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.