During his three years at the University of Michigan, Jabrill Peppers and the No. 5 were a productive match. Not only was that his iconic jersey number for the "Maize and Blue," but also where the versatile defensive player finished in the Heisman Trophy voting for the 2016 season.
Now entering his seventh NFL campaign and second with the New England Patriots, Peppers announced on Twitter that he will switching back to his college number.
With former Patriots quarterback and last season's No. 5 Brian Hoyer no longer on the roster, Peppers pounced at the opportunity.
During his six-year career, the safety has rocked a variety of different numbers. He started his career with No. 22 as a member of the Cleveland Browns from 2017-18, before transitioning to No. 21 on the New York Giants from 2019-21 and playing his first season in New England as No. 3.
Peppers played a key role for the Patriots defense last season, recording 60 tackles, two tackles for loss and one fumble recovery in 17 games. He rewarded for a strong first season in Foxboro, signing a two-year, $9 million contract last month.
After playing his first game in No. 5, the 27-year-old will become just the sixth player in franchise history and the first non-quarterback or kicking specialist; joining quarterbacks Hoyer, Kevin O'Connell, kickers Shayne Graham, Greg Davis, Fred Steinfort and punter Pat O'Neill on the list.
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
More must-reads: