Jersey numbers

[wheels002]

Eric Ebron is 85
Kyle Van Noy is 95
Nate Freese is 2
TJ Jones is 13
Caraun Reid is 61
Travis Swanson is 64
Nevin Lawson is 43

 

[Monster]

are there any LBs in 4-3 defenses that have jersey numbers in the 90's? Maybe I'm looking into it too much, but it seems that all LBs with those numbers are 3-4 guys. I could be wrong, but I'll throw it out there.

 

[Mitchrapp]

I never really thought about that .. just assumed all LB used similar numbers.

 

[LKP]

Ocho cinco huh

 

[Mitchrapp]

Chad Johnson kicked Ocho Cinco's ass.

 

[cheeno]

are there any LBs in 4-3 defenses that have jersey numbers in the 90's? Maybe I'm looking into it too much, but it seems that all LBs with those numbers are 3-4 guys. I could be wrong, but I'll throw it out there.

I thought the same thing Monster...seems like an end's number

 

[elrod817]

I thought the same thing Monster...seems like an end's number

I remember when teams started to do it in the 90's it was to create confusion for offensive blocking assignments. It can be tougher for a lineman to discern their target when you're looking at jerseys that all have similar numbers. The Steelers were one of the first teams I remember doing it and I remember hearing that was the reason Tracy Scroggins changed his number back in the day...of course the Steelers run/ran a 3-4 and so did we at the time.

 

[schles192]

Boss bailey was 97 and played SSLB. Can't think of any current guys. Not sure if there is a rule like there is for WR's where all numbers of a certain group have to be taken before they can take another.(80's are for WR's unless they are taken, if they are then and only then can they use 10-19).

 

[inkfreq]

Boss bailey was 97 and played SSLB. Can't think of any current guys. Not sure if there is a rule like there is for WR's where all numbers of a certain group have to be taken before they can take another.(80's are for WR's unless they are taken, if they are then and only then can they use 10-19).

The NFL rule says that Linebackers may wear numbers in the 50s or 90s, but it is a choice. No hard and fast rule about filling up one number scheme before moving on.

Players do not have to change jersey numbers if they change positions. For example, Devin Hester has worn #23 because he was drafted as a cornerback. After changing to WR/KR he was not required to change his number.

The rule was actually created to help official know who was eligible to receive the ball, but in the case of defensive players, it's most often been a matter of taste.

In the specific case of Kyle Van Noy, it would seem he picked the number, which is normally the case for higher round picks. He wore number 3 in college, which is not a number he is allowed to wear in the NFL, so 95 likely holds some different meaning for him.