8 noteworthy NFL players who switched jersey numbers in 2024, like 49ers’ Deebo Samuel
robert zeglinski
·1 min read
Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
In the grand scheme of things, an NFL jersey number means absolutely nothing.
With last names on everyone's uniforms, a number doesn't even identify players on the field. It has no actual utility in practice. It is purely aesthetic, almost a fashion statement for fans and players who think certain numbers simply look better. It's an unspoken thread woven into mostly shallow conversations about the professional game.
But who am I kidding? Where's the fun if we can't track the style choices of skill players and headliners changing a small part of their gameday attire? Jersey numbers are a little thing that doesn't matter, but I'd be lying if I didn't track how many receivers aren't in the 80s these days.
As the 2024 NFL season opens, here are some of the most notable players and stars making jersey number switches that you should quickly notice.
1. RB D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears: #0 to #4
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 10: D'Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field following a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. The Bears won 33-6. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776171300 ORIG FILE ID: 2165748249
2. RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans: #32 to #2
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) celebrates his touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
3. CB Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots: #6 to #0
August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
4. WR Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers: #19 to #1
Jul 26, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) runs a pass route during Day 4 of training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
5. EDGE Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles: #94 to #19
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) in action against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
6. CB Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears: #33 to #0
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears reacts after an interception during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992347 ORIG FILE ID: 1750717320
7. WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets: #17 to #5
Jul 27, 2024; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) catches the ball during a drill during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
8. RB Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders: #35 to #3
Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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