NFL Approves Rule Change Allowing More Jersey Numbers For Certain Positions
BOSTON (CBS) -- Get ready to learn a lot of new numbers in the NFL. Some of the more notable players in the league are now eligible to change their digits.
And they may soon be sporting a single digit on the front and back of their jersey, much like their days in college.
That's because on Wednesday, NFL team owners approved a rule change that will allow players at a handful of positions to wear a much wider range of uniform numbers going forward. Here's a quick rundown of what was approved:
- Running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, fullbacks and H-backs can now wear any number between 1-49 and 80-89.
- Defensive backs can now wear any number between 1-49.
- Linebackers can now wear any number between 1-59 and 90-99.
- Offensive linemen can now wear any number between 50-79, while defensive linemen can pick between 50-79 and 90-99.
- Quarterbacks, kickers and punters remain in the 1-19 range for their jersey number.
Running backs used to be limited to numbers between 20-49, while receivers could only choose between 10-19 and 80-90. So expect to see a wide range of No. 1 receivers wearing that No. 1 going forward.
The college game is littered with players sporting a single digit, so that practice will likely be coming to the pros as well.