Who are the 10 best athletes to ever wear the number 8?

Number 8 has seen some legendary athletes carving their names into history, and I’ll cut right to the chase: the top 10 are a mix of raw talent, dominance, and cultural impact.

At the pinnacle, we have Cal Ripken Jr. — the Iron Man of baseball, whose durability and consistency redefined the sport. Then there’s Alex Ovechkin, the Russian goal-scoring machine transforming hockey and smashing records. Don’t forget Steve Young, an NFL legend with a perfect blend of arm brilliance and leadership.

Other icons include Dustin Pedroia for his gritty baseball grit, Kei Nishikori in tennis for his sublime skills, and Andrei Kirilenko in basketball who played hard and smart.

In football, Ray Lewis donned 8 and dominated linebacking, proving toughness isn’t just a trait but a legacy. Basketball’s Nikola Jokic has taken the number into the future with his Swiss Army knife play. And in golf, Harold Varner III embodies the modern grinder.

Want to rock the same number? Check out this snazzy number 8 jersey and wear history.