All articles tagged with #jersey number
Caleb Downs signed with the Cowboys and appeared at rookie minicamp wearing No. 18, triggering fan backlash since many think he should wear a more Cowboys-appropriate number. Downs wore No. 2 at Ohio State, but No. 2 is currently worn by Cobie Durant, while Markquese Bell has No. 14 and No. 41 is available, leaving potential behind-the-scenes discussions about a number change.
New Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, acquired from the Giants, wants to wear No. 97 in Cincinnati—a number he wore in seven Giants seasons—and says he’ll talk to 97‑holder Shemar Stewart about swapping. Stewart, the Bengals’ 2025 first‑round pick, currently wears 97; the team hasn’t assigned numbers to newcomers yet. With the NFL allowing single-digit numbers for non‑QB defenders since 2021, 97 could move if Stewart agrees, and other 90s or nearby numbers (like 96 or 91) could be available as options.
Dexter Lawrence, after being traded to the Bengals, wants to wear No. 97—the number Shemar Stewart currently has in Cincinnati—and plans to speak with him about a possible swap, noting that teams own numbers and such exchanges are not guaranteed, with a Clinton Portis number-swap example cited in the piece.
The Browns announced quarterback Shedeur Sanders will switch from No. 12 to No. 2 for the 2026 season, a number he has worn in high school and college. The jersey became available after DeAndre Carter left the team. Sanders, who earned a Pro Bowl berth last season, is aiming to build on a rookie campaign that produced about 1,400 passing yards, 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over eight games.
An opinion piece arguing teams should never retire jersey numbers unless they’re certain they’ll never reissue them; otherwise the honor risks reversal and puts players in awkward positions (as with Matt Leinart at USC). It notes some franchises avoid retirement altogether and suggests using irrevocable honors or other immortalizing methods instead of risking future reissuance.
Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart says USC will not unretire his No. 11 jersey for a top recruit, calling the idea unacceptable and noting he wouldn’t wear it again for a random player who might transfer. He would only consider it for his son(s) at USC, and money isn’t the issue—the retired number should stay retired in the NIL era as college football becomes more professional.
Dodgers sign Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract and he debuts wearing No. 23, a number he chose to honor former Astros teammate Michael Brantley; No. 23 was last worn by Michael Conforto with the Dodgers; Dave Roberts expects Tucker to bat second or third behind Shohei Ohtani, with Betts in the other top spot and Freeman in cleanup; Tucker will play right field amid a reshuffled outfield, coming off a .266/.377/.464 line with 22 HR and 72 RBI in 136 Cubs games, plus a $64 million signing bonus.
Roman Anthony, a top Red Sox prospect, changed his jersey number from 48 to 19, a number with rich history in the team's history, after making his MLB debut. The reason for the change is unknown, but the number has been worn by notable players like Jackie Bradley Jr. and Fred Lynn. Anthony's debut included a walk, an RBI, and a costly error, and he is expected to continue playing in the lineup.
Aaron Rodgers has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, choosing jersey number 8, previously worn by punter Corliss Waitman, who will now wear number 3. Rodgers signed a one-year deal worth $13.65 million, ending a lengthy free agency period after leaving the Jets. His signing marks a new chapter after a challenging stint with the Jets, including a season-ending injury and tense departure.
Aaron Rodgers will wear No. 8 for the Steelers, a number he previously wore with the Jets and in college, after the team announced his jersey choice following his signing. The No. 12 jersey is retired by the Jets and not issued by the Steelers, and the No. 8 was previously worn by punter Corliss Waitman.
Garrett Crochet, recently traded to the Boston Red Sox, will wear jersey number 35, as his previous numbers with the Chicago White Sox, Tennessee, and high school are retired in Boston. Crochet expressed relief after the trade and is eager to start working with the Red Sox coaching staff.
Za'Darius Smith, after being traded to the Detroit Lions, paid fellow player Brodric Martin a sum between $1,000 and $9,000 to secure his preferred jersey number, 99. Martin, who hadn't played this season, agreed to the exchange, allowing Smith to retain the number he wore with the Cleveland Browns.
Za'Darius Smith, recently traded to the Detroit Lions from the Cleveland Browns, will wear his familiar No. 99 jersey when he debuts in Week 10 against Houston. The number was previously worn by defensive tackle Brodric Martin, who has switched to No. 96. It's unclear if Smith had to negotiate to acquire the number from Martin.
After being traded to the Houston Texans, Stefon Diggs paid $100,000 to safety Jimmie Ward for the No. 1 jersey, allowing Ward to switch back to No. 20. The Texans also raised Diggs' base salary to $22.52 million for the upcoming 2024 season and voided the final three years of his contract. This marks the first time in Diggs' pro career that he will wear the No. 1 jersey, a number he previously wore during his time at Maryland.
Stefon Diggs, who recently joined the Houston Texans, has switched his jersey number to No. 1, paying around $100,000 to safety Jimmie Ward for the number, as reported by NBC Channel 2 in Houston. This move allows Diggs to go back to his collegiate roots and enter a contract year with his new team in a familiar jersey.