The challenges that come with an NFL rookie’s first season in the NFL are endless. Where is the facility? Where are the meeting rooms? What kind of living accommodations can you find? Trying to learn the playbook while trying to earn a starting spot — or sometimes just ensure you make the team.
But for rookies who subscribe to the idea that you must look good to play good, playing with something other than your college number can be a tough pill to swallow, too.
And for one member of the Miami Dolphins, that last problem is no longer a problem at all. It was announced on Thursday that Dolphins 2nd-round pick Jevon Holland is having a reunion with his college number — Holland was originally set to wear No. 22 but has since switched to take on No. 8; the same number he wore throughout his tenure with the Oregon Ducks.
Holland offered a very simple tweet to mark the occasion.
🎱
— Jevón Hølland (@HollywoodVon) September 2, 2021
No. 8 was originally claimed by veteran WR Allen Hurns — who is on injured reserve and will miss the 2021 season as a result.
But Holland wasn’t the only Dolphins rookie to reunite with his college number on Thursday. Fellow defensive back Trill Williams is also taking advantage of the NFL’s more loose rules for numbers assignments and his shedding his training camp number (an abysmal assignment of No. 51 for a defensive back) and is reverting back to No. 6 for the 2021 season.
Williams also offered a celebratory post on social media to mark the reunion.
Hey Big Head😎 https://t.co/iLLiXwagF3
— Trill Williams (@TrillWilliams6) September 2, 2021
Unlike Holland, Williams’ primary focus this past month hasn’t been on the starting lineup. It’s been on just making the roster. But with the Dolphins farewell to many players this past week and even cutting Jamal Perry from the secondary after the first round of waivers, it is safe to say Williams has some stability for the season to come. And with his college number in hand, we’ll now see if he can carve out a role on Sundays for the Dolphins.
