Why Did Shedeur Sanders Pick Jersey Number 12?

3 Possible Reasons For Shedeur Sanders Choosing Jersey Number 12

1. “12” Was Tom Brady’s Number

It would of course stand to reason that a new quarterback would want to wear the same number as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. Tom Brady has made the number 12 a historic and iconic one, as it now has an argument for being on the Mt. Rushmore of NFL jersey numbers.

But that wouldn’t be the only reason that Shedeur Sanders would choose to wear the same digits. Brady has been something of a mentor to the now 23-year-old for some time now, and even shot Sanders a text after his fall into the late rounds. The situation is something that Brady is somewhat familiar with.

Brady is, however, a part owner and advisor for the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that passed on Sanders five different times. That means that picking the number 12 could be either a nod or a spite to the greatest of all time.

2. “12” Is “21” Backwards, His Father’s NFL Number

While he wore the number 37 during the final two years of his career, Deion Sanders was best known for sporting jersey number 21. It can be argued that he made the pair of digits an iconic one, as Shedeur’s father was one of the most explosive players in the league during his time in the NFL.

The elder Sanders was an eight-time Pro Bowler and was named a First Team All Pro on six occasions.

As a quarterback, Shedeur isn’t allowed to wear any number higher than 19. But he can pay homage to his father in one way, and that is by putting on the iconic number in reverse.

3. 12 x 12 = 144

Besides the number that he’ll wear on his jersey, Shedeur Sanders might be best known for “144”. That is the pick that he was finally, mercifully selected with during the 2025 NFL Draft a couple of weeks back, a massive disappointment given his potential to be taken in the top 10.

He will most certainly use the situation, and the number 144, as motivation to begin his career. Sanders could be choosing the number 12 if he wants to use math as a motive, as 12 times itself is equal to the number of his draft spot.