The NFL has recently announced that they will be changing the jersey number rule, allowing a wider range of numbers at each position.
With this latest rule change, this means there are certain groups who can now opt to wear single-digit jersey numbers. Previously, only quarterbacks, punters and kickers could have single digits. Now, that’s been expanded to include tight ends, wide receivers, running backs and defensive backs.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| Position group | Number options |
| Quarterbacks | 1-19 |
| Running backs | 1-49, 80-89 |
| Wide receivers | 1-49, 80-89 |
| Tight ends | 1-49, 80-90 |
| Offensive line | 50-79 |
| Defensive line | 50-79, 90-99 |
| Linebackers | 1-59, 90-99 |
| Defensive backs | 1-49 |
| Kickers | 1-19 |
| Punters | 1-19 |
Who's changing jersey numbers this year? 👀 pic.twitter.com/Xba0FwzJsa
— NFL (@NFL) April 21, 2021
There have been many mixed reactions from NFL athletes. Some appear to love the rule change, but others don’t see the point.
Brady is doubling down hard.
…wonder how he really feels. pic.twitter.com/vcOIGzw2f8
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) April 22, 2021
Got be April fools Joke lol 😂
#3🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/FFgSSdHilJ— Derwin James Jr (@DerwinJames) April 1, 2021
😂😂🤣🤣 Imma chill.. But nah let this rule pass forreal & I got my eyes on that 2 https://t.co/lLTuoMmo1r
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) April 1, 2021
Single digits cool & all , but can we bring the throwback jerseys & helmets back ? Somebody put in a request for that lol .
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) April 9, 2021
Per NFL rules, a player will have to make a large payment in order to change his number for the 2021 season. Under the NFL’s current jersey manufacturing rules, a player will have to buy out the existing allotment of jerseys featuring their current number. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook looked into the process of changing his number and discovered swapping his No. 33 to the No. 4 he wore at Florida State would cost around $1.5 million.
Despite the hefty costs, some well known NFL players have been hinting at a number change for the upcoming season.
Patrick drops back and floats a beautiful heave to a wide open number 6 https://t.co/jxYdeykLrm
— Ty Hill (@cheetah) April 24, 2021
This #15 clean @brgridiron pic.twitter.com/Pj6R60gepu
— Ezekiel Elliott (@EzekielElliott) April 8, 2021
https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-82IGlLcI/?utm_source=ig_embed
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