Nat Moore Secures Top Honors as Dolphins’ Best Number 89
As the NFL season 2024 inches closer with less than a hundred days to kickoff, the excitement around the league grows, particularly for Miami Dolphins fans who have embarked on a unique countdown. Celebrating the best players to don each number for the team, today’s focus lands on the legacy of number 89—a jersey that has seen its fair share of holders but stands out for its association with one Dolphins legend in particular.
The Dolphins have had a rich tradition of players making a significant impact, with Jason Taylor famously wearing 99 and others such as Jared Odrick (98), and Cameron Wake (91) being celebrated in recent days. Now, turning our attention to number 89, there’s a veritable list of former Dolphins who’ve donned this number through the years across different positions mainly focusing on the receiving end of the game.
From wide receivers like Karl Noonan (1966-71) and Tony Martin (1990-93) to tight ends like Julius Thomas (2017) and the recent Julian Hill (2023), the number 89 has been worn by a range of talent contributing to the Dolphins’ history. However, none have left an indelible mark quite like Nat Moore, whose time with the team from 1974 to 1986 stands unmatched.
Moore’s contribution to the Dolphins isn’t just remembered for his longevity but also for his prolific record, positioning him amongst the franchise’s top receivers. Noonan and Ed Perry, who served as the team’s long-snapper for eight seasons, round out the top three for number 89, showing the diversity in the positions and impacts these players had while wearing the number.
The competition wasn’t fierce, with Moore swiftly taking the top spot thanks to his impressive career stats and integral role in the team’s successes during his tenure. It brings into focus not just Moore’s exceptional skills but his lasting legacy in a franchise that’s seen considerable turnover in jersey numbers, especially the number 89.
Looking at the broader NFL landscape, number 89 has been worn by Hall of Famers like Mike Ditka and prominent names such as Steve Smith Sr., underlining the significance of Moore’s achievements and raising the discussion of his place among the league’s best to have worn the number.
As we move closer to the 2022 season, Julian Hill’s potential to wear 89 in consecutive seasons adds a new chapter to the jersey’s story, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of the Dolphins’ roster and the lasting legacy of its former players. Moore’s top billing as the best to wear 89 for the Dolphins highlights a storied career that remains a benchmark for future generations.