The Chiefs proposed a rule change that will be voted on in the coming weeks. The rule being number restrictions for position groups such as:
1-19 for quarterbacks, kickers, and punters
10-19,80-89 for wide receivers
20-49 for runningbacks and defensive backs
40-49,80-89 for tight ends
50-79 for offensive linemen
50-79,90-99 for defensive linemen
40-59,90-99 for linebackers
The rule has been in place since 1973 and has seen no changes in the life of the rule. It has produced some legendary number to player connections like Tom Brady's number 12 or Jim Browns number 32. Something that couldn't have been done if players were to choose their numbers willy-nilly like they do in college Don't get me wrong college numbers have connections to players but unlike in the pros two players can have the same number on the same team as long as they don't see the field at the same time.
If the owners do decide to change the number restriction rules I think the best way to implement it is to allow players who move teams or first year players to be able to follow the relaxed rules. One reason I have for this is that people have purchased jerseys with their previous numbers and the NFL doesn't have a buy back system like the NBA does, so that fan is now stuck with a jersey that player no longer represents. Stephon Diggs has expressed the same concern and has announced he will not be changing numbers for that very reason. Him coming out and saying that makes other players who go through with a number change will come off as selfish, but as a professional athlete i assume that doesn't matter much to them.
One last thing, I don't like the rule change but if the NFL suddenly lets players wear numbers 0 and 00 again I'm all for it.
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