NFL fans, get ready for a lot of fun changing jersey numbers.
The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that NFL owners have approved the proposal regarding changes to the jersey numbers, based on sources who were aware of the situation.
The proposal, submitted by the Kansas City Chiefs, adjusted the restrictions on who can wear which jersey numbers. Specifically, the approval unlocks the number of players eligible to wear single-digit numbers, previously relegated to QBs, kickers, and punts.
The elaborate jerseys allow running backs, tight ends, fullbacks, H-backs and wide receivers to wear numbers 1-49 and 80-89; defensive backs can choose from 1-49; linebackers 1-59 and 90-99; offensive linemen 50-79; and defensive linemen 50-79 and 90-99. QB’s, kickers and punts remain in 1-19.
Extensive practice shifts as a result of the COVID-19 led to some problems with the number of clubs last year, speeding up the number use change.
A plethora of players could try to switch numbers, particularly skill position players and defensive backs who could move to single digit numbers they wore in college or younger years.
Other issues the clubs undertook at Wednesday’s rally, per Pelissero:
- The competition approved extensive stand-to-official communication. The hope is that the increase in allowed communications will lead to fewer errors in objective calls that are clearly seen on television.
- An onside kick proposal from the league committee to restrict the receiving team to players in the “setup zone” was approved. The hope is that the tweak will help make onside kicks easier for the kicking teams to recover.
- With the league committee’s proposal about passing the onside kicks, the Eagles submitted their fourth-and-15 alternate. Pelissero noted that Philly still believes in his motion to add a fourth-and-15 option to maintain possession, but agreed to try out the onside kick change this year. The Eagles could return their proposal next year.
- Owners have eliminated pre-season overtime. It was a no-brainer change. Coaches often avoided a tie in the preseason, but the rule makes overtime not an option in exhibition games.
- The proposal to change the hiring cycles of GM and head coach – shifting the start of interviews for all clubs to after the championship games of the conference and no hires until after the Super Bowl – was submitted for more discussion by the diversity committee, per Pelissero. The Buffalo Bills proposed the change to the cycle.
- Owners adopted a rule proposed by Chicago to ensure that any accepted penalties committed by both teams on consecutive attempts to try extra points are carried out.
- The league adopted a rule proposed by the Los Angeles Rams to add a loss of down to a penalty for a second forward pass from behind the line and for a pass thrown after the ball is behind the line returned.
According to Pelissero, a focus of the NFL league committee’s report will be on harassment, said Chairman Rich McKay. Pelissero adds that the feeling within the coaches’ subcommittee is that officials have become lax about players facing each other, going over people, pointing their fingers, etc.