Will Levis explains reason behind number change in NFL

Will Levis. Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal and USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Will Levis explains interesting reason behind number change in NFL

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/13/23

Speaking with reporters Saturday during the Tennessee Titans rookie camp, quarterback Will Levis revealed the unique reasons he chose to rock No. 8 with the Titans.

Levis said eight was a "cool number," adding that while at Penn State, head coach James Frankly compared his throwing style to that of Hall of Famer Troy Aikman, who famously wore No. 8 with the Dallas Cowboys, per ESPN's Turron Davenport. Inspiration for the number change also came from another all-time No. 8, Steve Young, the best signal-caller from Connecticut, where Levis grew up and played high school football.

One minute of #Titans QB Will Levis during rookie minicamp. pic.twitter.com/4jyhy5RP7m
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) May 13, 2023

Levis wore No. 7 while starring at Kentucky, but the former Wildcats standout had to make a change, with fellow QB Malik Willis holding the number for now.

Once expected to be a top-10 pick in this year's NFL Draft, Levis fell to the second round, where the Titans traded up with the Arizona Cardinals, selecting him with the 33rd overall pick. Concerns over a toe injury and alleged personality issues led to Levis' fall, but the 23-year-old was undeterred, saying after the draft that his work ethic wouldn't change.

Levis has seemingly taken the same attitude with him into rookie camp. On Saturday, Levis beamed about his first few days in a Titans jersey, calling returning to the field "fun."

"First time playing ball in a long time. It's the game we all love; opportunity to come out here and just play and learn," Levis said, via Davenport. "It's just been a lot of fun getting to know the guys, getting to know the coaches, getting to know the offense. A lot of work, but we've put in a lot of good work the last few days."

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