Eagles proposition NFL to bring back No. 0 jersey numbers

The Philadelphia Eagles are trying to bring back an out-of-circulation jersey number back into the fold.

According to a report from Kalyn Kahler of The Athletic, the Eagles submitted a proposal to the NFL competition committee requesting that teams be allowed to use the No. 0 on jerseys again.

“Philadelphia retired No. 5 and No. 15 for quarterback Donavan McNabb and halfback Steve Van Buren, respectively, and with so many positions now eligible to wear single-digit numbers (Eagles linebacker Haason Redidck wears No. 7 and receiver Devonta Smith wears No. 6) the team, and likely many others in the league, needs the No. 0 to provide some relief from crowding,” Kahler said.

The NFL used to allow the Nos. 0 and 00 on jerseys pre-1973 before the league switched to the standardized number set it’s used ever since.

Notable players to wear No. 0 include former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Johnny Clement, former Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos running back Johnny Olszewski, and ex-Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints safety Obert Logan. Former Raiders center Jim Otto and ex-Houston oilers receiver Ken Burrough both wore No. 00.

The Kansas City Chiefs petitioned the league in 2021 to allow any non-offensive or defensive lineman to wear a single-digit jersey, which had been reserved for just quarterbacks, kickers and punters.

Other notable changes to the NFL’s numbering system include:

1979 — defensive linemen allowed to wear Nos. 90-99 and centers Nos. 60-79

1974 — linebackers allowed to wear Nos. 90-99 in addition to 50-59

2004 — wide receivers allowed to wear Nos. 10-19 in addition to 80-89

2010 — defensive linemen allowed to wear Nos. 50-59

2015 — linebackers allowed to wear Nos. 40-49