It's always exciting when the newest Pittsburgh Steelers players are assigned their jersey numbers. Players oftentimes make official announcements across social media, especially when they're switching to a brand new number. When the numbers are finally officially announced, fans are able to go secure those jerseys from their favorite merchandise outlets. We've already found out that Patrick Queen will keep his #6, and Russell Wilson will wear his iconic #3. But the big question for a lot of fans is would Justin Fields be allowed to wear #1? That answer is no.
George Pickens wore #1 at Georgia and wasn't allowed to choose that number two years ago. The last person to wear #1 was kicker Gary Anderson who wore it from 1982 to 1994. Anderson remains the Steelers' all-time scoring leader with 1,343 points.
There hasn't been a ton of hints about which number Fields would get, but according to Chicago Bears insider David Kaplan, Fields is going to wear #5. Kaplan broke the news on his podcast on Wednesday while discussing other Bears news.
"Steelers are planning to have Justin Fields wear #5," Kaplan said. "I saw the picture, it's so bizarre. Russell Wilson will wear #3. Again, they're planning at this point that he's going to be #5."
The last time the Steelers had a quarterback wear #5 was Joshua Dobbs. Other notable quarterbacks to wear the number were Bruce Gradkowski, and Terry Hanratty. Punter Craig Colquitt is another notable player who wore the number and has a few Super Bowl rings.
Several Other Steelers Still Looking For Numbers
The Steelers have made a bunch of additions the past few weeks and a lot of players still need a jersey number assignment: Donte Jackson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Cameron Johnston, Kyle Allen and Dean Lowry. Jackson wore #26 in Carolina, which is available. Jefferson wore #12 in Los Angeles, which he certainly won't be able to wear because of Terry Bradshaw. In Atlanta, he was #15, which is currently held by fellow receiver Denzel Mims.
Watkins wore #16 with the Philadelphia Eagles. That number is currently open. Johnston was #1 with the Eagles, and #11 with the Houston Texans. Obviously, he won't be getting number #1, unless for some reason the Steelers will only give it to specialists. #11 was worn last season by Allen Robinson, who was released a few weeks ago.
Lowry wore #94 with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, and it's currently open after Armon Watts signed with the New England Patriots. Signing the same day as Lowry, Allen has wore a bunch of numbers as he's played for several teams. #7 in Carolina, #8 in Washington, #3 in Houston, and #9 in Buffalo. Safe to say he isn't going to get #7. I hear that #8 is available, though.
Will you be happy if Justin Fields is #5? Which number would you like him to wear?
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