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This past April, NFL owners passed a rule allowing for players to have more freedom when choosing their numbers. In particular, offensive skill players such as running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers will be allowed to wear any number ranging from 1-49 and 80-89. Defensive backs and linebackers are allowed the same privileges except numbers for linebackers range from 1-59 and 90-99 and numbers for defensive backs range from 1-49.
Although some players such as Tom Brady vocalized against the league-wide number rule because of how difficult it would be to identify players, many were jubilated because of the new rule.
Whether players change their number to their college numbers, which are traditionally single digits for skill players, or to honor certain players who wore single-digits, there appear to be feelings of personalization and nostalgia as these players change their numbers.
A look at players who have committed to change their jersey numbers so far:
Cardinals S Budda Baker
Former number: 32
New number: 3
Vikings CB Patrick Peterson
Former number: 21
New number: 7
Bills WR Emmanuel Sanders
Former number: 17
New number: 1
Eagles CB Darius Slay
Former number: 24
New number: 2
Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette
Former number: 28
New number: 7
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk
Former number: 11
New number: 2
Giants WR Sterling Shepard
Former number: 87
New number: 3
Dolphins WR Will Fuller
Former number: 15
New number: 3
Rams WR Robert Woods
Former number: 17
New number: 2
Ravens WR Marquise Brown
Former number: 15
New number: 5
Ravens ILB Patrick Queen
Former number: 48
New number: 6
Bears S Eddie Jackson
Former number: 39
New number: 4
Broncos WR K.J. Hamler
Former number: 13
New number: 1
Rams RB Cam Akers
Former number: 23
New number: 3
Rams WR DeSean Jackson
Former number: 10
New number: 1
Panthers WR D.J. Moore
Former number: 12
New number: 2
Which player are you most looking forward to seeing in their new number?