NFL players will be able to wear the number zero on their jerseys. League owners approved the new rule during their Annual League Meeting, the NFL said on its website.
The number zero disappeared from the catalog of available numbers in 1973, when the NFL standardized the numbers for each position. Fifty years later, the Philadelphia Eagles, reigning Super Bowl runners-up, proposed this novelty to the NFL owners' board, winning their approval. However, not all players will benefit from this new rule.
Starting next season, quarterbacks will be able to choose a number from 0-19 while fullbacks, tight ends, halfbacks and receivers can choose a number from 0-49 or 80-89. Linebackers can wear any number from 0-59 or 90-99. On the other hand, offensive linemen will be able to choose between 50-79 and defensive linemen from 50-79 or 90-99. Kickers may choose anything from 0-49 or 90-99.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was the first to report that he will wear the No. 0 jersey for the 2023-2024 season.
Excited to be the first @Jaguars player to wear zero - shout out to @JagsEquip! #ReadyToWork pic.twitter.com/MfympKGWSl
— CALVIN RIDLEY (@CalvinRidley1) March 28, 2023
