What's a number worth? Traded NFL stars find out
When established sports stars are traded - as we've witnessed in the past few days of NFL free agency - one prickly question inevitably arises: Will they be able to keep their old jersey number on their new team?
After all, most veteran players made a name for themselves wearing one number. In fact, Ochocinco literally made a name for himself with his jersey number.
Luckily for Ochocinco, he gets to keep his namesake number in New England as tight end Aaron Hernandez took the high road and relinquished his No. 85, saying: "He deserved it and should get it."
Nnamdi Asomugha wasn't so lucky when he landed in Philadelphia. The highly coveted free agent was able to secure $60 million from the Eagles, but he wasn't able to pry his No. 21 jersey from new teammate Joselio Hanson. He said he was too "attached" to it.
As for Donovan McNabb, he can rest easy in his new home in Minnesota, but it took some negotiating. Vikings punter Chris Kluwe agreed to relinquish his No. 5 to the incoming quarterback - but with conditions. McNabb had to sign a contract (handwritten on a white board) agreeing to three stipulations: 1) mention Kluwe's band "Tripping Icarus" five times to the media, 2) donate $5,000 to Kluwe's charity and 3) give him an ice cream cone. (Watch video above to see the deal sealed).
Professional athletes have demanded pretty much everything for giving up a coveted number: a family vacation (Eli Manning to Jeff Feagles for No. 10), a baby nursery (Tom Glavine to Joe McEwing for No. 47 ), and two cases of beer (Mitch Williams to John Kruk for No. 28).
But not all jersey number transactions end well. In 2006, Clinton Portis agreed to give Ifeanyi Ohalete $40,000 for No. 26. He only gave him $20,000. Ohalete sued.