Jerry Kramer is the best Green Bay Packers player to wear No. 64 — and the number’s history includes war heroes and multi-role stars

Kramer's standing on this list rests on two simple facts presented here: he's a Packers Hall of Famer, and he played on the team throughout the entire Vince Lombardi era. That continuity across Lombardi's run, combined with Kramer's recognition by the team hall, makes him the clear top pick among everyone who has worn No. 64.

Nate Barragar: The first recorded Packers player to wear No. 64, Barragar wore the number in 1934. He was part of Green Bay across a four-season span and doubled up on other jersey numbers during his time with the team.

Howard "Smiley" Johnson: A two-season player (1940–1941) who played both guard on offense and linebacker on defense in the ironman era. Johnson signed as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia and appeared in 22 games for the Packers wearing No. 64. He paused his career to serve as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and was killed in action on February 19, 1945, during the first day of the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Ted Fritsch: Wore No. 64 for nine seasons (1942–1950) and had a varied role. Fritsch rushed for 2,200 yards and 31 touchdowns as a fullback, recorded 10 interceptions as a linebacker, and handled placekicking duties for much of his career. He also recorded the first 50-yard field goal in team history in 1947 at Wrigley Field against Chicago.

The list of players who have worn No. 64 spans many positions and eras. It includes offensive linemen, defensive tackles, fullbacks, linebackers, and players who split duties across offense and defense — reflecting the NFL's changing roster structures over time. Names appearing in the historical roll call include Nate Barragar, Ben Braden, Ernie Danjean, Ted Fritsch, Jerry Kramer, Greg Van Roten, Mike Pennel, and others.

The original Lombardi Ave piece frames Kramer as the clear-cut choice and emphasizes the historical depth behind No. 64. The headline references Kramer having undergone an "absurd amount of surgeries," but that piece-level claim appears as part of the story's headline rather than a detailed statistical breakdown in the supplied text.