Changes are coming.
The NFL owners approved a rule change on Wednesday proposed by the Chiefs that loosens jersey number rules.
Before, running backs, wide receivers, linebackers, tight ends and defensive backs had to wear uniform numbers within a certain numerical range. Now, they will will now be eligible to wear single digits.
Previous rules
- QB: 1-19
- RB: 20-49
- WR/TE: 10-19, 80-89
- OL: 50-79
- DL: 50-79, 90-99
- LB: 40-59, 90-99
- CB/S: 20-49
- K/P: 1-19
New rules
- QB: 1-19
- RB/WR/TE: 1-49, 80-89
- OL: 50-79
- DL: 50-79, 90-99
- LB: 1-59, 90-99
- CB/S: 1-49
- K/P: 1-19
Linebacker Kenneth Murray and safety Derwin James are two notable players likely to make the switch, resorting back to numbers that they wore in college.
Murray, who wore 56 in his rookie season, would change to No. 9 – the number he wore at Oklahoma. Meanwhile, James, who rocks 33, would switch to No. 3, which he rocked at Florida State.
— Kenneth Murray (@KennethMurray) April 21, 2021
