The Chicago Bears couldn’t hide their excitement when they drafted Iowa center Logan Jones in the 2nd round last month. Head coach Ben Johnson admitted to feeling smitten with the young blocker from the moment he started watching Jones’ tape. He saw athleticism, intelligence, competitiveness, and plenty of polish. Everything about him as a player reflected what the Bears want from their players. That includes a deep love of the game and a willingness to play team-first football.
It appears Jones had no intention of arriving quietly at his first practice either. From the moment he hit the field for rookie minicamps, people took notice of his jersey number. It wasn’t #65 as he’d worn for years in college. He’d switch to something a little more…prestigious. That was #54. The iconic digit made famous by Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher was back on a Bears field for the first time since 2012. Jones stated that he chose the number both to honor the all-time great and also set the tone for others in the locker room.
“To see that number out in practice, it lets everybody think, ‘Oh, that was Brian Urlacher’s number.’ It’s kind of supporting his legacy and letting everybody see the legacy he left.”
Logan Jones certainly got everybody’s attention.
The Bears have the most retired jerseys of any NFL team to date at 14. Mike Ditka’s #69 was the last to earn that honor in 2013. Since then, the organization has been reluctant to do any more because there are only so many numbers allowed on a jersey, and a roster requires 90 players every training camp. That is why Urlacher and other Bears legends have seen theirs remain active. By the sound of things, the linebacker didn’t mind Jones asking for it. He’s more than happy to pass it on to a new generation.
This might also be a smart maneuver on Jones’ part. Historically, you’ll find that numbers in the 50s range worn by centers often lead to considerable success. NFL champion Mike Pyle wore #50 in the 1960s. Six-time Pro Bowler Olin Kreutz wore #57. Drew Dalman wore #52 last season and made the Pro Bowl. It’s been a fairly lucky range for centers in this organization. Logan Jones is plenty good enough to further that streak, and he’ll have some extra juice from Urlacher’s shadow along the way.
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It is time someone built on this legacy.
The truth is, the #54 wallowed in obscurity for decades in Bears history. No players of note wore it aside from the usual backups or temporary starters. Urlacher changed that when he arrived in 2000. It feels long past time for someone else to add to the legacy of this jersey, as multiple generations have done for its sister number, #55. It started with Doug Buffone, then moved to Otis Wilson, and finally to Lance Briggs. It would be incredibly fun if things took a unique twist by a center making the number relevant again compared to another linebacker.
Logan Jones is more than capable of making that happen. Many experts believe he was the best center in his draft class. Though on the older side, he has 51 games of experience and plenty of talent to excel at the NFL level. Combine this with the presence of head coach Ben Johnson, and you have the makings of a long career. One thing we’ve already learned is that Jones doesn’t feel overwhelmed by the idea of wearing Urlacher’s number. He’s thrilled at the prospect, and that is a key first step.
