NFL
Can NFL players wear any number?
NFL players are now eligible to choose from a larger pool of numbers, following the new rule changes passed in April regarding jersey numbers.
Gone are the days when NFL players were strictly bound by the 10 numbers of their position. Nowadays, players have access to a much larger pool of digits.
This is thanks to new rule changes passed by the NFL owners regarding jersey numbers in April, which have expanded the variety of numbers players can choose from.
One of the biggest changes is that single-digit number jerseys, which had been always designated for QB, kickers, and punters, are now available to RBs, tight ends, H-backs, wide receivers and fullbacks.
New rules regarding jersey numbers
1-19
Quarterbacks, kickers, and punters still have access to all the single-digit numbers plus 10-19.
1-49 and 80-89
Running backs, tight ends, H-backs, wide receivers, and full backs can choose all numbers between 1-49 and 80-89.
1-49
Defensive backs will have a choice of 49 numbers.
1-59 and 90-99
Linebackers get to choose from numbers between 1-59 and 90-99.
50-79
Offensive linemen will have to choose from numbers between 50-79.
50-79 and 90-99
Defensive linemen not only have access to the 50-79 slot but also share the 90-99 numbers with linebackers.
2021 number changes have paid for all jerseys
Since this decision happened just in April, based on pre-existing NFL rules, players who wanted to switch numbers for this season had to buy all the inventory of the jerseys in question. In the case they decide to wait until next year in order to avoid the payment, they should make the number request within a year before the change.