No. 0 and the New York Giants Player Who Wore It Best

The countdown to the start of the New York Giants’ 2025 season is done, as it's gameday for the Giants, who face the Washington Commanders today at Northwest Stadium.  

Who Wore No. 0 in at Least One Regular Season Game*

RB-OG Ted Bucklin (1931), OLB Brian Burns (2024), WR Parris Campbell (2023), OT Lou Eaton (1945), RB Ox Eckhardt (1928), END Hal Hilpert (1930), RB Walk Koppisch (1926), OG Danny McMullen (1929), RB Hap Moran (1928), RB Lee Mulleneaux (1932), RB Reb Russell (1933), RB Wee Willie Smith (1934), RB Phil White (1925-27).

*Jersey numbers per Pro Football Reference.

Which Giants Player Wore It Best?

Outside linebacker Brian Burns fought through an assortment of injuries (groin, ankle, neck, etc.) throughout his first season with the Giants, yet made a host of highlight plays with his high level of athleticism – enough to be named first alternate on the NFC Pro Bowl roster.

Somehow, he was able to start every game and played 79 percent of the defensive snaps despite having to periodically be assisted to get treatment on the bench.

Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen made sure to utilize every aspect of Burns’ toolbox. Sure, the veteran was most often used to rush the passer, but he also dropped into coverage, sealed the edge, or lined up in a three-point stance along the line.

The Giants acquired Burns in a trade with Carolina before the 2024 NFL Draft, parting with a second- and fifth-round pick plus a 2025 fifth-round selection for Burns and a fifth-rounder (RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.). To facilitate the move, Burns agreed to a five-year contract extension with New York before the deal.

Burns paced the Giants with 18 quarterback hits and 17 tackles for a loss (sixth in the NFL), while finishing second on the club with 8.5 sacks (tied for 8th in the NFC) and a personal-best eight passes defensed (second among outside linebackers in the NFL).

Burns, who went to two Pro Bowls with Carolina (with a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2022), and Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett remain the only NFL players to have at least 7.5 sacks in each season since 2019.

The linebacker harassed the Panthers in Week 10, collecting a season-high nine tackles and a sack. He also posted eight tackles and a sack against Cincinnati in Week 6.