Earlier in the offseason, there were murmurs of the league approving a big change. In reality, the single-digit number rule isn’t a huge deal, but considering how conservative the (N)o (F)un (L)eague usually is, it is a step in the right direction.
At a league meeting, NFL team owners voted in favor of a rule that would allow single-digit numbers to be worn by more players than just quarterbacks, kickers, and punters. The intended effect, per the proposal, would be that it “expands jersey number options for certain positions.” The stated reason for the desired change is “flexibility in assigning jersey numbers.”
Personally, I love seeing defensive linemen or bigger linebackers in a single-digit jersey — big men in little numbers. And a couple of Falcons are taking full advantage of the rule change that applies to defensive backs, linebackers, running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers, who are all allowed to wear single-digit numbers now. Defensive backs and linebackers could wear any number from 1 to 49, while running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, H-backs, and wide receivers could all wear 1 to 49 and 80 to 89.
Kyle Pitts kicked it off after selecting #8; now, two defensive players will join the trend. Mykal Walker and Dante Fowler have returned to their collegiate numbers — #3 and #6, respectively.
I love the idea of players doing this. However, I do believe the NFL forces the player to buy out the remaining jerseys with the old number, which certainly rubs me the wrong way.
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