[Le bon numéro] #76: Orlando Pace, the ram is solid

A player is recognizable by his style of play, his personality, his physique… but also his number. Sign of a strong attachment, players often keep the same number (if possible) when they change teams, and it sometimes becomes a communication tool.

During 99 episodes, we will talk about the best players by number in the NFL. With each time a holder and a substitute.

In this 76th episode, the offensive line is still in the spotlight.

Titulaire : Orlando Pace (T, St Louis Rams 1997-2008, Chicago Bears 2009)

When we talk about the “Greatest Show on Turf”, the first names that appear are those of Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk or Isaac Bruce. However, there is a bulwark on the offensive line that deserves a huge mention, it’s Orlando Pace.

Number 1 in the 1997 draft after an excellent college career at Ohio State, he quickly became indispensable to the Rams, opening the gaps and protecting the league MVP for three consecutive seasons.

If he doesn’t have an incredibly long career, he has 4 All Pro selections, 7 Pro Bowls and a championship ring. Hall of Famer, he is one of the football figures of the 2000s and a solid holder for this article.

Remplaçant : Steve Wisniewski (G, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders 1989-2001)

For the Wisniewskis, football is a family affair. If nephew Stefen has won two rings, it is uncle Steve who has had the greatest individual career. Chosen in the second round in 1989 by the Los Angeles Raiders, Wisniewski became a permanent starter until 2001.

“Wiz” is a mainstay of the 90s, the kind of players who, in another position, would have become an acknowledged star. Eightfold Pro Bowler and All Pro, he is one of the leaders of a very consistent team that will always fail in the playoffs to reach the Super Bowl. He has always responded, however, playing 206 matches out of 208 possible in his career. He didn’t have the impact of Pace, but his place as a substitute makes sense for an excellent 90’s player.

Mentions : Steve McMichael (DL), Bob Brown (T), Steve Hutchinson (G), Duane Brown (T), Flozell Adams (OL/TE), Chad Clifton (T)

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