NFL passes new jersey rules, will allow more players to wear single-digit numbers - MassLive.com

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Get ready for a lot more NFL players to have jersey numbers in the teens and single digits.

On Wednesday, the league announced that is had passed a proposed rule that would loosen the league’s restrictions on which players can wear which numbers. In particular, the changes will allow a much larger range of players to wear typically under-utilized numbers in the 1-19 range.

Here’s what numbers players at each position will be able to wear under the new rules:

Quarterbacks/Kickers: 1-19 (unchanged)

Running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, H-backs, receivers: 1-49, 80-89

Offensive linemen: 50-79 (unchanged)

Defensive linemen: 50-79, 90-99 (unchanged)

Linebackers: 1-59, 90-99

The push to expand jersey number options comes amid changes to NFL rosters in recent years. With practice squads expanding and more and more numbers being retired for franchises, teams have begun to run into issues where multiple players where a single number of the course of a season.

The new rule change would prevent that from happening, with the availability of numbers 1-19 likely to draw the eyes of players.

The new jersey numbers rules are now similar to the number scheme in college football, where star players at receiver, running back and defensive positions typically wear low numbers.

For reference, here’s how the jersey numbers currently work:

Quarterbacks/kickers: 1-19

Running backs and defensive backs: 20-49

Centers: 50-79

Offensive tackles and guards: 60-79

Wide receivers: 10-19, 80-89

Defensive linemen: 50-79, 90-99

Linebackers: 40-59, 90-99

While the NFL has long been strict with jersey numbers during the regular season, they have had relaxed rules during the preseason, allowing receivers to wear single-digit numbers while teams have expanded rosters. Now with the new rule, we may start to see that in the regular season soon.