NFL
The new number that Christian Gonzalez will wear next season with the New England Patriots
Cornerback Gonzalez will make history at the New England franchise, by wearing a number that no other Patriots player has ever sported.
Christian Gonzalez’s rookie season with the New England Patriots ended abruptly after four weeks, due to a right shoulder injury. However, the Colombian-American cornerback hopes to make his second year in the NFL a better one - and he’ll be wearing a different number.
What number will Gonzalez wear for the Patriots?
The AFC East team has announced the new numbers that its players will use in the 2024 season, revealing that Gonzalez will become the first member of the Patriots to wear No. 0.
Having sported No. 6 during his first season in the NFL, González now returns to the number that he was known for during his college-football stint with the Oregon Ducks. During his first two years in the NCAA, spent with the Colorado Buffaloes, he wore Nos. 21 and 3.
During his rookie campaign in New England, Gonzalez started all four games he played and took part in 80% of available snaps. In total, he had to defend 32 passes, allowing 22 receptions for 225 yards and a touchdown.
Since when can you wear No. 0 in the NFL?
During the 2023 NFL annual meeting, teams agreed that, except for offensive and defensive linemen, any player could wear No. 0. At college level, this rule was accepted in 2020.
In total, 22 teams had a player with 0 on their back last year, but the Patriots were not one of them. Among the most notable players to use the number were Philadelphia Eagles running back D’Andre Swift, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith, Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lorenzo Carter and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley.