NFL Changing Rules for Jersey Numbers
According to NBC's Peter King, the NFL is expected to approve a proposal that was made by the Kansas City Chiefs with regards to rules about players wearing specific jersey numbers.
Here are the updated ranges that would be in effect starting in 2021:
Quarterback, punter, kicker: 1–19
Running back, Tight end's, and Wide receivers: 1–49, 80–89
Defensive back: 1–49
Linebacker: 1–59, 90–99
Offensive lineman: 50–79
Defensive lineman: 50–79, 90–99
One issue that would arise with players changing their number, would be that many fans have already bought player jerseys with the number the player picked out when they came into the NFL.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has already come out and stated that he will not be changing his number.
Former Alabama wide receiver and current member of the Denver Broncos, Jerry Jeudy took the opposite approach with the rule change. Jeudy wore the #4 in high school/college and hinted at changing back to it via Twitter.
Several other former Crimson Tide NFL players could consider switching back to their old numbers from college.
Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry: Wore #2 in college. (currently has #22)
Chicago Bears S Eddie Jackson: Wore #4 in college. (currently has #39)
Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley: Wore #3 in college (currently has #18 because it was his high school number. Would have to convince long-time NFL kicker Matt Bryant to switch jersey numbers, because Bryant has the #3.
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones: Wore #8 in college (currently has #11). Would be able to take #8 because Matt Schaub who had the number just retired in January.
Baltimore Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey: Wore #26 in college. (currently has #44)
Dallas Cowboys WR Amari Cooper: Wore #9 in college. (currently has #19)
Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs: Wore #8 in college. (currently has #28) Would have to get QB Marcus Mariota to switch numbers with him.
Alabama Non Con Opponents