Mekhi Becton eyes new number if NFL changes jersey rule

Tyler Greenawalt
·1 min read
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One of the more intriguing potential rule changes in the NFL revolves around the numbers on jerseys.

The Chiefs recently proposed a change that would give players more freedom in their numerical choices. Previously, players have been restricted to a limited range of numbers corresponding to specific positions. The new rule is likely to be approved, according to NBC Sports’ Peter King.

Here’s how King broke down the wider ranges of numbers players at different positions would be allowed to pick from:

QB, punter, kicker: 1-19.
RB, TE, WR: 1-49, 80-89.
DB: 1-49.
LB: 1-59, 90-99.
OL: 50-79.
DL: 50-79, 90-99.

This proposed rule change spurred a lot of discussion on social media about players grabbing new numbers, including Jets offensive lineman Mekhi Becton. He tweeted that he wanted the ever-coveted No. 1 jersey — and the Jets’ Twitter account obliged.

“That’s clean,” Becton tweeted back.

Becton may have competition for that number, though. Wide receiver Jaleel Scott currently owns the No. 1 jersey and quarterback prospects Zach Wilson and Justin Fields wore No. 1 in college. If the Jets draft either, they’d surely want to keep their number.

Luckily for the rookies, Becton wouldn’t be allowed to wear No. 1 anyway, according to the proposed rule.

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