Tom Brady takes issue with the NFL relaxing the digits rule

TAMPA — Uniform numbers mean a lot to Tom Brady. Shortly after signing with the Bucs last season, he asked receiver Chris Godwin to give up No. 12. The Bucs receiver obliged.

But when the NFL announced owners had voted to relax a rule regarding jersey numbers at certain positions, Brady took issue.

On social media, Brady posted a story about some rules changes and wrote DUMB across the top.

“Why not let the linemen wear whatever they want, too,” Brady said. “Why have numbers? Just have colored jerseys ... why not wear the same number?...DUMB @nfl @nflpa.”

There are only a few numbers that should mean something to Brady. Seven. The number of Super Bowl rings he has. Eight. The next one he’s pursuing. Twenty-one. The number of seasons he’s played. Also 44, which he’ll turn in August.

Why Brady would care about receivers, running backs or linebackers being allowed to wear single digits because of the expanded rosters and practice squads due to COVID-19 is anyone’s guess.

• • •

Sign up for the Bucs RedZone newsletter to get updates and analysis on the latest team and NFL news from Bucs beat writer Joey Knight.

Never miss out on the latest with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida college sports and more. Follow our Tampa Bay Times sports team on Twitter and Facebook.