Redskins by the (Jersey) Numbers: #66 - Joe Jacoby

There’s no contest at #66.

The winner is the dominant, world-title-winning, All-Pro-earning, somehow-still-not-in-the-Hall-of-Fame Joe Jacoby.

First, the nuts and bolts: Jacoby was an undrafted free agent(!) out of Louisville who joined the Redskins in 1981. He had a massive frame, especially for that era, standing 6’7” and weighing nearly 300 pounds. Joe Gibbs, Joe Bugel, and Bobby Beathard figured they had a project that they could turn into a contributor.

They did more than that. They turned him into the best left tackle in football.

Jacoby played 13 seasons, all with the Redskins. He made four Pro Bowls and was a three-time All-Pro. Naturally, he was also selected as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins.

And he didn’t just play left tackle, although that was his primary role. Jacoby actually played every OL position except center.

In doing so, Jacoby helped open holes for four different thousand-yard rushers during his tenure. He played on seven playoff teams, four of which made the Super Bowl, and three of which won the title. He played in 21 playoff games in all—most of all the Hogs.

With 103 AV points on the Pro Football Reference Approximate Value scale, Jacoby nearly triples his closest competitor. In fact, he’s in the Redskins all-time top ten when it comes to AV—and he’s, by far, the highest undrafted player in team history.

There’s no question that he’s the pick at #66.

The only question about Jacoby, in fact, is why hasn’t he made it to the Hall of Fame yet?

Jacoby just barely missed out this past season, his 19th of eligibility. Here’s hoping the voters get him the remaining support he needs the next time around. He deserves it as much as he deserves to be the Redskins’ all-time #66.

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