Green Bay Packers: Who wore these numbers best? 99, 98 & 97

98 days to Packers football: Who has worn the number?

The first to wear the number, according to Maxymuk, was nose tackle Tony DeLuca in 1984. DeLuca played in one game in his NFL career and died of a heart attack at age 38.

The author also considers Esera Tuaolo – he may have been better known because of the fact that he sang the National Anthem before the Oct. 17, 1991, game against the Bears. “The Bears won 10-0; Tuaolo was a better singer than a tackle,” Maxymuk wrote.

The longest tenured player to wear the number was Gabe Wilkins, from 1994-97 and  Billy Lyon from 1998-2001. 

Today, defensive lineman Letroy Guion wears the number

It was Wilkins that we all remember.In a 1997 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wilkins gave us an impression of Superman.

Here is how Maxymuk described it:

"“The Pack led only 7-3 in the second quarter when Tampa recovered a Brett Favre fumble at the Green Bay 18. On he next play, quarterback Trent Dilfer tried a sweing pass go Mike Alstott, but Wilkins made a strong rush, got in the path o the pass, and intercepted it. Dilfer tried to cut Wilkins low, but Gabe hurdled the grounded quarterback and rumbled 77 yards untouched for a touchdown and a 14-3 lead. It was a play that displayed the very best of Wilkins – his power, his quickness, his agility and his speed. The Packers won the game 21-16 and got back in the race for the 1997 divisional title.”"

Here is a list of all the players who have worn #99 for the Packers – it’s provided courtesy of Pro Football Reference – remember these guys?

Next: On to #97 ...