Rules Changes Gave Players More Freedom
NFL uniform numbers are prized by some players. They will spend money or offer gifts to new teammates to keep the digits they had in college or with previous teams. No one knows if or what Puka Nacua got to go back to his college number 12 from 17 when Davante Adams joined the Rams this offseason. It's another example of how certain players love the numbers that have been with them.
History of Uniform Numbers and NFL Jersey Number Rules
For many years, it was easy to tell a player's position by their jersey number. That changed in 2023 when the NFL adjusted the rules for what digits players could wear at certain positions. Tom Brady wasn’t thrilled by the changes but they went into effect despite what the GOAT thought.
Previous: Quarterbacks (1-19). Punters and placekickers (1-19), Defensive backs, Running backs, Fullbacks, H-Backs (20-49), Tight ends (40-49, 80-89), Wide receivers (10-19, 80-89), Offensive linemen (50-79), Defensive linemen (50-79, 90-99), Linebackers (40-59, 90-99)
Current: Quarterbacks (0-19), Punter and placekickers (0-49 and 90-99). Defensive backs (0-49), Running backs, Fullbacks, H-Backs, Tight ends, Wide receivers (0-49 and 80-89), Offensive linemen (50-79), Defensive linemen (50-79 and 90-99), Linebackers (0-59 and 90-99)
How Are NFL Player Uniform Numbers Assigned?
Players are assigned numbers in various ways according to their position. It could be as simple as keeping the number you have worn in college when you are drafted by a team. If you sign with a team as a NFL free agent or are acquired in a trade the decision is made in conjunction with the player and the team. Should a player come to a team and someone else has digits he is attached to there can be some negotiating — often at a stiff price.
Deion Sanders came to the Dallas Cowboys and wanted No. 21. Alundis Brice had the number and Prime wanted it. The price was simple: a Metallic Blue 325i BMW. Eli Manning wanted his college number 10 after his draft rights were traded to the Giants for Philip Rivers and other considerations. Punter Jeff Feagles had the digits and gave them up for an all-expenses paid trip to Florida for his family.
Donovan McNabb arrived at the Minnesota Vikings to find Chris Kluwe, a punter, had his beloved number 5. Kluwe, one of the brightest and best to don an NFL jersey, only wanted an ice cream cone, $5,000 donated to his charity and a mention during the introductory press conference. There are numerous other instances of players paying or gifting teammates to get the jersey numbers they want.
One point of interest is the NFL did take action to try and dissuade players from changing jersey numbers when the new rules went into effect. As the story goes, if a player wanted to switch, they would be responsible for paying for all the merchandise that had been produced and was in the market with their old number for the same team.
Do Numbers on NFL Jerseys Mean Anything
Basically, jersey numbers reflect the position you are playing. If they mean something else to a player, that is up to the individual. Some NFL players will be attached to their numbers because there is something symbolic to them. To each their own to be truthful. To some, the jersey number is simply a number. To others it is all about them and their career and the brand they have built through the association. For those also interested in the college game, you can check out the college football odds today to see how those numbers correlate to team performance.
Famous NFL Jersey Numbers
Due to the lack of available numbers, some NFL teams choose to put players in a Ring of Honor or something similar. The Patriots retired Tom Brady’s No. 12. The Jets haven't given out Joe Namath’s No. 12 and that almost became an issue when Aaron Rodgers arrived at Gang Green. In one of the few correct decisions he made, Rodgers decided to go with his college number, eight.
Overall, 163 players have had their numbers retired. The Chicago Bears and New York Giants each have done it to honor 14 players. The Raiders retired a number that everyone remembered because their center Jim Otto had a Hall of Fame career wearing 00. Among the numbers the Cardinals retired is the 40 of the late Pat Tillman. The Detroit Lions have retired number 20, which was worn by three of the team’s best players, Billy Sims, Lem Barney and Barry Sanders.
Overall, more than 25 teams have honored players by retiring their numbers.