NFL Approves Proposal That Loosens Restrictions on Jersey Numbers

Get ready to see more single-digit numbers!

CINCINNATI — Get ready to see more single-digit jersey numbers in NFL games. 

The league officially passed a proposal that will loosen restrictions on jersey numbers.

The new rule allows defensive backs and linebackers to wear any number from 1 to 49. Running backs, fullbacks, tight ends and wide receivers can all wear 1 to 49 and 80 to 89.

This won't impact quarterbacks, punters and kickers. They're still required to wear numbers 1 through 19. Linemen will still wear 50 to 79, and defensive linemen and linebackers can also wear 90 to 99.

That means an incoming rookie like LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase would be able to wear the number 1 with his new team. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith would be allowed to wear the number 6. 

Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins flirted with the idea of changing his number, but he plans on keeping 85. 

This is an interesting wrinkle that will change how things look during an NFL game this fall.

For the latest on free agency and the NFL Draft, bookmark AllBengals and check out some of our other articles below.

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James Rapien
JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien is the publisher of Bengals On SI. He's also the host of the Locked on Bengals podcast and Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. The Cincinnati native also wrote a book about the history of the Cincinnati Bengals called Enter The Jungle. Prior to joining Bengals On SI, Rapien worked at 700 WLW and ESPN 1530 in Cincinnati