New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is excited to switch things up, as he transitions from No. 51 on the back of his jersey to No. 11.
The No. 11 jersey was the playmaking slot receiver Julian Edelman’s old number from 2009-2020. Thornton gets to carry the numerical torch now, and he had a laugh with the media, following Thursday’s loss to the New York Giants.
He played well in his NFL debut with the new number, catching two passes for nine yards, including a touchdown in the first quarter. He made his contributions to a New England passing attack that recorded 256 yards through the air. With that in mind, he’s ultimately pleased with the number change.
“I feel a little bit better in eleven. I feel like it fits me more,” Thornton said at the post-game conference. “…Julian, he was a great receiver. I’m kind of proud to wear that number after him.”
Time will tell if he can fill Edelman’s shoes. Nevertheless, he put together a strong opening act to make his presence known in what is a crowded wide receiver room.
It will be intriguing to see if he can carry the positive momentum over to next Friday, when the Patriots take on the Carolina Panthers.
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