On Tuesday, NFL owners voted to put the No. 0 back into its teams’ wardrobes—giving players, for the first time in 50 years, a chance to don the digit. So, that got us thinking—which Carolina Panthers players could be a hero with a zero?
Here are our six candidates for the new number.
(And remember, offensive and defensive linemen—despite being the best possible prospects for the number—are excluded in the rule.)
RB Miles Sanders
One of the few fresh free-agent signings who hasn’t at least hinted towards a number, Sanders may have to get creative. Not only is No. 26 already taken by cornerback Donte Jackson, but his Penn State digits of No. 4 and No. 24 are also occupied—by kicker Eddy Piñeiro and cornerback CJ Henderson.
Perhaps Sanders can use a little bit of that new money to buy himself a familiar number, but wouldn’t he look pretty cool slicing up defenses in 0?
FB Giovanni Ricci
Ricci’s already worn three different numbers in his three years with the organization (85, 87, and 45), so why not make it a fourth?
Also, a potential “GIOOOOO” chant just kinda lends itself to the 0.
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
The aesthetic alone makes Marshall Jr. a prime candidate for the switch. Who else is ready to see an athletic, big-bodied receiver catch passes and bodies in that No. 0?
But if we can get a little symbolic here—2023 will represent another beginning for the former, highly-touted second-round pick. Marshall Jr., who is still waiting to break out, can begin a new chapter with a new, bold look.
CB Jaycee Horn
Horn has seemingly already vied for the number, as his No. 8 would be folded up in the appearance of a No. 0 at times during the 2022 campaign. Plus, the 0.0 passer ratings he’s allowed makes it a fine fit.
So, even though we love a good Kobe Bryant tribute, maybe Horn was always meant for it.
S Xavier Woods
How about an X with the 0? And the double ‘o’ in Woods sorta kinda jives, no?
S Vonn Bell
Similarly to Sanders, Bell hasn’t tried to lay claim on a number yet.
He could go for the vacant No. 48 in a callback to his early New Orleans days. But there’s something cool about a No. 0 patrolling and leading the defense from over the top.
