Should The NFL Change It's Player Number System?

[Nick]

OMG i totally Forgot about Youngblood!!

Probably my favorite Ram of all-time, if I had to choose just one.

Why can't Reggie just wear 25,35, or 45.

If they were to change the number system I wouldn't be able to tell who is a LB or DE or TE or WR and S and LB.

Yeah, now imagine being an official on the field who previously used those numbers to tell positions apart but now can't.

As for Reggie wearing 25, 35, or 45, the only one that isn't currently taken is 45, which isn't exactly a "sexy" RB number. The RB elligible numbers that are open in New Orleans are 30, 40, 43, and 45. That said, there are some rumors that since they unexpectedly drafted Bush, the RB they signed in free agency (Michael Bennett, #28) is on the trading block. So Bush could have his number.

Take a look at Bush wearing 5 at Saints mini-camp though...



I personally don't like it.

Doesn't any rule change have to be rubber stamped by the owners, who meet later this month?

No clue, but that sounds right.

[r8rh8rmike]

If the rule change is indeed implemented, I wonder if there will be a mad dash of guys like Edgerrin James looking to get back their college numbers?

From what I've read, the rule change would allow "skill position" players to wear numbers 1-49.

[RamsFan4ever]

IMO that picture makes him look like a QB that scrambles

[Nick]

If the rule change is indeed implemented, I wonder if there will be a mad dash of guys like Edgerrin James looking to get back their college numbers?

From what I've read, the rule change would allow "skill position" players to wear numbers 1-49.

Well if you go to the NFLPA's website, they have a picture at the top of Edge wearing #5 during a Colts practice, so I assume he'd be one of the first to change. I also hear Charles Woodson is trying to get approval to wear #2 so we'll see.

If this happens, I want to see QBs back in the 20s ala Bobby Layne. LOL

[rams_fan81]

If the rule change is indeed implemented, I wonder if there will be a mad dash of guys like Edgerrin James looking to get back their college numbers?

From what I've read, the rule change would allow "skill position" players to wear numbers 1-49.

I am going to start a petition to stop using the phrase "skill player"

Why couldn't o-line and d-line wear any number from 50-99 then... Oh Yeah! thats what they already have to wear!

The lineman are victims if this change goes through!

[RamsFanSam]

IMO that picture makes him look like a QB that scrambles

If you are talking about Hill, I have a concern about his placement on the field.

If you are talking about Bush, I see what you mean.

[RamsFan4ever]

i was talking about Bush.........

[Nick]

Saints | Still no final word on R. Bush and No. 5
Tue, 16 May 2006 11:25:09 -0700

Darren Rovell, of ESPN.com, reports the NFL has not denied New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush's request to wear jersey No. 5, but early indications are that the Saints' draft pick will not get his way. The team informed the NFL Players Association on Tuesday that their top draft pick will wear the No. 25 for this weekend's Rookie Premiere photo shoot, according to Pam Adolph, vice president of apparel operations for Players Inc., the union's marketing arm. Bush's marketing rep Michael Ornstein told ESPN.com Tuesday morning, May 16, that Bush has now agreed to make a donation of 25 percent of his jersey sales no matter what number he wears. He originally said he would make the donation if he wore No. 5. Saints RB Fred McAfee currently wears the No. 25, so it's not exactly clear whether that number will definitely be worn by Bush.

[RamsFan4ever]

im not ordering a Bush jersey so i dont really care.... i already like the present number system.

[RamsFan16]

Why change it for one player? I like how they have the number system. I don't want Linebackers to start wearing 23 ond 12. I like the numbers in the 50s. keep it original!

[RamJackson39]

I can understand the problem. Ever since I started playing football, I have worn the #27. Now I have hopes of making it into the NFL. If the rule hasnt changed by then, you'll definately hear me petitioning. It's a good luck charm really. Players become superstitious.

To be honest, it would be hard for me to play in a different number.

[RamsFan4ever]

i know what ya mean..... i ve been wearing #85 my whole 4 year football career and i would hate it if i had to change...... i got to chose #85 cuz i play TE.... i could of chosen numbers in the 50's cuz i play LB too and i play DE so i could of chosen numbers in the 90's.... but i chose 85

[Milan]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I was gonna post the exact same thing.

[Drew4EverRams]

looks like Reggie"ive never played in the NFL but hey i want the rules changed just for me!"Bush........lost!

[AvengerRam]

Bush is certainly not demonstrating an awareness of what it means to show some humility. First, he seems to have negotiated himself out of being the No. 1 pick. Now, he's putting his own subjective desire to wear a certain number over the NFL rules.

Not off to a great start.