May 16th 2006
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9443291
Based on the NFL's Competition Committee's current talks, it doesn't seem likely it will make any exceptions for number changes this year. But based on how those talks go -- and they will continue at the owners meetings next week in Denver -- a change could be implemented for next season.
The biggest question would be -- and this is an issue the competition committee will grapple with -- is what numbers would be changed? And what positions would be affected?
As it is now, a jersey number system that was adopted in April 1973 is in effect and the competition committee must recommend to teams certain changes. Then there must be 24 teams that approve those changes for them to take effect.
What those changes even would be remains clouded, but it is thought to include running backs wearing numbers 1 through 19. As it is now, they can only wear numbers 20 through 49.
The rest of the number-range chart is like this:
1-9 -- Quarterbacks, kickers
10-19 -- Quarterbacks, receivers, kickers
20-49 -- Running backs, defensive backs
50-59 -- Centers, linebackers
60-79 -- Defensive linemen, offensive linemen
80-89 -- Receivers, tight ends
90-99 -- Defensive linemen, linebackers
This is from the 1998 Official Ruls of the NFL.
Rule 5 Article 4 states:
All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with rule
5 Section 3 Article 3c ( just describes the size of the numbers) and
such numbers must be by playing position as follows: quarterbacks,
punters, and placekickers, 1-19 (and 10-19 for wide receivers if 80-89
are all otherwise assignd); running backs and defensive backs, 20-49:
centers, 50-59 (60-79 if 50-59 unavailable); offensive guards and
tackles, 60-79; wide receivers and tight ends, 80-89; defensive linemen,
60-79 (90-99 if 60-79 unavbailable) and linbackers 50-59 (90-99 if 50-59
unavailable). If a player changes his position during his playing career
in the NFL and such change moves him out of a category specified above
he must be issued an approprite new jersey numeral. Any request to wear
a numeral for a special position not specified (e.g. H-back) must be
made to the commissioner. During the preseason period when playing
rosters are larger the league will allow duplication and other temproary
deviations from the numbering scheme specified above, but the rule must
be adheres to for all players during the regular season and postseason.
Clubs must make numerals available to adhere to the rule even if it
requires putting back into circulation a numeral that has been retired
or withheld for othr reasons.
