Garrett Wilson's Preseason Preference Coming to Fruition

Jets' WR1 returning to his college jersey number after punter ceremoniously passes the torch

Garrett Wilson made his jersey number preference clear last April, and the situation is unfolding to his liking.

The New York Jets' top wide receiver committed to wearing No. 17 for the 2023 season, but planned a switch to his college number in 2024. After his second straight season sporting 17, the 2022 first-round draft pick will don No. 5 moving forward.

In 2023, the coveted jersey number belonged to veteran punter Thomas Morstead, who publicly passed the baton to Wilson on locker clean-out day in Florham Park. Posting on the social media site formerly known as Twitter, Morstead shared a photo of himself physically handing a No. 5 jersey to Wilson.

Including a message in the post, Morstead said "Honored to pass #5 to GW."

The 23-year-old Wilson has kicked off his NFL career by posting back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. After 1,103 yards on 83 receptions en-route to the 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Wilson made 95 grabs for 1,042 yards as a second-year pro.

Quarterback Mike White, who left through free agency last offseason, wore 5 during Wilson's rookie year with the Jets. In his final season competing for Ohio State, Wilson earned All-America First Team honors while donning a No. 5 jersey. He logged 1,134 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games during the 2021 NCAA campaign.

Morstead is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and the Jets likely have a high interest in re-signing the 37-year-old punter. The grizzled veteran was both reliable and effective for Brant Boyer's special teams unit in 2023. Should he return, Morstead will have to find a new number. 

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