Tag: numbers

Derek Carr confirms his New Orleans Saints jersey number

Derek Carr confirmed his New Orleans Saints jersey number, but what about Blake Gillikin? The free agent punter has a tough decision in front of him:

This is a tough scene: if he’s back with the New Orleans Saints in 2023, young punter Blake Gillikin won’t be wearing the same jersey number. NewOrleans.Football’s Mike Triplett reported that the team’s big free agent pickup Derek Carr will continue to wear the No. 4 jersey he’s used all throughout his playing career, which was confirmed by Nola.com’s Luke Johnson.

Gillikin’s contract with the Saints expired, making him a restricted free agent, though he’s a good pick to return to the team on a new deal. And when he does, he’ll be wearing a new jersey number (Triplett adds that Gillikin gave Carr his blessing to pick No. 4, which was a nice gesture).

What number Gillikin will pick if he returns is anyone’s guess: he wore No. 93 in college at Penn State and No. 33 in high school, neither of which are eligible for NFL punters. Best of luck to him in sorting that out, but first he and the Saints need to hammer out a contract.

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Notre Dame-Ohio State: Examining the rare Buckeyes home losses in last 10 years

There are certainly some commonalities here…

2012 feels like it was forever ago as both Notre Dame and Ohio State fans remember the campaign well.  Notre Dame ran the table during the regular season, going 12-0 and earning a spot in the BCS national championship game that ended horribly against mighty Alabama.

Ohio State also went 12-0 that regular season, their first under [autotag]Urban Meyer[/autotag], but were banned from playing in the postseason.  Since the start of that year the Buckeyes have hosted 67 games at Ohio Stadium and lost just three.

10 seasons have now passed since that 2012 campaign and both Notre Dame and Ohio State have seen assistants replace their then-head coaches, but in that stretch the Buckeyes have managed to lose just three games on their home turf.

I can’t reiterate that enough.

Ten years and three home losses.

In case you were wondering it took Charlie Weis just eight home contests to lose three times at Notre Dame Stadium and it took Brian Kelly just six tries to lose three home games during his first season as head coach.

So back to Ohio State – who were those three games against, what did they have in common with what Notre Dame has in store, and how big of upsets were each of them?

Ohio State has gone an absurd 64-3 at home since the start of the 2012 season, just to further emphasize that.

Here is a deeper look at those three.

Saints’ 90-man offseason roster by jersey number

The Saints’ rookies and free agent pickups have chosen their initial jersey numbers, so it’s a good time to catch up on the 90-man offseason roster, via @DillySanders:

We have reached the part of the New Orleans Saints’ offseason where we finally have some jersey numbers for rookies and other new arrivals to the team. There are also some players changing numbers. Others haven’t even worn their new Saints jerseys yet, so we don’t have photos for all of them.

It is important to note that these numbers are subject to change throughout the season as the roster gets cut down before Week 1. Numbers will start to open up and players will want to jump on the opportunity to change.

For now though, here is the Saints’ 90-man roster sorted by their jersey number:

Broncos announce jersey numbers for 2022 draft class

Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike will wear No. 96, previously work by Shelby Harris in Denver.

Ahead of rookie minicamp this weekend, the Denver Broncos announced jersey numbers for their 2022 NFL draft class. Here’s the list, courtesy of the team’s official website:

OLB Nik Bonitto: No. 42

TE Greg Dulcich: No. 80

CB Damarri Mathis: No. 27

DE Eyioma Uwazurike: No. 96

S Delarrin Turner-Yell: No. 32

WR Montrell Washington: No. 12

C Luke Wattenberg: No. 60

DE Matt Henningsen: No. 91

CB Faion Hicks: No. 29

Uwazurike choosing to wear No. 96 is fitting given that he will be among the candidates to replace Shelby Harris, who wore No. 96 with the Broncos from 2017-2021. Harris was traded to the Seattle Seahawks as part of the trade for quarterback Russell Wilson earlier this offseason.

Denver is expected to sign 13 more undrafted rookie free agents, but the team will have to make some corresponding moves to make room for the UDFAs on the 90-man offseason roster. Those 13 signings will likely become official soon, followed by number announcements for those additional rookies.

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The Lakers did something extremely cool with their numbers but Dwight Howard ruined it

Dwight. Please change your number.

The Lakers did something extremely cool with their numbers this season.

Each player’s number goes in sequential order from 0 to 7 and then from 9 to 12. Of course, they skipped 8 because Kobe Bryant’s number is retired.

This is pretty awesome, of course. I feel like it’s rare we actually see players do something like this. It’s cool and fun. The only time I remember something similar happening is with the Charlotte Hornets last year.

It’s just too bad that Dwight Howard had to completely ruin the Lakers’ sequence.

While every other Laker has a number moving in some sort of order, Howard throws everything off with…39.

Man. 39 y’all. 39. Somebody has to get Dwight on the phone, man.

Now, look. I understand it’s a tricky situation. Howard has limited choices — both 13 and 8 are retired. It also might be too late to actually switch with the season basically here already.

But he could easily wear 00. That’s still available. Get him to switch to 00. Or maybe he can get Kendrick Nunn to switch to 00 and Howard can move back to 12.

I don’t know what needs to happen here but, man, something needs to happen. Can you imagine a lineup with Howard in 00 along with Russell Westbrook in 0, Trevor Ariza wearing 1, Wayne Ellington wearing 2, and Anthony Davis wearing 3?

Come on, yo. We need to see it. Somebody talk to Dwight. Make this happen. It’s too fun to not be a thing.

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Devonta Freeman picks new Saints jersey number, Tommylee Lewis changes again

The Saints assigned Devonta Freeman a new jersey number, while Tommylee Lewis has picked his fifth different number in black and gold:

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Devonta Freeman had a problem. Beyond going turncoat in the infamous Atlanta Falcons-New Orleans Saints rivalry, he had to pick a new jersey number — all of his previous choices were unavailable. He wore No. 24 with the Falcons (claimed by backup running back Dwayne Washington) and No. 31 on the New York Giants (already taken by undrafted defensive back Bryce Thompson), and the wrong choice could kill his chances of making the team before he even took the field for practice. After all, everyone knows your jersey’s aesthetics are more important than actual skill and ability. Right?

Anyway: Freeman took No. 34, which was previously assigned to rookie running back Stevie Scott III. Scott is now wearing No. 39, which doesn’t bode well for his chances of making the cut. That number hasn’t been right since Brandon Browner used it on an infamously-terrible Saints defensive effort. Freeman was eligible to wear No. 8, which he used in college at Florida State, but the Saints must have told him that wasn’t an option. Archie Manning remains the only player in franchise history to use it.

The same can’t be said for Marques Colston’s No. 12 jersey, though. That was snatched up by recently re-signed wideout Tommylee Lewis, who had previously picked No. 6. But when Marquez Callaway switched to No. 1 (freeing up No. 12), Lewis picked his fifth jersey with the Saints, adding to his past stints in Nos. 87, 11, 14, and 6. He never actually wore No. 6 — Alvin Kamara did, though — but it does work as a footnote to his Saints career.

So what gives? Why are the Saints bending over backwards to protect Manning’s legacy as the third-best quarterback in team history behind Drew Brees and Aaron Brooks? His jersey is off-limits but Colston’s isn’t as the greatest receiver to ever wear the fleur-de-lis? If that’s the case, Lewis may as well lean into it and take Brees’ vacated No. 9 while he’s here on his fourth or fifth tour.

This weird decision continues on with other jersey numbers for Pro Football Hall of Famers like Rickey Jackson’s No. 57 (assigned to long-shot linebacker Noah Spence) and Willie Roaf’s No. 77 (currently worn by backup defensive tackle Jalen Dalton). Even Steve Gleason’s iconic No. 37 is still in circulation (with practice squad running back Tony Jones Jr.). The Saints have given more respect to Manning than to much more deserving and better-accomplished players, and, at best, it’s weird.

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WR Zay Jones becomes Raiders first non-QB or ST to nab single-digit number under new rule

This year the league changed the rules on single-digit numbers, opening it up for positions other than quarterbacks or kickers/punters. The new rule allows skill position players, defensive backs, and linebackers to sport single-digit numbers. Even …

This year the league changed the rules on single-digit numbers, opening it up for positions other than quarterbacks or kickers/punters. The new rule allows skill position players, defensive backs, and linebackers to sport single-digit numbers.

Even with all the new Raiders rookies picking their numbers, none of them were given a single-digit number. The most likely seemed like it would be Trevon Moehrig who wore No. 7 at TCU.

The number was available to be taken. And as of the first day of OTA’s today, a Raiders player has officially taken it. And it was a player who wore the number in college too. But it isn’t Moehrig. He took No. 25. No, it’s wide receiver Zay Jones.

The veteran receiver switches from No. 12, which he wore the past two seasons for the Raiders, to No. 7, which he wore in college at East Carolina.

Jones may be the first non-QB, K, or P to jump on a single-digit number this season, but technically he is the second WR to ever wear a single-digit in Raiders’ history. Former QB turned WR Ronald Curry wore the number one for one game in 2002 before switching to 89.

That No. 1 is still unclaimed for Raiders along with No. 9. For what it’s worth, fourth-round safety Tyree Gillespie wore No. 9 in college at Missouri.

Along with Jones taking number seven, new WR Caleb Scott took No. 10.

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All Raiders new numbers, who wore it last and who wore it best

There are a lot of new members of the Raiders. And with them comes some new numbers handed out. So, let’s take a look at those numbers, noting who was the last to wear it and who wore it best in a Raiders uniform. WR Trey Quinn – 14 Last: WR Keon …

There are a lot of new members of the Raiders. And with them comes some new numbers handed out. So, let’s take a look at those numbers, noting who was the last to wear it and who wore it best in a Raiders uniform.

WR Trey Quinn – 14

Last: WR Keon Hatcher (2018)

Best: Fred Biletnikoff (1965-66)

WR John Brown – 15

Last: WR Nelson Agholor (2020)

Best: Tom Flores (1960-66)

WR Dillon Stoner – 16

Last: WR Tyrell Williams (2019-20)

Best: Jim Plunkett (1979-86)

WR Willie Snead IV – 17

Last: WR?RS Dwayne Harris (2018-19)

Best: WR/RS Dwayne Harris (2018-19)

WR DJ Turner – 19

Last: WR Ryan Grant (2019)

Best: QB Cotton Davidson (1962-68)

RB Kenyan Drake – 23

Last: RB Devontae Booker (2020)

Best: RB Charles Smith (1968-74)

FS Trevon Moehrig – 25

Last: S Erik Harris (2018-20)

Best: Fred Biletnikoff (1967-78)

CB Casey Hayward – 29

Last: CB Lamarcus Joyner (2019-20)

Best: CB Albert Lewis (1994-98)

RB Trey Ragas – 36

Last: Daryl Worley (2020)

Best: CB Terry McDaniel (1988-97)

SS Tyree Gillespee – 37

Last: CB Dylan Mabin (2020)

Best: CB Lester Hayes (1977-86)

CB Rasul Douglas – 38

Last: S Jeff Heath (2020)

Best: CB TJ Carrie (2014-17)

CB Nate Hobbs – 39

Last: CB Keith McGill (2014-17)

Best: LB Willie Hall (1975-78)

CB Shaun Crawford – 40

Last: RB Louis Rankin (2009)

Best: RB Pete Banaszak (1966-78)

CB TJ Morrison – 41

Last: RB Keith Smith (2018)

Best: LB Phil Villapiano (1971-79)

S Karl Joseph – 43

Last: LB Brady Sheldon (2017)

Best: DB George Atkinson (1968-77)

RB Garrett Groshek – 46

Last: DB Carl Kidd (1995-96)

Best: TE Todd Christensen (1979-88)

LB Divine Deablo – 49

Last: RB Jamize Olawale (2012-17)

Best: WR Mike Siani (1972-77)

DE Malcolm Koonce – 51

Last: DE Vic Beasley (2020)

Best: DE Aaron Wallace (1990-95)

LB Max Richardson – 54

Last: LB Raekwon McMillan (2020)

Best: LB Greg Biekert. (1993-2001)

DT Matt Dickerson – 56

Last: LB Justin Phillips (2019)

Best: LB Jeff Barnes (1977-87)

G Marquel Harrell – 61

Last: C Rodney Hudson (2015-20)

Best: C Rodney Hudson (2015-20)

C Jimmy Morissey – 65

Last: OL Jordan Devey (2019)

Best: T Barry Sims (1999-2007)

C/G Nick Martin – 66

Last: G Gabe Jackson (2014-20)

Best: G Gabe Jackson (2014-20)

OT Alex Leatherwood – 70

Last: T Sam Young (2020)

Best: T Henry Lawrence (1974-86)

OT Devery Hamilton – 73

Last: DT Maurice Hurst (2018-20)

Best: DL Dave Browning (1978-82)

DT Darius Stills – 79

Last: G Denver Kirkland (2016-18)

Best: T Bruce Davis (1979-87)

TE Nick Bowers – 82

Last: TE Jason Witten

Best: WR James Jett (1993-2002)

TE Matt Bushman – 84

Last: WR Cordarrelle Patterson (2017)

Best: WR Art Powell (1963-66)

TE Carson Williams – 86

Last: TE Lee Smith (2015-18)

Best: LB Gerald Irons (1970-75)

DE Yannick Ngakoue – 91

Last: DL Kendal Vickers

Best: DT Chester McGlockton (1992-97)

DT Solomon Thomas – 92

Last: DT Chris Smith

Best: DT Richard Seymour (2009-12)

DL Kendal Vickers – 93

Last: DT Daniel Ross (2020)

Best: DE Greg Townsend (1983-93, 97)

DT Darius Philon – 96

Last: DE Clelin Ferrell (2019-20)

Best: DT Darrell Russel (1997-01)

DT Quinton Jefferson – 97

Last: DT Maliek Collins (2020)

Best: DT Russell Maryland (1996)

DE Clelin Ferrell – 99

Last: DE Arden Key (2018-20)

Best: DE Sean Jones (1984-87)

Raiders rookie draft class get their numbers

With most of the Raiders’ free agent additions, including undrafted free agents, getting their official numbers, the last group to be made official was their seven draft picks. Those were announced today. * Subject to change * – Las Vegas Raiders …

With most of the Raiders’ free agent additions, including undrafted free agents, getting their official numbers, the last group to be made official was their seven draft picks. Those were announced today.

OT Alex Leatherwood – 70

FS Trevon Moehrig – 25

DE Malcolm Koonce – 56

LB Divine Deablo – 49

SS Tyree Gillespee – 37

CB Nate Hobbs – 39

C Jimmy Morissey – 65

Raiders were quick to add that these numbers are *subject to change*. Usually that happens when a number one of the rookies liked better, but wasn’t available initially, becomes available.

The only member of the class that got their college number was Leatherwood who wore 70 at Alabama. Moehrig (7) and Gillespee’s (9) numbers were available due to the new rule that allows their position to wear single digit numbers now, but for whatever reason they will be wearing 25 and 37 respectively.

You can also see all the Raiders free agent additions who got new numbers and those who changed numbers right here.

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New Raiders veterans get their numbers, others change numbers

Several new Raiders saw their new numbers made official today. The newest Raiders player Casey Hayward is the lone exception. But all of the previous free agent additions are now officially assigned numbers. Along with a couple of those new numbers …

Several new Raiders saw their new numbers made official today. The newest Raiders player Casey Hayward is the lone exception. But all of the previous free agent additions are now officially assigned numbers. Along with a couple of those new numbers there were a couple number changes.

Free agents

TE Nick Bowers – 82

WR John Brown – 15

DT Matt Dickerson – 51

CB Rasul Douglas – 29

RB Kenyan Drake – 23

G Marquel Harrell – 61

DT Quinton Jefferson – 97

S Karl Joseph – 43

C/G Nick Martin – 66

DE Yannick Ngakoue – 91

DT Darius Philon – 96

WR Trey Quinn – 14

WR Willie Snead IV – 17

DT Solomon Thomas – 92

TE Carson Williams – 86

Number changes

DE Clelin Ferrell – 99 (formerly 96)

Notes: Ferrell wore 99 at Clemson. Arden Key wore it last season and was cut this offseason.

DL Kendal Vickers – 93 (formerly 91)

Notes: Yannick Ngakoue takes 91. Daniel Ross wore 93 last season and was not brought back.

Undrafted rookies

TE Matt Bushman – 84

CB Shaun Crawford – 40

RB Garrett Groshek – 46

OT Devery Hamilton – 73

CB TJ Morrison – 41

RB Trey Ragas – 36

LB Max Richardson – 54

DT Darius Stills – 79

WR Dillon Stoner – 16

WR DJ Turner – 19

The 2021 draft class has not yet gotten official numbers as of yet. The entire class is supposed to arrive at the Raiders facility next weekend for the first time.

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