A Look Behind Some of the Giants New Jersey Number Assignments
Here's a look at the New Jersey number assignments and the stories/histories behind the jersey numbers. All research via Pro Football Reference's uniform number history.
0, Edge Brian Burns
Burns, who wore the number zero last year in Carolina once the number became approved for usage, becomes the second Giants player to don the goose egg, following in receiver Parris Campbell's footsteps.
2, QB Drew Lock
Lok takes over No. 2, previously worn by quarterback Tyrod Taylor--fitting if you consider that Lock, like Taylor, is QB2 on the roster.
3, CB Deonte Banks
The second-year cornerback steps into receiver Sterling Shepard's old jersey number. Banks, who wore No. 33 at Maryland for three seasons before switching to No. 3 for his final campaign, was No. 25 last season.
21, DB Jalen Mills
Mills takes on No. 21, worn last year by two Giants players: defensive back Bobby McCain and kicker Mason Crosby. Longer-tenured Giants who have won the jersey number include running back Tiki Barber, safety Jabrill Peppers, and safety Landon Collins.
26, RB Devin Singletary
Singletary, who has worn No. 26 with the Bills and Texans, saw no reason to change that now that he is with the Giants, even though the departure of the previous wearer of No. 26, running back Saquon Barkley, still stings for some Giants fans, and those in particular who own that jersey.
63, IOL Jimmy Morrissey
No. 63 was last worn by center J.C. Hassenauer, who never made it out of training camp after suffering a season-ending injury. Morrissey wore No. 67 in college for Pittsburgh.
64, IOL Aaron Stinnie
Stinnie takes over No. 64, previously worn by Mark Gowisnki, who was cut just before the free agency period. Stinnie becomes the 12th member of the franchise to wear that number.
65, OL Austin Scholttmann
Schlottman takes the jersey number previously worn by offensive lineman Sean Harlow. Before Harlow, notable Giants offensive linemen who wore No. 65 included Nick Gates, Will Beatty, Grey Ruegamer, and Bart Oates.
70 OT Yodney Cajuste
Offensive linemen Weston Richburg, Patrick Omameh, Kevin Zeitler, and Korey Cuningham previously wore Cajuste's No. 70.
72, G/T Jermaine Eluemunor
Eluemunor told reporters he chose No. 72 in honor of a famous Giants alumnus who wore the number (OSi Umenyiora, who, like Eluemunor, is London-born). Eluemunor wore the number in New England in 2020 and again with the Raiders.
76, IOL Jon Runyan Jr
Interestingly, No. 76 hasn't been worn by a Giant on the 53-man roster since Jon Feliciano donned it in 2022. Before him, Nate Solder and Ereck Flowers wore the jersey, but perhaps the most famous and best Giants offensive lineman to wear it was Chris Snee. Runyan wore No. 76 with the Packers.
81, WR Chase Cota
Bota's jersey number makes its first known appearance since 2021 when Alex Bachman wore it. The number was made famous thanks to Super Bowl XLII champion receiver Amani Toomer. Cota wore 23 at UCLA and Oregon.
85, TE Chris Manhertz
Interstingly, Giants members haven't worn No. 85 as much in recent years. The last to wear it was tight end Chris Myarick in 2022. No. 85 was the jersey number of Super Bowl XLII hero David Tyree of the "Helmet Catch" fame.
In his pro career, Manhertz has worn jersey numbers 86, 82, and 84. However, other teammates are currently wearing all three numbers.
87, WR Isaiah McKenzie
Ever since Sterling Shepard (who wore the number from 2016 to 2020) gave up, the two players who had worn this number had had a quick cup of coffee with the team before moving on: Marcus Johnson and Dylan Drummond. McKenzie, nicknamed "Lil Dirty," has never worn 87 in the pros or college.
No. 89 TE Jack Stoll
Fun fact. Back in the day before he switched to 81, receiver Amani Toomer wore jersey No. 89. So too did tight ends Mark Bavaro and Dan Campbell (now the Lions head coach), and Super Bowl XLII hero Kevin Boss.
Lately, however, those who have worn the number weren't long for the team, such as receiver Kadarius Toney and tight ends Nick Vannett and Tommy Sweeney. Stoll likely chose this number because he wore it from 2021-2023 with the Eagles.
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