On Tuesday, history was made at the annual NFL owners meetings.
NFL voted to allow players to wear the number “0” on their jerseys for the first time since 1973. Somewhere, former Raiders Hall of Fame center Jim Otto — who popularized the double zero on his uniform during his playing career in the 60s and 70s — is smiling from ear to ear.
The move comes after the league allowed skill positions to start wearing single digits in the year 2021. That probably only opened the doors to a decision like this that allowed for almost unilateral player number choice on their jerseys.
You know, look good (or feel good?), and play good:
NFL owners just approved the proposal to allow players to wear Number Zero, I’m told.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 28, 2023
Depending on who you are, there is some slightly bad news to this: Offensive and defensive linemen still can’t don the zero on their uniforms.
Here’s the full proposal that owners approved, allowing any player to wear Number Zero except offensive and defensive linemen.
Also, punters and placekickers can now wear numbers 0-49 and 90-99. CC: @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/7cqNoUBN1G
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 28, 2023
Jacksonville Jaguars’ star receiver Calvin Ridley has already announced he’ll be one of the first to wear zero on his jersey. But who should join him? Let’s take a look.
QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson is embroiled in something a bit more pertinent for now, but it’d be a lot of fun to watch him blaze around defenses with the zero on his back. Be it in Baltimore or elsewhere.
CB Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins
The newly-minted Dolphin would look pretty slick getting some picks while flying around the secondary in zero.
WR Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
The NFL’s best receiver needs a more unique number than 17, doesn’t he? Imagine Adams dunking on a cornerback while seeing “0” all over. A lot of fun!
S Eddie Jackson, Chicago Bears
Jackson was one of the players who took advantage of the single-digit change when he went from No. 39 to No. 4. For this ballhawk, No. 0 would look pretty cool!
TE Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
Pitts is one of the game’s top receiving talents but probably hasn’t established himself all that much yet. Why not do it while wearing 0?
WR A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles were the ones who proposed this change in the first place. It only makes sense that their best skill player, Brown, would take it upon himself to make a shift.
WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
Olave probably had a legit case for Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. No one will overlook wearing No. 0.
WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers
Perhaps the positionless player in the NFL, wouldn’t it be apt if the receiver/running back in Samuel just leaned into his responsibilities with this jersey number?
CB Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys
I can think of no cooler player on a bigger stage than a Dallas Cowboys ballhawk wearing No. 0. This was a match made in heaven for Diggs.
