A numbering system was put in place prior to the 1973 season. Players who had been in the NFL in 1972 could continue to use old numbers. Wide receivers could only wear numbers from 80-89. A change was made before the 2004 season, which allowed wide receivers their choice of an additional 10 numbers. Wideouts can now wear numbers from 10-19 and 80-89. There were some exceptions (Michael Jackson- 1, Keyshawn Johnson- 19).
I prefer it. I don't like numbers in the 80s for wideouts. I think 80s look better on defensive ends. Alas, that look hasn't been seen since the adoption of the numbering system in 1973 aside from ends who could continue to wear their old numbers under the grandfather clause. Julius Adams of the Patriots might be the most recent defensive end to wear a number in the 80s. A rookie in 1971, he retired after the 1987 season.
I think Keyshawn's was because of the training camp holdout and when he reported. I'm sure by the time the 1996 season started we had some 80s numbers available, but he didn't change it and apparently didn't have to. The rest of the world eventually caught up to Keyshawn. :up:
you guys are funny. looking to find a way to take a shot at an ex jet every chance you get. i am SURE that the fo came to clowney and said hey we want to stick it to coles, want his number? or MAYBE he said hey you know that coles guy was such a jerk i think i will take his number from him, only to spite him! jackasses
i liked him with the 17. Receivers with numbers in the tens look kind of special to all the one in the 80s.
NOW you're close to GM material, except it was more like "hey Clowney, you're GONNA where Coles' old number or plan on spending training camp bunking with the rookies"
I wont lie...As a Jets fan, I'm going to miss Coles. He was one of my favorite Jets and one thing about Coles...He may have had a bad attitude under Mangini but the man gave it his all on Sundays and really gave Pennington the support that he needed. I'll miss the man and he will always be one of my all time favorite Jets. I also think that Coles has a natural chip on his shoulder, what his step dad did to him was sick in the head and it's a blessing that Coles didn't turn out to be some type of serial killer or something like that...The man been through alot and I gained alot of respect for LC when I seen the man cry on national TV... He told his story to protect other kids and I will always wish the best for Coles. I just hate how some Jet fans will turn their back on a man once he leaves the team. Coles never did anything to upset the fans of the Jets, if anything...He put his career on the line with every catch he made over the middle of the field...He played with NO FEAR and I will always remember Coles as a true #1 WR. I put Coles right up there with Chrebet, Martin and Namath....They were all warriors
