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NFL Legend 'Thinking' About Giving Retired Number To Rookie Quarterback

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 12:36 PM ET

Over the last three years, Miami quarterback Cam Ward has worn the No. 1 jersey both for the Hurricanes and for the Washington State Cougars. But with the Tennessee Titans on the clock and expected to grab him, he may have a tough time getting his preferred number.

The Titans retired the No. 1 jersey nearly 20 years ago to honor franchise legend Warren Moon, the Hall of Fame quarterback and franchise's all-time leading passer. The number being retired should mean that no player should ever get it - unless the owner gives his express permission and blessing to do so.

As it so happens, Moon may be willing to indulge the idea. Speaking to PaulKuharsky.com, Moon said, “I’m thinking about it" when asked about permitting Ward to wear his number.

Jersey numbers being unretired for a particular player is rare but not unheard of.

The most noteworthy recent examples are Peyton Manning receiving permission from Denver Broncos legend Frank Tripucka to wear the No. 18 jersey while he was with the team.

More recently, the New York Giants allowed rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers to wear the No. 1, which had been retired for generations, after getting permission from the family of the late-great Ray Flaherty.

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Warren Moon #1 of the Houston Oilers passes against the Cleveland Browns as running back Gary Brown #33 and offensive lineman Brad Hopkins #72 block during a game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on November 21, 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)George Gojkovich/Getty Images

But there have been plenty of other instances of a team refusing to give up the retired number. Back in the 1990s, the Kansas City Chiefs would not issue the retired No. 16 to four-time Super Bowl champion Joe Montana. More recently, the New York Jets did not give Aaron Rodgers the No. 12 jersey. In both instances, the jerseys were previously worn by team legends who led the team to Super Bowls.

That said, the Tennessee Titans may not feel inclined to give Ward the No. 1 since he has worn other jersey numbers during his football career. Ward wore the No. 7 in both high school and his early college career at Incarnate Word.

Suffice it to say, the Titans probably don't feel a pressing need to reissue Moon's No. 1 jersey. Ward may not feel any need to get the number either.

What number do you think Ward will wind up getting with the Titans?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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