Learn which NFL players can wear which jersey numbers.
NFL players in certain positions now have more jersey numbers to choose from.
An update to the NFL Rulebook allows defensive backs, tight ends, wide receivers, running backs, fullbacks, H-backs and linebackers to choose from a wider range of available numbers, including single digit numbers.
Here’s how players can now suit up after the update:
Position | Numbers Available (2020 season and earlier) | Numbers Available (2023 season and beyond) |
| Quarterbacks | 1–19 | 0–19 |
Punters and placekickers | 1–19 | 0–49 and 90–99 |
Defensive backs | 20–49 | 0–49 |
Running backs, fullbacks and H-backs | 20–49 | 0–49 and 80–89 |
Tight ends | 40–49 and 80–89 | 0–49 and 80–89 |
Wide receivers | 10–19 and 80–89 | 0–49 and 80–89 |
Offensive linemen | 50–79 | |
Defensive linemen | 50–79 and 90–99 | |
Linebackers | 40–59 and 90–99 | 0–59 and 90–99 |
The rule change proposal was submitted by the Kansas City Chiefs to the NFL Competition Committee and approved by owners on April 21, 2021. After practice squads were expanded for the 2020 season, some teams did not have enough jersey numbers available at certain positions.
On March 28, 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles proposal to the NFL Competition Committee was approved by owners to allow greater flexibility to jersey numbers including wearing the number zero.
History of NFL Jersey Number Rules
1973
Jersey numbers first standardized by position group across NFL.
AP/Al Messerschmidt
1979
Defensive linemen allowed to wear 90-99; centers allowed to wear 60-79.
AP/Greg Trott
1984
Linebackers allowed to wear 90-99.
AP/Greg Trott
2004
Wide receivers allowed to wear 10-19.
AP/John Froschauer
2010
Defensive linemen allowed to wear 50-59.
AP/Butch Dill
2015
Linebackers allowed to wear 40-49.
AP/Aaron M. Sprecher
2021
NFL adopts current expanded positional numbering rules.
AP/Ryan Kang
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