New York Jets Receiver Mike Williams Reveals New Uniform Number

Recent New York Jets free agent signing Mike Williams wore No. 81 during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers but is choosing a one for Gang Green.

Sep 17, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets have a new look, and some of their players do, too.

On Monday, New York released their new uniforms, a tribute to the Jets of the 1980s. While a decisive upgrade over the last half-decade of uniforms, it still found a way to start some semblance of social media outrage.

That shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Much was made of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ decision last year. Would he wear Joe Namath’s sacred No. 12, or follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre, whose No. 4 has become infamous? In the end, he chose No. 8, and wore it for all of four plays.

Maybe that number is cursed, too.

New York ensured Rodgers’ second year in New Jersey would be better than the first. Along with the aesthetic upgrade, the Jets rebuilt their supporting cast, finding three new starting linemen – including future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith – and an upgrade along the boundary.

Former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike Williams will bring his catch-point prowess to an offense that needs a receiver who can win above the rim consistently. He’ll be doing it with a new jersey number.

After wearing No. 81 with the Chargers, Williams posted a picture of his locker’s nameplate, complete with No. 18 and a foreshadowing of a new font and color scheme. On Monday, it became clear that the sleek “Williams” would be a feature of the new uniforms.

As for the number itself, his reasoning hasn’t been revealed. Tight end Zack Kuntz currently has the rights to that number, but lacks the leverage to deny Williams if he wanted it. Perhaps Williams was fine settling for the next-best option, or there is some deeper meaning to the switch. With the Clemson Tigers, he wore No. 7.

Whatever number he’s wearing, Williams will be expected to contribute in a big way in 2024. He’s still recovering from an ACL tear suffered early last season, but seems to be on track for Week 1. The Jets were the worst team in the league in the red zone last season, and his proclivity for high-pointing passes could come in handy there.

He provides Rodgers with a trustworthy target that can turn 50/50 balls in the offense’s favor and a field stretcher to clear out space for Garrett Wilson.

With a few splash plays of his own, Williams could quickly find his No. 18 throughout MetLife Stadium.