Many of the best defensive players in NFL history have sported the number 99 jersey, and we will take a look at five of the best in honor of it being 99 days until kickoff of the 2024 NFL season! As our official countdown here on FlurrySports, we will be releasing the best players to ever wear each jersey number daily. Follow along to keep track of how many days until the NFL season, and share who YOU think the best player to ever wear that jersey number is!
With 99 days until the 2024 NFL season, we give you the best NFL players to wear #99. Of course, an all-time great who wore this number recently retired, but the door has been left open for a comeback for a couple of players on this list. They have the ability to continue rising up the list! The official ranking of these players is based on the Approximate Value (AV) from Pro Football Reference.
Without further ado, here are the all-time best players to wear #99 in NFL history.
Best Players to Wear 99 in NFL History
1) Aaron Donald, DT (2014-23)
NFL Draft: 2014, Round 1, Pick 13 to the St. Louis Rams
In the past season, Aaron Donald officially became the best player to wear #99 in NFL history, according to Pro Football Reference. Afterward, he retired from the NFL. Still, the Los Angeles Rams have said they will keep his locker open, so there is a chance he returns to beef up his pro resume a bit more.
10x Pro Bowl | 8x All-Pro
3x Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
Super Bowl Champion (LVI)
111 Sacks, 24 Forced Fumbles, 176 Tackles For Loss
2) Jason Taylor, DE (1997-2011)
NFL Draft: 1997, Round 3, Pick 73 to the Miami Dolphins
Hall of Fame
6x Pro Bowl | 3x All-Pro
Defensive Player of the Year (2006)
139.5 Career Sacks, 46 Forced Fumbles, 151 Tackles For Loss
NFL Record for most career fumble return touchdowns (6).
3) Warren Sapp, DT (1995-2007)
NFL Draft: 1995, Round 1, Pick 12 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hall of Fame
7x Pro Bowl | 4x All-Pro
Defensive Player of the Year (1999)
Super Bowl Champion (XXVII)
96.5 Sacks, 19 Forced Fumbles, 91 Tackles for Loss
4) J.J. Watt, DE (2011-22)
NFL Draft: 2011, Round 1, Pick 11 to the Houston Texans
5x Pro Bowl | 5x All-Pro
Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015)
114.5 Sacks, 27 Forced Fumbles, 195 Tackles For Loss, 6 Total TDs
NFL Records for most seasons with 20+ sacks (2) and most seasons leading the league in sacks (2).
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5) Dan Hampton, DL (1979-90)
NFL Draft: 1979, Round 1, Pick 4 to the Chicago Bears
Hall of Fame
4x Pro Bowl | 1x All-Pro
Super Bowl Champion (XX)
82 Sacks
