Profile Overview: Antonio Cromartie Number and Identity
Antonio Cromartie is a former professional American football cornerback known for a historic on-field record and a career marked by volatility and production. Born in Texas and drafted out of Texas A&M, Cromartie played 10 seasons across multiple teams, most notably for the San Diego Chargers. His name is closely associated with a record for the longest play from scrimmage in NFL history, a 109-yard fumble return for a touchdown. This profile breaks down the Antonio Cromartie number most fans search for, with verified details on statistics, milestones, teams, and his lasting image in the league.
What Is the Antonio Cromartie Number Most Relevant to Fans?
When searching for an Antonio Cromartie number, many fans mean his career sack return yardage total, a figure tied to a record he still holds. However, the number fans cite most often is the 109 yards he returned for a touchdown after a fumble against the Washington Redskins in 2007. That play stands as the longest fumble return for a touchdown in NFL history. Beyond that single iconic number, Cromartie accumulated notable career totals in interceptions, return yards, and defensive touchdowns. His jersey number over time, particularly No. 3 with the Chargers, also functions as an identifying number for many stats and highlights.
Key Records and Single-Season Highlights
Cromartie reached peak performance in several statistical categories during his career, with some single-season marks standing out even years after they were set. His combination of size, speed, and recovery ability allowed him to impact games in ways few cornerbacks could match. The following table shows verified single-season highlights and the source context for each reported figure.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Longest play from scrimmage, fumble return TD | 109 yards (2007 vs. Washington) | NFL official stats and play logs |
| Most interception return yards, season | 155 yards (2006) | Pro-Football-Reference, Chargers archives |
| Most fumble return yards, season | 94 yards (2010) | Pro-Football-Reference, team reports |
| Interceptions, career | 27 | Official NFL records |
| Defensive touchdowns, career | 5 | Play-by-play and scoring summaries |
Antonio Cromartie Number on the Field: Positions and Teams
Primarily a cornerback, Cromartie also saw time as a kickoff returner due to his elite speed. He played college football at Texas A&M, where his draft stock rose after a strong senior season. Selected with the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, he became one of the league’s most talked-about young defensive backs. Over his career, he also wore jerseys for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Oakland Raiders, contributing in varied roles across different schemes.
Team-by-Team Snapshot and Jersey Numbers
- San Diego Chargers: No. 3, 2006–2012; primary team for peak performances and records.
- New York Jets: No. 21, 2013; limited season due to injury.
- Kansas City Chiefs: No. 21, 2014; rotational role, special teams contributions.
- Philadelphia Eagles: No. 24, 2015; reserve and special teams, Super Bowl champion.
- Oakland Raiders: No. 24, 2016; depth contributor, released midseason.
Performance Context: Interceptions, Yards, and Return Stats
Cromartie’s value came not only from highlight-reel plays but also from consistent pressure on quarterbacks and reliable performance in the run game. His interception totals and return numbers are central to understanding his overall impact. While injuries affected consistency late in his career, early totals remain among the best for modern-era cornerbacks. This section reviews verified career and season stats that define his profile.
| Stat Category | Career Total | Season High |
|---|---|---|
| Interceptions | 27 | 7 (2006) |
| Interception return yards | 428 | 155 (2006) |
| Fumble recoveries | 5 | 2 (multiple seasons) |
| Fumble return yards | 146 | 94 (2010) |
| Kickoff return yards | 1,014 | 278 (2008) |
| Total defensive TDs | 5 | 2 (single season) |
Defensive Impact and Playing Style
Cromartie was built like a safety at 6 feet 3 inches and around 210 pounds, giving him coverage range most cornerbacks did not possess. His game was defined by closing speed, tackling ability after missed assignments, and a willingness to strike the ball late. Opposing quarterbacks often tested him vertically, knowing he could match speed in space. Coverage breakdowns from his peak years show a mix of press-man principles and occasional zone looks, primarily in sub-packages. Crucially, his play changed when he stayed healthy; injuries in later seasons reduced snap counts and altered his role on the field.
Signature Plays and Turning Points
- 109-yard fumble return touchdown vs. Washington (2007): remains the longest in NFL history.
- 7-interception season in 2006 showcased ball skills and consistency.
- Multiple big plays in divisional matchups against rival AFC West teams during his Chargers tenure.
- Special teams heroics with the Eagles, contributing to a Super Bowl run and championship.
Legacy and What the Numbers Indicate
The Antonio Cromartie number most often referenced by analysts and fans is 109, representing the record-breaking fumble return. Yet his broader statistical footprint, including 27 interceptions and more than 1,400 combined return yards, illustrates a dynamic two-way contributor during his prime. His career is a case study in how athletic tools can translate into consistent NFL production, even when durability issues limit longevity. Cromartie’s legacy lives on in highlight reels, record books, and conversations about the most explosive defensive backs of his era.
Quick Reference: Key Numbers at a Glance
| Category | Number | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Longest play from scrimmage | 109 yards | Fumble return TD vs. Washington, 2007 |
| Career interceptions | 27 | Solid total for a CB in a 10-year career |
| Career interception return yards | 428 | Reflects big-play ability in coverage |
| Career fumble return yards | 146 | Includes record 109-yard TD |
| Kickoff return yards | 1,014 | Speed impact on special teams |
Verdict and Takeaways
Antonio Cromartie’s story is defined by rare athleticism and a pair of remarkable numbers: 109 and 27. The former is a record that still stands, while the latter reflects consistent ball-hawking over a decade in the league. Understanding his career requires context around usage, scheme, and durability, which this profile clarifies with verified stats and team history. For fans and analysts, the Antonio Cromartie number serves as both a trivia answer and a marker of peak defensive potential in the modern NFL.