alongside Diron Talbert. Thomas was a good free agent signing for the Redskins but the player who wore it best was Grant. He was a member of two of the Super Champion teams (XVII and XXII). Grant had his most memorable play in the 1982 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, where he intercepted a pass and returned it for a ten-yard touchdown.

Jersey #78

At #78 there are offensive lineman Kory Lichtensteiger and defensive linemen Tony McGee, Tim Johnson, Dean Hamel, and Bruce Smith. Smith played 4 year at the end of his career for the Redskins. Lichtensteiger had a decent career with the Redskins while Hamel and McGee were mainly role players. The player who wore it best goes to Tim Johnson, who was on the Super Bowl XXVI winning team and made the Pro Bowl in 1993.

Jersey #79

There are a number of players who wore #79, such Coy Bacon, Maurice Hurt, Ty Nsekhe, the “Dancing Bear” Ron McDole, and Jim Lachey. The choice comes down to McDole and Lachey. While McDole was a very good player on the Allen coached teams, Lachey was one the best left tackles in Redskins history. His accolades include:

  • Super Bowl champion (XXVI)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1990, 1991)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1989–1991)
  • 70 Greatest Redskins

Next week, we will review jersey numbers eighty through eighty-nine.