Football Jerseys Are Subject to a Number Allocation System Known as Rule 5
When it comes to NFL football jerseys, a designated allocation system applies to the numbers that come to be associated with individual professional football players. This number allocation system was instituted in 1973, devised in accordance to the position being played and whether that specific position is dependent on offensive or defensive play. In other words, all punters, kickers and quarterbacks have the single numbers reserved for them. Originally, however, this batch of numbers was originally the preserve of solely quarterbacks and kickers alone. Meanwhile, the numbers 10 to 19 inclusive are reserved for wide receivers and the running back although quarterbacks’ numbers also extend into this sector.
Keyshawn Johnson was the very first wide receiver to display the number 19 on his football jersey during a game. He retained this number throughout his ten year career regardless of whether he played for the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys or the Carolina Panthers: Number 19 became synonymous with Keyshawn Johnson. Similarly, Dallas Cowboys’ player Troy Aikman played with a Number 8 on his NFL football jersey. Meanwhile, Number 1 was displayed on the football jerseys worn by Warren Moon of the Tennessee Titans. The next batch incorporated the numbers between 20 and 49: Number 20 was proudly displayed on all the football jerseys worn by Barry Sanders who, until 1999, played for Detroit Lions.
Other famous players who displayed numbers within this sector on their football jerseys included Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys. His Number 22 indicated that he played as a rusher. Emmitt Smith’s erstwhile opponent was Walter Peyton who, playing for the Chicago Bears, wore Number 34 on his football jersey. Nobody needs to be reminded of OJ Simpson although, at one time he was renowned for his position as a player for the Buffalo Bills, playing with a Number 32 attached to his football jersey. Taking a look at the next sector, Numbers 50 to 59, these numbers belong to the province of the centers and linebackers.
Here you will find players such as Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Webster displaying Number 52 on his jersey and New York Giants’ player, Lawrence Tayler, identified by the Number 56 displayed on his football jersey – amongst other players, of course. Linesmen, such as Anthony Munoz whose identifier was Number 78 when playing for Cincinnati Bengals, feature numbers between 60 and 79. This is regardless of whether they play offensive or defensive positions. Many people will remember that ubiquitous Coca-cola advertisement featuring Joe Green resplendent in his NFL jersey emblazoned with Number 75 across it: a double-whammy in advertising for both drink and jersey!
Going back to the NFL numbering system, Numbers 80 to 89 are reserved for both wide receivers and tight ends, with Numbers 81 and 85 being especially remembered within this category. These two numbers were made famous by Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson respectively. The NFL numbers between 90 and 99 belong to the defensive linemen and linebackers, with Reggie White of Philadelphia Eagles possibly lodging Number 92 in supporters’ memories. Despite the NFL’s Rule 5, Section 3, Article 3c being devised to create order amidst its numbering system, renowned players can apply to the Commissioner to have a specific number signed off for their own particular use, there are no guarantees such requests will be granted. However, when players’ reach the status of national icon, it certainly wouldn’t be in the interests of the NFL to turn such requests down.
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