Can You Identify These Sports Legends If We Remove the Number From Their Jersey?

By: Jonnathan Chadwick
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can You Identify These Sports Legends If We Remove the Number From Their Jersey?
Image: Wiki Commons by Larry Maurer

About This Quiz

Numbers have been used to identify athletes since the beginning of professional sports. In sports like football and hockey, it would almost be impossible to identify an athlete without seeing their jersey number. The NFL actually has really strict numbering rules like requiring wide receivers to wear a number between 10 - 19 or 80 - 89. Quarterbacks can wear only 1 - 19, and every position has its own rules. 

NBA players can wear any number from 0 - 99, including 00, but the NCAA only allows single and double digits from 0 - 5 to be used. Since most NBA players went to college and they want to keep their college number in the NBA, it isn't common to see NBA players wear digits 6 - 9, but it is allowed.

The first number to ever be retired in all of sports happened in 1934, when the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs retired No. 6 for their All-Star Ace Bailey. 

The first MLB team to ever retire a number was the New York Yankees when they retired Lou Gehrig's No. 4 in 1939. Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson's No. 42 league-wide in 1997, and UCLA retired the number 42 for all school sports to honor Robinson, who played four sports at the school.

The NHL retired Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 league-wide in 2000, and the No. 23 is synonymous with one man and one man only.


The sports world is dominated by numbers, and the numbers on the player's jersey might be the most important ones. Can you identify these sports legends if we remove the number from their jersey?


Michael Jordan
NBA
Who is this basketball legend who won six NBA championships, five MVPs and is considered the greatest of all time?
Michael Jordan
Larry Bird
Bill Russell
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Jordan was drafted third overall behind Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie in the 1984 NBA draft and ultimately went on to three-peat twice and became recognized as the greatest basketball player to ever play the game.

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Tom Brady
Wiki Commons by Jeffrey Beall
Do you know this quarterback who was drafted 199th overall and today has won the most Super Bowls of any quarterback in NFL history?
Peyton Manning
Brett Favre
John Elway
Tom Brady
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tom Brady lost two Super Bowls to the New York Giants and one to the Philadelphia Eagles, but won six over the course of his career and is still going strong. He was passed by every team in the 2000 NFL draft multiple times.

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Jim Brown
Wiki Commons by Topps
Can you name this running back who is the only NFL player to average more than 100 rushing yards per game for his entire career?
Emmitt Smith
Barry Sanders
Jim Brown
Bo Jackson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jim Brown played running back for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, so he technically never won a Super Bowl since the Super Bowl wasn't played until 1967, but he won an NFL Championship in 1964. He averaged 104.1 yards per game over nine seasons.

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Cristiano Ronaldo
Wiki Commons by Дмитрий Садовников
Who is this megastar footballer from Portugal who has more than 170 million Instagram followers?
David Beckham
Lionel Messi
Cristiano Ronaldo
Neymar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although soccer isn't considered a major sport in America, it is the world's most popular sport and Ronaldo is arguably the game's biggest star. He plays internationally for his home country of Portugal, and also plays for Italian Club Juventus.

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Larry Bird
Wiki Commons by Steve Lipofsky
Who is this country kid from Indiana who became a three-time NBA champion and one of the greatest forwards in the game?
Steve Nash
Toni Kukoc
Dirk Nowitzki
Larry Bird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Larry Legend broke all the stereotypical assumptions of what makes a great basketball player and became one of just three players to win the NBA MVP Award three times in a row. He also won three championships in his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics.

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Jerry Rice
NFL
This wide receiver holds the record for most career touchdowns with 208 and was voted one of the best players of all time.
Terrell Owens
Jerry Rice
Michael Irvin
Calvin Johnson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jerry Rice is regarded as the best wide receiver in NFL history and he was even voted the greatest player of all time by ESPN. He won three Super Bowls for the San Francisco 49ers over 20 NFL seasons and set numerous records while playing.

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Dan Marino
ABC News
Can you name this quarterback who led the league in pass completions for six seasons but never won a Super Bowl?
Dan Marino
Peyton Manning
Drew Brees
Steve Young
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even though he played 17 seasons in the NFL and set dozens of records, Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl. He lost to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers in the 1985 Super Bowl and was also the league leader in passing yards that season.

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Charles Barkley
NBA
Can you name this Alabama native and Auburn alum who never won a championship but is considered one of the NBA's greatest players?
Charles Barkley
Reggie Miller
Karl Malone
Patrick Ewing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Charles Barkley fell victim to Michael Jordan's greatness in the 1990s and was never able to win a championship, but he is considered one of the greatest basketball players to ever play. He stood just 6'4'' but played like he was 6'10'' and he's one of the world's most outspoken athletes.

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Alexander Ovechkin
Wiki Commons by Ivanmakarov
Who is this Russian native who won a Stanley Cup in 2018 and holds the record for most goals scored in overtime?
Mark Messier
Sidney Crosby
Alexander Ovechkin
Zdeno Chara
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alexander Ovechkin (aka Ovi) holds the record for most seasons leading the league in scoring with eight seasons. He won a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophy in 2018 when the Washington Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games.

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Mia Hamm
Wiki Commons by Johnmaxmena2
What women's soccer icon led the U.S. Women's National team to two Olympic gold medals and two FIFA World Cup championships?
Hope Solo
Alex Morgan
Amy Wambach
Mia Hamm
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Women's U.S. Soccer team has been far more successful than the men's team and Mia Hamm has been at the center of all the glory. She served as the face of the first professional women's soccer league in America, and played in four women's World Cups, including the first one ever.

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Magic Johnson
NBA
This NBA legend introduced "Showtime" to the NBA and led his team to five championships in the 1980s.
Kobe Bryant
Magic Johnson
Wilt Chamberlain
Michael Jordan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Magic Johnson is widely known for his abrupt and shocking retirement from the NBA in 1991, but he is equally known for being the face of the "Showtime Lakers." His stylishly fast pace of play led to five championships and a decade of domination.

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Emmitt Smith
NFL
Who is this three-time Super Bowl champion who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 11 seasons of his career?
Emmitt Smith
Walter Payton
Jim Brown
Barry Sanders
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Emmitt Smith was the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys during the team's height in the early 1990s and beyond. Along with Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin, he helped lead the team to three Super Bowl championships.

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Jerry West
NBA
Although his nickname is "Mr. Clutch," this player only won one of the nine NBA championships he played in.
John Stockton
Larry Bird
Jerry West
Steve Nash
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jerry West will live forever in the NBA because his silhouette serves as the league's logo. The Lakers great is one of the game's pioneers and is heavily involved in today's game in multiple capacities.

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Sidney Crosby
Wiki Commons by Michael Miller
What is the name of this former No. 1 overall draft pick who has won three Stanley Cup championships and back-to-back Conn Smythe trophies?
Mark Messier
Martin Brodeur
Patrick Roy
Sidney Crosby
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sid the Kid came into the NHL with so much hype he was dubbed "The Next One." He was drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins and has lived up to the hype, leading the team to three Stanley Cup victories.

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Babe Ruth
Wiki Commons by Frances P. Burke
Do you know this seven-time World Series champion who is arguably the most famous baseball player ever?
Ted William
Lou Gehrig
Derek Jeter
Babe Ruth
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Babe Ruth was a rare player who could bat and pitch equally well and is possibly the most famous baseball player of all time. He played 22 seasons in the MLB, and when he went from the Red Sox to the Yankees, he triggered the "Curse of the Bambino," which lasted for 86 years.

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Lindsey Vonn
NBC
In 2010 she became the first American woman to win Olympic gold at the women's downhill ski event. Who is she?
Lindsey Vonn
Janica Kostelic
Anja Parson
Deborah Compagnoni
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lindsey Vonn has amassed 82 World Cup victories, five World Championship medals, four World Cup titles and countless other awards over her storied career. She is the most accomplished and most popular American skier.

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Cal Ripken Jr.
Wiki Commons by Baltimore Orioles / MLB
Can you name this baseball legend who played 21 seasons in the MLB and holds the record for most consecutive games played?
Alex Rodriguez
Cal Ripken Jr.
Nomar Garciaparra
Honus Wagner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cal Ripken's streak of 2,632 consecutive games played over 21 MLB seasons is considered one of the most unbreakable records in all of sports and earned him the nickname "Iron Man." He played shortstop and third base and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Shaq
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
This 7'1'' giant has four rap albums to his name, numerous acting credits and is one of the most dominant basketball players the NBA has ever seen.
Charles Barkley
Wilt Chamberlain
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Shaq
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Shaquille O'Neal is well known for being an unstoppable force in the NBA for years and won three championships for the Los Angeles Lakers with Kobe Bryant and one for the Miami Heat with Dwyane Wade. He's also an actor and rapper.

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Derek Jeter
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
He's one of the few MLB legends to emerge from the steroid era untarnished and is considered one of the game's greatest.
Ichiro Suzuki
Manny Ramirez
Derek Jeter
Alex Rodriguez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Almost every MLB All-Star from the last generation was tainted by the steroid era, but Yankee captain Derek Jeter escaped unharmed. He was the rookie of the year in 1996 and ultimately won five World Series titles with the New York Yankees.

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Jaromir Jagr
Wiki Commons by Michael Wifall
Who is this Czech native who at age 18 was the youngest player in the NHL and at age 45 was the oldest player in the NHL.
Jaromir Jagr
Mario Lemieux
Marc Messier
Martin Brodeur
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jaomir Jagr played for nine NHL teams over the course of his career, served as captain for two of them, and is still playing hockey in the Czech professional league. He's the second-leading scorer in NHL history and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

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Florence Griffith Joyner
NBC
Nicknamed "Flo-Jo," her 1988 world records in the 100- and 200-meter sprints earned her the recognition of fastest woman in the world. Who is she?
Gail Devers
Allyson Felix
Sanya Richards-Ross
Florence Griffith Joyner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Florence Griffith Joyner won a silver medal in her Olympic debut and won three gold medals in the 1988 Olympics while running record-setting races. She started her career at Cal State University and retired shortly after the 1988 Olympics.

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Peyton Manning
Wiki Commons by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth
What archenemy of Tom Brady holds the career record for most passing touchdowns?
Eli Manning
Aaron Rodgers
Peyton Manning
Ben Roethlisberger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Peyton Manning played for the Indianapolis Colts and battled Tom Brady in postseason after postseason, ultimately besting him twice: once with the Colts and once with the Denver Broncos. He retired after his second Super Bowl win, but his younger brother, Eli, plays for the New York Giants.

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Alex Rodriguez
WikiCommons via Keith Allison
This former MLB All-Star is engaged to singer and actress Jennifer Lopez and holds the MLB career record for most grand slams.
Derek Jeter
Alex Rodriguez
Ken Griffey Jr.
Frank Thomas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alex Rodriguez originally played shortstop early in his career with the Texas Rangers, but when he signed with the New York Yankees, who already had a shortstop, Derek Jeter, he learned how to play third base and became known for it.

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Mario Lemieux
Wiki Commons by Tony McCune
Who is this NHL legend who played 17 seasons in Pittsburgh and is the only person to have his name on the Stanley Cup as a player and an owner?
Bobby Orr
Mario Lemieux
Zdeno Chara
Patrick Roy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like every great athlete named Mario, Mario Lemieux earned the nickname "Super Mario" during his 17 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and '92.

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Lisa Leslie
Wiki Commons by The White House
Do you know this women's basketball icon who joined the WNBA in its first season and is the first person to ever dunk in a WNBA game?
Candace Parker
Lisa Leslie
Brittney Griner
Maya Moore
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The WNBA attendance rate and popularity is just a fraction of the country's major sports, but the league has come a long way since it first started. Lisa Leslie is a pioneer of the game and was part of the league since the very beginning.

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John Stockton
Wiki Commons by United States Forest Service
Along with Karl Malone, this point guard joined Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing as 90s NBA legends who could never beat Michael Jordan to win a championship.
Steve Kerr
John Paxton
John Stockton
Bob Cousy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

John Stockton is arguably the best point guard to ever play. He holds the record for most career assists and steals but never won an NBA Championship. He played for 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz and teamed up with Karl Malone to create one of the league's greatest duos.

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Randy Johnson
Wiki Commons by SD Dirk
This 6'10'' pitcher nicknamed the "Big Unit" once exploded a pigeon with a fastball during a live baseball game.
Randy Johnson
Nolan Ryan
Greg Maddux
Cy Young
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Randy Johnson is one of just 23 people to have ever pitched a perfect game in MLB history. His left-handed power left batters stunned and he was one of the most dominant forces on the mound the league has ever seen.

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Barry Bonds
MLB
This controversial Bay Area slugger set the MLB home run record at the height of the steroid era.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Barry Bonds
Hank Aaron
Ted Williams
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Over the course of 22 MLB seasons, Barry Bonds amassed numerous records, and his most popular and controversial is the career home run record he holds with 762 home runs. He took the record from Hank Aaron, who held the record for 33 years.

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Mark Messier
NHL
What six-time Stanley Cup champion earned the nickname "The Messiah" after bringing a Stanley Cup to New York City for the first time in 54 years?
Mario Lemieux
Brad Marchand
Bobby Orr
Mark Messier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mark Messier is a 15-time NHL All-Star, six-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time NHL MVP and served as team captain on two different championship-winning teams. Simply put, he's considered one of the greatest players to take the ice.

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Jennie Finch
Wiki Commons by C5813
Who is this softball pitcher who won the Women's College World Series in 2001 and Olympic gold in 2004?
Lisa Fernandez
Cat Osterman
Jennie Finch
Lauren Chamberlain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jennie Finch rose to national fame when she won the 2001 Women's College World Series as a starting pitcher for the University of Arizona Wildcats. She pitched for the U.S. Women's Softball team at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.

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Deion Sanders
NFL
Can you name this two-sport professional athlete who won two Super Bowls and played in a World Series?
Bo Jackson
Deion Sanders
Darren Sharper
Ed Reed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There aren't many people who can play one sport professionally, let alone two, but Deion Sanders did it. He played 14 seasons in the NFL and nine seasons in the MLB and is the only person to play in a World Series and a Super Bowl game.

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Can You Identify These Legendary MLB Closers - hero
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
This expert closer won five World Series championships and was the first player to ever attain 100% of first ballot votes for Hall of Fame induction.
Pedro Martinez
Nolan Ryan
Mariano Rivera
Cy Young
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In 2016 Ken Griffey Jr. was elected to the Hall of Fame by receiving 99.3% of the vote, which was a record until Mariano Rivera was elected to the Hall in 2019 with 100% of the vote, which is a record that can't be broken.

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Bobby Orr
NHL
Do you know this two-time Stanley Cup Champion who is idolized in an iconic statue in Boston?
Patrick Roy
Bobby Orr
Martin Brodeur
Brett Hull
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bobby Orr played most of his 12 NHL seasons with the Boston Bruins and is arguably the best defenseman to ever skate. He's the only defensive player to have won the scoring title, and he holds the single-season record for most points and assists by a defenseman.

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Grete Waitz
Sports Runden
This Norwegian runner won 12 World Marathon Majors and was the first woman to ever run a marathon under two and a half hours. Who is she?
Grete Waitz
Paula Radcliffe
Rosa Mota
Uta Pippig
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Grete Waitz is a marathon running legend who won two London Marathons, silver at the 1984 Olympics, gold at the 1983 World Championships and a world-record nine New York City Marathons. She became the first woman to run a marathon under two and a half hours in 1979.

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David Robinson
NBA
What two-time NBA champion nicknamed "The Admiral" is one of only four NBA players in history to have ever recorded a quadruple-double?
Patrick Ewing
David Robinson
Tim Duncan
Charles Barkley
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oscar Robertson was the only player to average a triple-double for an entire NBA season for decades until Russell Westbrook did it thrice. Today a triple-double isn't an incredible feat, but a quadruple-double is. It's only happened four times in history.

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Lawrence Taylor
NFL
Do you know this two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker who played his entire career in New York City?
Bruce Smith
Lawrence Taylor
Ray Lewis
Dick Butkus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Legendary football coaches Bill Belichick and Bill Parcels both agree that Lawrence Taylor is the best defensive player the NFL has ever seen. He is famously known for breaking Joe Theismann's leg and ending his career during a tackle in 1985.

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Wayne Gretzky
Wiki Commons by Hakandahlstrom (Håkan Dahlström)
No NHL player is allowed to wear his number. Can you name this NHL legend nicknamed "The Great One"?
Mario Lemieux
Wayne Gretzky
Patrick Roy
Bobby Orr
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Wayne Gretzky won four Stanley Cup championships over 20 NHL seasons and is known around the world as the greatest hockey player of all time. His waiting period for induction to the Hall of Fame was waived and he was inducted as soon as he retired. His No. 99 is the only NHL number retired league-wide.

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Usain Bolt
Wiki Commons by Jmex60
Can you name this Jamaican sprinter who has eight Olympic gold medals and is considered the fastest man in the world?
Asafa Powell
Justin Gatlin
Usain Bolt
Michael Johnson
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Usain Bolt's competition number changes depending on the competition, and sometimes his bib simply reads "Bolt," but he is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world with or without his bib. He has eight Olympic gold medals and 23 gold medals overall.

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Ken Griffey Jr - Seattle Mariners
WikiCommons via Keith Allison
This 13-time MLB All-Star played one season with his father and was due for even more greatness until injury hampered his career.
Pedro Martinez
Manny Ramirez
Ichiro Suziki
Ken Griffey Jr.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Ken Griffey Jr. spent most of his 22 MLB seasons with the Seattle Mariners, and although he never won a World Series, he was a 13-time All-Star and led the American League in home runs four times. His daring play at center field led to career-hindering injuries.

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Gordie Howe
Wiki Commons by Ralston-Purina Company, makers of Chex cereals
Can you name this NHL legend who played a remarkable 26 seasons in the league and held a multitude of records until Wayne Gretzky came along and broke them?
Gordie Howe
Pat Burns
Maurice Richard
Patrick Roy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gordie Howe played so much hockey that his nickname is "Mr. Hockey." He played in 23 NHL All-Star games, won six MVP Awards, led the league in points six times, led the league in goals five times, and won four Stanley Cup championships.

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Wiki Commons by Larry Maurer