Report: NFL owners approve new single-digit number rule
Get ready to see some of your favorite NFL players sport new numbers in 2021.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, NFL owners have approved a new number rule that will allow wide receivers, tight ends, running backs, linebackers and defensive backs to wear single-digit numbers beginning next season.
Here's a look at what the updated number ranges will look like under the new rule:
- Quarterbacks, Punters, and Kickers: 1–19
- Running backs: 1–49, 80–89
- Defensive backs: 1–49
- Linebackers: 1–59, 90–99
- Offensive lineman: 50–79
- Defensive lineman: 50–79, 90–99
Many players across the league will likely consider wearing the number they wore in college. According to Peter King of NBC Sports, several Denver Broncos players might switch to single-digit numbers, including Jerry Jeudy, who currently wears No. 10 and wore No. 4 at Alabama.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry also acknowledged earlier this month that allowing more players to wear single-digits is "cool." He wore No. 2 at Alabama and now wears No. 22 for the Titans. It's unclear if he'll make the switch.
The Kansas City Chiefs proposed a change to the number rule because the franchise reportedly ran into a shortage of available numbers in the 20–49 range last season, according to King. The Chiefs have Nos. 28, 33, 36 and 37 retired.
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