The Athletic is keeping a keen eye on Alex Ovechkin’s thrilling ride to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s legendary record for career goals.
There’s quite a stir over the number eight lately.
On a recent Wednesday, the Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback, Lamar Jackson, found himself in a bit of a tussle with NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. over a fresh trademark on a unique No. 8 design for Earnhardt’s JR Motorsports team. By Friday, Earnhardt took to social media, announcing he had locked down rights to his classic No. 8 style from the early 2000s. He shared plans to retire the newer look that Jackson found contentious.
In July 2024, Jackson contested another trademark attempt—this time against Troy Aikman’s “EIGHT” brand. Jackson has his own venture called “Era 8.”
While digging into copyright details isn’t our forte, we can surely dive into the debate on who wears No. 8 best. We brought together seven sports experts from The Athletic to argue which athlete deserves the honor of being the greatest No. 8 of all time—the GNEOAT.
### MLB: Yogi Berra
Cross-sport comparisons are tricky, but baseball’s got some strong contenders wearing No. 8. Think of Carl Yastrzemski. He donned that number for 23 seasons with the Red Sox, chalking up 18 All-Star selections and clinching a Triple Crown in 1967, a feat none managed again until 2012.
Then there’s Cal Ripken Jr., who shattered and extended Lou Gehrig’s historic streak of consecutive games to a mind-boggling 2,632, all while with the Orioles. Joe Morgan also comes to mind, snagging two MVP awards and propelling the Reds to back-to-back titles, leading all No. 8s with a 100.6 bWAR.
However, perhaps the most unforgettable is Yankees legend Yogi Berra. His whimsical ‘Yogi-isms’ and contributions during 10 Yankee championships made him a cultural touchstone. Leading both the Yankees and Mets to the World Series as a manager, his impact was felt on and off the pitch. My nod goes to Yogi, though I’m open to a debate if you’ve got Yaz in mind. — Levi Weaver
### NBA: Kobe Bryant
Rarer than one retired jersey is Kobe Bryant’s achievement: two. From 1996 to 2006, Kobe rocked No. 8, a stretch brimming with career-defining plays.
Remember when he lobbed the ball to Shaquille O’Neal in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference finals to aid the Lakers’ comeback win, paving their first championship in his era? Under No. 8, Bryant added three rings, scored a phenomenal 81 points against Toronto in 2006—second only to Wilt Chamberlain—and took home a Slam Dunk Contest at 18.
Bryant’s switch to No. 24 saw more triumphs, adding two championships, a regular-season MVP, and two Finals MVPs. Such was his influence that both numbers were immortalized by the Lakers, making him unique in the franchise’s history as the holder of two retired jerseys.
Bryant’s growth from exuberant rookie to cultural trailblazer is unparalleled in NBA circles. — Jason Jones
### NASCAR: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
If you came across Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s book “Driver #8,” you’d find it’s gained more meaning over time.
Though he abandoned the No. 8 car in 2007 for No. 88 and didn’t clinch a NASCAR Cup Series, few drivers embodied fandom like Junior did. His presence, felt on MTV and in “Rolling Stone,” wasn’t just felt within NASCAR circles. Popularity? Undisputed. His supporters, “Junior Nation,” might just lead the tattoo market for athlete icons.
Earnhardt’s profile may not reach mainstream sports highs, but his loyal following more than makes up for it. — Jeff Gluck
### Soccer: Andrés Iniesta
Spanish maestro Andrés Iniesta revolutionized midfield play in football, stripping the old brawler image for something cerebral.
Before him, midfielders leaned on physical prowess, but Iniesta shifted the paradigm at Barcelona with remarkable vision and precise play, standing shoulder to shoulder with greats like Johan Cruyff. Iniesta’s legacy at Barcelona is decorated: four Champions Leagues, nine La Liga titles.
On the international stage, his 2010 World Cup-winning goal for Spain is etched in football lore. It was quintessential Iniesta: poised, graceful, game-winning. The strike made him a hero in Spain and cemented his legacy among No. 8s worldwide. — Pablo Maurer
### NFL: Lamar Jackson
Among NFL stars, Lamar Jackson stands out. In a league that reigns supreme when it comes to viewership, Jackson, with his tempting artistry at the quarterback position, rewrote traditional narratives.
In merely seven seasons, he’s redefined talent’s boundaries. Notably agile, he’s racked up lofty accolades, including two MVPs, and explosive yardage both through the air and on the ground—achievements with more awaiting in his future.
He was the quarterback most doubted in his draft year. Yet, Jackson flourished, breaking the mold unflinchingly and creating one of sports’ most engaging stories. — Jeff Zrebiec
### College Football: Lamar Jackson
In college football, Lamar Jackson towers as a remarkable No. 8. He electrified Louisville fields, passing for over 9,000 yards with 69 touchdowns and rushing for an additional 4,000 yards with 50 scores.
His praiseworthy performances translated into a 2016 Heisman win, leaving a trail of unforgettable performances reminiscent of his NFL career.
That said, mention must be made of Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, another exceptional talent who enthralled the field with his play-calling prowess in college. TCU’s Davey O’Brien left his mark too, immortalized by an award named in his honor.
As it stands, though, in college football, it’s Jackson who takes the No. 8 crown. — Scott Dochterman
I’d better brace myself, but I firmly believe Alex Ovechkin isn’t just the best No. 8 in hockey history—he’s the greatest ever to wear the number, no ifs, ands, or buts.
Not to undercut Lamar Jackson of the NFL—his potential might sway the debate down the road. Yet, as stands, Ovechkin, with a league-leading goal count, MVP honors, and a Stanley Cup, outshines. Goals, after all, are hockey’s essence.
In the hunt for sports icons, Berra made his mark in America’s pastime, and Kobe might rival with a full deck, but when all things are considered, Ovechkin remains unmatched. — Sean Gentille
