

MORE: Why NFL referees will call taunting penalties more in 2021 How much does it cost to change an NFL jersey number? "going to make for a lot of bad football." "Good luck trying to block the right people now !! !!," Brady wrote on his Instagram story when the rule change passed. Brady - whether he's just trolling in his old age or he legitimately does not like the rule change - thinks the rule could complicate matters for offenses. The number change hasn't been accepted by all: In fact, Tom Brady has been one of the more vocal critics of the rule. Same goes for punters, kickers and quarterbacks. The offensive and defensive lines, though, won't get any changes. With the number brackets relaxed and expanded, it opens up several more position groups outside of QB, punter and kicker to have single-digit numbers: Wide receivers, running backs and tight ends have greatly expanded number options moving forward. With COVID-19 changing roster rules in 2020 to include expanded practice squad rosters, the limitations on number assignments caused an issue for the Chiefs and several other teams in the NFL, leading to the proposal, which owners approved earlier in 2021. The Chiefs, who proposed the rule change, have four numbers retired in the 20-49 number range: That number grouping previously was reserved for running backs, linebackers and defensive backs.
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The sheer size of rosters (53 players in total, plus practice squad players) can make it difficult for teams to assign numbers to certain position groups, especially for teams which have more than a few retired numbers. The chief reason, though, comes from the team in Kansas City. There are a few reasons why the NFL decided to change the jersey mumber rules. Here's how the new number groupings break down: Position group

Now, that group has been expanded to include tight ends, wide receivers, running backs and defensive backs. Previously, only quarterbacks, punters and kickers could have single digit uniform numbers. MORE: What to know about NFL's COVID vaccine rules in 2021 What is the new NFL number rule?įor the 2021 NFL season, several position groups - namely wide receivers, tight ends, running backs - are getting fresh number brackets, meaning number options for an individual player have nearly tripled. Here's what you need to know about the NFL's changes for the 2021 season:

While it can be a bit discombobulating to watch, the reasoning behind the NFL's first major number rules change since the 1970s is actually a pretty good one. Your eyes don't deceive you: These are all legitimate numbers now for wide receivers, tight ends and backs, with the NFL relaxing the rules on which position groups can wear certain numbers moving forward. If you're an NFL fan, you might notice something looks a bit off when you're watching games this season: Receivers with single-digit numbers, running backs with numbers in the 80s, tight ends with numbers in the teens. NFL footage © NFL Productions LLC.Football is a game of inches - and numbers. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated.
