All-time greatest professional athletes to wear number 19

All-time greatest professional athletes to wear number 19

The number 19 has been worn throughout the careers of many great players. Tony Gwynn, Robin Yount, Johnny Unitas and Lance Alworth for starters.

Players love their numbers. Some will pay to keep them when they land on a different team. Hard to understand the attachment but when you wear the same digits throughout your career, they must become a security blanket of sorts. While spinning the wheel of numbers players wear, this stop will be on 19. Time to look at 19 players who starred or thrived in their pro careers wearing the number that tops out the teens.

19. Jean Ratelle

A banner honoring Jean Ratelle is raised to the rafters during a banner raising ceremony for the former Ranger star.

18. Steve Yzerman

Steve Yzerman #19 of the Detroit Red Wings talking to NHL ref Kevin Collins.

17. Bryan Trottier

The New York Islanders honored former player Bryan Trottier prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

16. Larry Robinson

Larry Robinson greets the players of the Ottawa Senators during his jersey retirement ceremony.

15. Joe Sakic

Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck.

14. Robin Yount

1974: As a teenage rookie, Robin Yount wears a Brewers uniform for the first time during spring training in 1974.

13. Tony Gwynn

Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres.

12. Bob Feller

Former Indian and Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller throws the ball around.

11. Dave Righetti

Dave Righetti #19 of the New York Yankees.

10. Willis Reed

The banner for former New York Knicks center Willis Reed is lit up prior to the game against against the Houston Rockets.

9. Lenny Wilkens

Lenny Wilkens, head coach for the Atlanta Hawks looks on from the sidelines.

8. Don Nelson

Boston Celtics forward Don Nelson

7. Bernie Kosar

Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar in action against the Denver Broncos at Cleveland Stadium.

6. Keyshawn Johnson

New York Jets receiver Keyshawn Johnson signals from the end zone.

5. Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) chats with wide receiver Adam Thielen (19).

4. Joe Montana

Joe Montana of the Kansas City Chiefs.

3. Amari Cooper

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper in action.

2. Lance Alworth

San Diego Chargers receiver Lance Alworth during the 1969 season.

1. Johnny Unitas

Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas throws a pass against the Detroit Lions at Tiger Stadium.

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: 19 stars who wore the number 19 proudly

Category: General Sports