We've Got Your Number: From Peyton Manning to Eddie George to Penny Hardaway, the top jerseys in Tennessee history

ABOUT THE PROJECT 

Peyton Manning's No. 16 uniform is forever engrained in the history of sports in our state. The same could be said for Penny Hardaway's No. 25 at Memphis State and Eddie George's No. 27 with the Titans. 

The USA TODAY-Network Tennessee sports staff spent many months pondering and debating which of the state's thousands of college and professional athletes should own each uniform number, from 00 to 99. 

There were many arguments. Lady Vols great Tamika Catchings or Memphis State legend Keith Lee for No. 24? Vanderbilt's Will Perdue, Tennessee's Daedra Charles or Memphis' Stephen Gostkowski for No. 32? Has Marcus Mariota proven himself at No. 8, or does it still belong to Tennessee quarterback Andy Kelly?

The rules were simple: The chosen athlete must have made a mark on the college or pro playing fields in Tennessee. So, while great players such as Tim McCarver, Corey Brewer and Michael Oher had tremendous high school careers, their jerseys (No. 15, 2 and 72) became more famous when they played college or professional sports outside of the state. 

Some of the names on our list are household names. Others are more obscure because there were not a lot of viable candidates. 

Our list will certainly create further debate. And, simply, that's its purpose. Enjoy. Perhaps the list will be a family conversation starter after the Thanksgiving turkey is consumed. 

THE NUMBERS

00 – Skeeter Barnes, Sounds (1979, 88-90): The Sounds’ career leader in hits (528), doubles (95) and games played (535). Played for the Sounds when they were the Cincinnati Reds’ Class AA affiliate (1979) and Class AAA affiliate (’88-90).  

More:Peyton Manning, Eddie George help Tennessee all-time jersey list hold up vs any other state

1 – Jason Witten, Tennessee (2000-02): The tight end caught 68 passes for 797 yards in three seasons with Vols. He was All-SEC in 2002 when he set single-season Vols records for catches and yards for a tight end. Now in 15th season with the Dallas Cowboys. 

2 – Rob Bironas, Titans (2005-13): Kicker who scored 1,032 points in his career, converting 239 of 279 field goals and 315 of 317 extra points. Kicked an NFL-record eight field goals against Houston in 2007. 

3 – Candace Parker, Tennessee (2005-08): Parker was national player of the year in 2007 and 2008 when she led Tennessee to NCAA titles. She is a two-time WNBA MVP in 10 seasons in the league and has two Olympic gold medals.

4 – Ryan Succop, Titans (2014-17): In four seasons in Nashville, Succop has already kicked several game-winning field goals and set the NFL record for the most consecutive field goals made inside 50 yards. 

5 – Chris Lofton, Tennessee (2004-08): Lofton was SEC player of the year during the 2006-07 season and a three-time All-American. He is the SEC’s career 3-point leader with 431.

6 – Shea Weber, Predators (2006-16): The former captain and five-time All-Star was a three-time Norris Trophy finalist as the NHL’s best defenseman. He has won two Olympic gold medals with Canada.

More:UT Vols' Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Doug Atkins are equals on state's all-time jersey list

7 – Condredge Holloway, Tennessee (1972-74): The first black quarterback in SEC history and first black baseball player in UT history, he starred in both sports before 13 seasons in the CFL.

8 – Andy Kelly, Tennessee (1989-91): Kelly left Tennessee with career records for passing yards (6,397), completions (514) and touchdowns (36). He became one of the greatest Arena Football League players of all time (1993-2007). 

9 – Steve McNair, Oilers/Titans (1997-2005): The 2003 NFL co-MVP and three-time Pro Bowler led the Titans to four playoff berths and Super Bowl XXXIV and is second in franchise history with 27,141 passing yards.

10 – Vince Young, Titans (2006-10): The 2006 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler led the Titans to a 30-17 record over five seasons.

11 – Nera White, Nashville Business College (1955-69): White was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999. She led Nashville Business College to 10 AAU national titles, including eight consecutively.

12 – Bill Wade, Vanderbilt (1948-51): Wade was the 1951 SEC Player of the Year as Vanderbilt’s quarterback. He was the No. 1 draft pick in 1952, played 13 NFL seasons and led the Bears to the 1963 title.

13 – Bubba Wells, Austin Peay (1994-97): Austin Peay’s all-time leading scorer with 2,267 points was OVC Player of Year in 1997 and was a three-time All-OVC selection.

14 – David Price, Vanderbilt (2005-07): Price was NCAA Player of the Year at Vanderbilt in 2007. He was the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft and won the American League Cy Young Award in 2012. 

15 – Carl Pickens, Tennessee (1989-91): He was an All-SEC selection and Freshman All-American as a safety before being moved to receiver. He led the Vols in receptions and yards in 1990 and 1991 and was an All-American in 1991. He played nine NFL seasons.

16 – Peyton Manning, Tennessee (1994-97): Manning was a Heisman runner-up in 1997 who leads Tennessee in career passing yards (11,201) and touchdowns (89). Won two Super Bowls in 17-year NFL career. 

17 – Joe Adams, Tennessee State (1977-80): TSU’s all-time leader in touchdown passes (75) and second in career passing yards (8,653). He also owns the school record for touchdown passes in a season (30 in 1980). 

18 – Don Mattingly, Sounds (1981): Played just one season in Nashville, but batted .316 with seven home runs, a team-high 35 doubles and 98 RBIs in 141 games. One of only two Sounds to have his uniform retired. 

19 –  Jeff Francis, Tennessee (1985-88): A three-year starter at quarterback for the Vols, Francis threw for 5,867 career yards and 31 touchdowns. He finished his career in 1988 as the Vols' all-time career passing yardage leader.

20 – DeAngelo Williams, Memphis (2002-05): Williams is the No. 4 rusher in NCAA Division I history with 6,026 yards. He is also the Tigers’ career leader in rushes (969) and rushing touchdowns (55). He has had a 10-year NFL career.

More:Tennessee all-time jersey list has some wrong numbers that overlook Memphis athletes

21 – Larry Finch, Memphis (1969-73): The first significant black athlete from Memphis to be allowed to sign with Memphis State. In 1973, he led the Tigers to the NCAA championship game. Finished his career as the program's all-time leading scorer. 

22 – Ernie Grunfeld, Tennessee (1973-77): The two-time All-American was part of “Ernie and Bernie Show” with Bernard King and is second in career points with 2,249. He went No. 11 overall to Milwaukee in 1977 and played nine NBA seasons.

23 – Chamique Holdsclaw, Tennessee (1995-99): The four-time All-American won three national titles at Tennessee and has the school record with 3,025 points. The No. 1 overall pick in 1999, she played 11 seasons in the WNBA, averaging 16.9 points.

24 – Keith Lee, Memphis (1981-85): Lee is the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer (2,408 points), rebounder (1,366) and shot blocker (320). He helped lead the Tigers to the 1985 Final Four. Four-time AP All-American was No. 11 pick in 1985 NBA draft.

25 – Penny Hardaway, Memphis (1991-93): Hardaway averaged 20.0 points and 5.9 assists in two seasons with the Tigers before starting a 14-year NBA career. He averaged 15.2 points in 704 career NBA games, mostly with the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns. 

26 – Don Griffin, MTSU (1982-85): Griffin was the OVC Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American in 1985 before playing 11 years in the NFL with San Francisco, Cleveland and Philadelphia. 

27 – Eddie George, Oilers/Titans (1997-2003): The four-time Pro Bowler rushed for 10,009 yards and 64 touchdowns, starting every game in his eight seasons with the franchise. He was first-team All-Pro in 2000.

28 – Chris Johnson, Titans (2008-13): Three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 2,006 rushing yards in 2009, when he was named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

29 – Tomas Vokoun, Predators (1998-2007): Vokoun won 161 games for Predators after being selected in the 1998 expansion draft. He made the 2004 NHL All-Star Game.

30 – Bridgette Gordon, Tennessee (1985-89): The two-time All-American led Tennessee to its first two national titles (1987, 1989), and is second in program history with 2,462 points. She also won a 1988 gold medal. 

31 – Jamal Lewis, Tennessee (1997-99): Lewis is fifth in Tennessee history with 2,677 rushing yards despite battling injuries, then ran for 10,607 yards in nine NFL seasons and won a Super Bowl with Baltimore.

32 – Daedra Charles, Tennessee (1988-91): Charles won the Wade Trophy for national player of the year and an NCAA championship in 1991. She won a bronze medal in 1992 in Barcelona.

33 – Marc Gasol, Memphis (2008-present): In his 10th season with the Grizzlies, the three-time All-Star ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in scoring and rebounding. He averaged a career-high 19.5 points last season.

34 – Chris Gaines, Vanderbilt (1984-87): Gaines was an All-America linebacker in 1987 with an SEC single-season record 214 tackles, including a school-record 37 in one game. 

35 – Pekka Rinne, Predators (2005-present): Three-time Vezina Trophy finalist (best goalie), holds team goalie records in wins, games played and shutouts.

36 – Ed Molinski, Tennessee (1938-40): The two-time All-America lineman led a 1939 defense that did not give up a point during the regular season, and UT was 31-2 in his three seasons with 26 shutouts.

37 – Peerless Price, Tennessee (1996-98): Had four catches for 199 yards and a TD in the Fiesta Bowl to help UT win the 1998 national title. He’s third in UT career receiving yards (2,298) and fourth in receptions (147) and receiving TDs (19). 

38 – Viktor Arvidsson, Predators (2014-present): Arvidsson scored 31 regular-season goals and had 13 points in 22 playoff games in 2017 during the Predators’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. He changed to No. 33 before the 2017-18 season.

39 – Larry Csonka, Memphis Southmen (1975): Csonka, an NFL Hall of Famer, played in the second and final year of the Southmen’s existence in the World Football League. He had 99 carries for 421 yards and a touchdown.

40 – Wendy Scholtens, Vanderbilt (1987-91): She is second all-time in scoring at Vanderbilt with 2,602 points and first in rebounds (1,272). She was an All-American in 1990 and a three-time All-SEC selection.

41 – Lorenzo Neal, Titans (1999-2000): Before going on to appear in four Pro Bowls, the fullback blocked for Eddie George and helped the Titans reach Super Bowl XXXIV.

42 – Jamie Winborn, Vanderbilt (1998-2000): The linebacker was the SEC’s top tackler for two years and was a 1999 All-American. He finished with 377 career tackles.

43 – Clyde Lee, Vanderbilt (1963-66): Considered Vanderbilt’s best all-time player, Lee was a two-time All-American and SEC Player of the Year. He played 10 years in the NBA.

44 – Philip Hutcheson, Lipscomb (1986-90): Hutcheson was a four-time NAIA All-American and the 1990 player of the year. He became college basketball’s all-time leading scorer (4,106 points) and now is second behind ex-teammate John Pierce.

45 – Johnny Majors, Tennessee (1954-56): Majors finished second in the 1956 Heisman Trophy voting when he was an All-America tailback. Majors was the Vols’ coach from 1977-92, winning 116 games and three SEC championships.

46 – Chuck Scott, Vanderbilt (1981-84): The All-American in 1983 tied an NCAA single-season record for catches by a tight end with 70. He’s tied for third in school history with 20 TD catches.

47 – Dustin Colquitt, Tennessee (2001-04): Colquitt is fifth all-time in punting at Tennessee with a career average of 42.566. He was All-SEC in 2003. He is in his 13th season in the NFL, all with Kansas City.

48 – Beattie Feathers, Tennessee (1931-33): The SEC MVP and an All-American in 1933, Feathers was the first NFL player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season in 1934 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. 

49 – Rudy Klarer, Tennessee (1941-42): Was a reserve guard in 1941 and starter in 1942. Was one of four Vols who died during World War II and had their jerseys retired in 1946. 

50 – Zach Randolph, Grizzlies (2009-17): Randolph played eight seasons, averaging 16.8 points and 10.2 rebounds in leading the Grizzlies to seven consecutive playoff appearances. 

51 – Reggie McKenzie, Tennessee (1981-84): McKenzie was a linebacker for the Vols before playing five NFL seasons. He has been general manager of the Oakland Raiders since 2012.

52 – Jackie Walker, Tennessee (1969-71): An All-America linebacker as a junior and senior, Walker had 11 career interceptions, returning five for touchdowns, and led a defense that had 36 in 1970.

53 – Bernard King, Tennessee (1974-77): The Vols’ only men’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member was a first-team All-American all three seasons at UT. He was a four-time NBA All-Star in 14 seasons.

54 – Joe Behling, Belmont (1986-90): Behling is Belmont’s career leading scorer (2,823 points) and single-season leader (1,071). He a was three-time NAIA All-American and the 1989 NAIA player of the year. 

55 – Sheri Sam, Vanderbilt (1992-96): Sam was an All-American in 1996 and a two-time All-SEC selection. She played on two SEC Tournament championship teams and the 1993 Final Four team.

56 – Robert Shaw, Tennessee (1975-78): A two-time All-SEC selection at center. As a senior, he served as a team captain and earned the Mickey O'Brien Award before going on to become the first-round draft selection of the Dallas Cowboys in 1979. 

57 – Steve Kiner, Tennessee (1967-69): A 1999 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Kiner was a two-time All-America linebacker and SEC defensive player of the year as a senior.

58 – Todd Kelly, Tennessee (1989-92): Kelly was an All-America defensive end in 1992 who is fifth all-time in UT history with 22.5 sacks. He was selected in the first round of the 1993 draft by San Francisco.

59 – Roman Josi, Predators (2011-present): Holds the single-season team record for points by defenseman (61) and was a 2016 NHL All-Star. He was named the Predators captain before the 2017-18 season.

60 – Bill Pearman, Tennessee (1947, 1949-51): One of four All-Americans from UT’s 1951 national title team, the tackle led a defense that gave up 116 total points.

61 – Willis Tucker, Tennessee (1939-40): Also a UT sprinter, the center was one of four Vols football players who died fighting in World War II.

62 – Clyde Fuson, Tennessee (1942): Was a fullback one season for the Vols. Was one of four Vols who died during World War II and had their jerseys retired in 1946. 

63 – Bob Dobelstein, Tennessee (1942-45): The 1944 All-America lineman was a two-time All-SEC selection and team captain as a junior. He went on to play four seasons in the NFL.

64 – Jack Reynolds, Tennessee (1967-69): An All-America linebacker and All-SEC pick as a senior at Tennessee, Reynolds played 15 seasons in the NFL, making two Pro Bowls.

65 – Steve DeLong, Tennessee (1962-64): The two-time All-American won the 1964 Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman and was eighth in Heisman voting. He played eight NFL seasons.

66 – Prince Fielder, Sounds (2005): In 103 games, batted .291 with 28 home runs and 86 RBIs with the Milwaukee Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate. He was a six-time All-Star in 12 major-league seasons, batting .283 with 319 home runs.

67 – Chad Clifton, Tennessee (1996-99): The lineman was a national champion as a junior at Tennessee and a two-time All-SEC selection before winning a Super Bowl in 12 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

68 – Frank Omiyale, Tennessee Tech (2001-04): The offensive lineman was a two-time All-OVC selection at Tennessee Tech, not allowing a sack in 2004. He played six NFL seasons. 

69 – Will Wolford, Vanderbilt (1982-85): Wolford was a 1985 All-SEC lineman at Vanderbilt. He played 13 seasons in the NFL and made three Pro Bowls.

70 – Trey Teague, Tennessee (1994-97): Teague was Peyton Manning’s center and an All-SEC pick as a senior, then won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in his seven-season NFL career.

71 – Michael Roos, Titans (2005-14): The 2008 All-Pro lineman started 148 games over his 10-year career and blocked for running back Chris Johnson during his 2,000-yard season in 2009.

72 – Brad Hopkins, Oilers/Titans (1997-2005): Spent 13 seasons with the franchise, including nine in Tennessee. The offensive lineman was a first-round draft pick who started 188 games. He was a two-time Pro Bowler (2000, 2003) and All Pro in 2000. 

73 – Will Ofenheusle, Tennessee (1999-2002): The offensive tackle played every game of his Tennessee career. He was an All-SEC selection in 2002. 

74 – Bruce Matthews, Oilers/Titans (1997-2001): Matthews was a nine-time All-Pro offensive lineman and was named to 14 Pro Bowls over his 19-year career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. 

75 – Claude Humphrey, Tennessee State (1964-67): Humphrey is fifth at TSU with 39 career sacks and was a two-time All-America lineman. He spent 13 seasons in the NFL and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

76 – Harry Galbreath, Tennessee (1984-87): An All-America lineman as a senior and winner of the SEC’s Jacob Blocking Trophy, Galbreath went on to play nine NFL seasons.

77 – Dennis Harrison, Vanderbilt (1974-77): Harrison was an All-SEC defensive lineman in 1977. He played 10 years in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 1982.

78 – Steve McAdoo, MTSU (1989-92): McAdoo was a three-time FCS All-America offensive lineman at MTSU where he made the All-OVC Half-Century team.

79 – Eric Still, Tennessee (1986-89): Still led the way for 2,701 yards rushing in 1989, the Vols’ second-highest total in the last 65 years. He was named an All-America lineman and awarded the SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy.

80 – Terrell Owens, Chattanooga (1992-95): When he finished at Chattanooga the receiver was the Mocs’ career leader in catches (144) and yards (2,320) and was second in TD catches (19). He went on to a stellar 15-year NFL career.

81 – Alvin Harper, Tennessee (1987-90): Harper had 102 catches for 1,547 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Vols before winning two Super Bowls with Dallas Cowboys in his eight-year NFL career.

82 – Delanie Walker, Titans (2013-present): Walker set franchise records for catches (94) and receiving yards (1,088) by a tight end in 2015, and he has made the last two Pro Bowls.

83 – Isaac Bruce, Memphis (1992-93): Bruce caught 113 passes for 1,582 yards and 15 touchdowns at Memphis before going on to a 16-year NFL career, making the Pro Bowl four times.

84 – Red Roberts, Austin Peay (1967-70): Roberts has Austin Peay career records of 232 catches for 2,999 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was a four-time All-OVC selection.

85 – Derrick Mason, Oilers/Titans (1997-2004): The two-time Pro Bowler has the second-most all-purpose yards in NFL history (2,690) set in 2000. He is in the top six in franchise career catches, receiving yards and TDs.

86 – Andy Kozar, Tennessee (1950-52): A three-year starter at fullback, Kozar played for the 1951 national title team and was an All-American in 1952. He had 27 career rushing touchdowns, tied for fifth in Vols history.

87 – Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (2010-13): The two-time All-American is the SEC’s all-time leader in career receptions (262) and receiving yards (3,759). He is in his fourth NFL season.

88 – Tim McGee, Tennessee (1983-85): McGee, an All-American in 1985, left Tennessee as the career record-holder in catches and receiving yards and TDs and is still in the top 10 in all three. He played nine NFL seasons.

89 – Frank Wycheck, Oilers/Titans (1997-2003): Wycheck was a three-time Pro Bowl tight end and part of the Music City Miracle, the most famous play in franchise history, with his cross-field lateral to Kevin Dyson.

90 – Jevon Kearse, Titans (1999-2003; 08-09): Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end was the 1999 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s No. 6 on the franchise career list with 51 sacks.

91 – Doug Atkins, Tennessee (1950-52): A member of Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame, Atkins helped lead Tennessee to the 1951 national title and was an All-America defensive end in 1952. 

92 – Reggie White, Tennessee (1980-83): White is No. 2 all-time at Tennessee with 32 sacks and was an All-America defensive tackle in 1983. He went on to a Hall of Fame, 15-year NFL career and is No. 2 in career sacks (198).

93 – Kyle Vanden Bosch, Titans (2005-09): The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end is in the top 10 in franchise history with 38.5 sacks, including 12.5 in 2005.

94 – Tony Williams, Memphis (1994-96): Williams was an All-Conference USA defensive lineman in 1996 and is sixth in school history with 35 career tackles for loss. Played eight NFL seasons.

95 – Richard Dent, Tennessee State (1979-82): A two-time All-America defensive end, Dent is TSU’s all-time leader with 45 sacks. He made four Pro Bowls in his 15-year NFL career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

96 – Ricky Anderson, Vanderbilt (1981-84): Anderson set the SEC single-season record for punting average at 48.2 yards (minimum 50 punts) that still stands in 1984 when he was an All-American.

97 – Tony Brown, Memphis (1998-2002), Titans (2006-10): The Memphis graduate went from NFL free agent to NFL Europe co-defensive MVP to mainstay on the Titans’ defensive line with 18 sacks.

98 – John Henderson, Tennessee (1999-2001): Henderson was a two-time All-America defensive tackle and 2000 Outland Trophy winner at Tennessee. He played 10 NFL seasons.

99 – Jurrell Casey, Titans (2011-present): Casey recorded a career-high 10.5 sacks in 2013. He has been selected for the last two Pro Bowls.