The NFL is always searching for ways to keep their game fresh and interesting. This is often done through minor tweaks of their rulebook. One that nobody put much thought into but came across as rather unique was expanding the range of jersey numbers certain position groups are allowed to wear. Then if certain players were willing to buy out the inventory of their original numbers, they’d be allowed to switch. It would appear a number of Chicago Bears have taken advantage of his opportunity.
Artie Burns wore the #24 last year when he signed with the Bears. Sadly he tore his ACL before getting a chance to play. Now he’s giving himself a fresh start by switching to #25, the number he wore in Pittsburgh. Wide receiver Javon Wims also made a change. Having worn the #83 since being drafted back in 2018, he’s moving over to #15. It isn’t clear why he decided to do this but rookie Dazz Newsome will take over his original number.
Then there is Eddie Jackson.
The two-time Pro Bowl safety is easily the most interesting shift. After donning the #39 for the previous four years, he’s put a period on that era. Moving forward, Jackson has decided to don the #4. The same number he wore throughout his college career at Alabama. This means he’ll officially be the first Bears defensive back to take advantage of the new rule that allows them to wear a single-digit jersey.
There were some other interesting shifts as well. New running back Damien Williams followed Jackson’s lead, securing his grip on the #8, becoming the first non-QB to wear it since Adam Podlesh back in 2013. New wide receiver Marquise Goodwin also switched things up. After wearing the #11 for years in San Francisco, he took over the #84 from the departed Cordarrelle Patterson. Goodwin wore that number in college at Texas.
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Switching things up. 🔀 pic.twitter.com/cmwhciO4f8
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 14, 2021
Interesting Chicago Bears jersey choices didn’t end there
The 2021 draft class also received their numbers as well. Headlining the fun was of course their top pick Justin Fields. He wasn’t exactly subtle with his choice, securing the #1. The same number he wore at Ohio State. Fields may not be boastful with his words but wearing that digit certainly sends a message about how he views himself. What makes it even better is he’s officially the first Bears quarterback to ever wear it.
Second round pick Teven Jenkins will wear the #76 moving forward. Rather fitting given that was Steve McMichael’s number. Fellow tackle and 5th round choice Larry Borom will take over the Kyle Long jersey of #75. Running back Khalil Herbert will wear #24, conveniently vacated by Burns while Newsome grabbed #83 as stated earlier. Final 6th round pick, cornerback Thomas Graham took over #27. An interesting choice and perhaps a sign that longtime special teams ace Sherrick McManis won’t be returning.
Seventh round pick Khyiris Tonga caps it off with the #95.
Easily the most jarring change that will take some getting used to is Jackson. Chicago Bears fans who bought that #39 probably aren’t too happy that he won’t be wearing it anymore. Not that he cares. This rule is something a number of players have probably pushed for going back years. Now they finally get to take advantage.