The post-game jersey swap has gained significance worldwide, with star players posing for photos out of mutual respect. The NFL has done this often, with a significant exchange occurring Sunday between Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton and former teammate Tyrann Mathieu.
The former teammates exchanged jerseys for a photo that had a deeper meaning that stems from the number 32 itself. Bolton explained during Tuesday’s press conference the impact of Mathieu and his jersey number switch.
“Yeah, [at one] time he had 32, and I was here and 32, my sister’s favorite two numbers. Three and two. When he was here, I never even questioned him about taking his jersey or paying for it or anything to try and get it off,” Bolton explained. “I feel he represents it the right way, and how much just cared about sports is passion-wise.
“He carried that out in a great manner, so when I had the opportunity to grab the number and represent it the right way, I was excited for it, [after] having a guy like that [wear it]. I watched a lot of football [growing up], [I] grew up an SEC football lover, [an] LSU [and] Alabama fan… So that all that is coming together, you got a lot of respect for him. So it was great to have the opportunity and to know he left on the back of it was special. And I know this is a bit a little bit bigger than football. So special for me, for sure.”
❤️ always love for the kingdom https://t.co/oeD6xEMyA7
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) August 13, 2023
Mathieu has been the starting safety for the Saints since last season after leaving Kansas City in free agency. Bolton hopes to imitate the safety’s former role as an emotional leader on the Chiefs’ defense during the 2023 season.
