The Philadelphia Eagles are trying to bring back the number 0 as an eligible jersey number, per a new report from The Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler.
Per Kahler, the NFL made a change to allow single-digit numbers to spread across a variety of positions in 2021. However, the Eagles might actually need No. 0 for logistical reasons because of that rule amendment.
“Philadelphia retired No. 5 and No. 15 for quarterback Donavan McNabb and halfback Steve Van Buren, respectively, and with so many positions now eligible to wear single-digit numbers (Eagles linebacker Haason Redidck wears No. 7 and receiver Devonta Smith wears No. 6) the team, and likely many others in the league, needs the No. 0 to provide some relief from crowding,” Kahler wrote.
Here’s more:
The single digit numeral 0 and the double digit 00 used to be in rotation before the NFL standardized jersey numbers in 1973 (Raiders center Jim Otto was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as No. 00).
For those who have long wanted for the NFL to do what the NBA does and allow their players to rock a “0” or a “00” on their jerseys, it looks like Philly is going to try and make it happen.
The Eagles submitted a proposal to add the No. 0 for player jerseys, according to a source briefed on the matter. 0 has not been used since the nfl standardized jersey numbers in 1973 https://t.co/MK01uZdRsS
— Kalyn Kahler (@kalynkahler) February 28, 2023
However, Kahler adds that there is no plan yet as to what the NFL will do to respond to the Eagles’ proposal:
The issue was on the agenda for the committee to review this week in Indianapolis. There’s no update yet on how the committee responded to Philadelphia’s proposal.
The NFL really should just allow the No. 0 to return to the league after such a long hiatus. It feels like a win-win situation that gives teams more logistical options for jersey numbers and gives fans a new way to add to their jersey collections. Let’s hope this rule goes forth sooner than later.