KNOXVILLE — The NCAA recently approved a rule that will make the No. 0 legal for the nation’s college football teams.
The number has never been authorized for in-game wear in high school or college football.
George Plimpton was wore No. 0 in the preseason when he played quarterback for the Detroit Lions.
Jim Otto wore No. 00 during most of his career with the Oakland Raiders and Ken Burrough. a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Houston Oilers also sported the number during his time in Houston.
Both numbers were taken out of circulation by the NFL after 1973 and Burrough was the last NFL player to wear No. 00.
The No. 0 is commonly worn by defensive backs and kick and punt returners in the Canadian Football League.
Both 0 and 00 are authorized in the NBA and college basketball. Both numbers are in use by Major League Baseball.
The NBA’s Portland Trailblazers had players wear both numbers during the 2019-20 season. Damian Lillard wears No. 0 for Portland and Carmelo Anthony is No. 00.