Squad number (2024)

A system of assignment of jersey numbers was initiated in American football's NFL in 1952; it was updated and made more rigid in 1973, and has been modified slightly since then. Numbers are always worn on the front and back of a player's jersey, and so-called "TV numbers" are worn on the sleeve or shoulder. The Cincinnati Bengals were the last NFL team to wear jerseys without TV numbers on a regular basis in 1980, though since then several NFL teams have worn throwback uniforms without them, as their jersey designs predated the introduction of TV numbers. In 2007, the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers wore throwback jerseys without TV numbers. Players' last names, however, are required on all uniforms, even throwbacks which predate the last name rule. Since 2008, TV numbers have not been mandatory under NFL rules.Some uniforms also feature numbers either on the front, back, or sides of the helmet (in pro football, these were most prominently worn on the San Diego Chargers "powder-blue" uniforms). Players have often asked the NFL for an exception to the numbering rule. In 2006, for example, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush requested to keep the number 5 he wore in college. His request was declined, and he was assigned number 25 by the team.Below is the numbering system established by the NFL, and in place since 1973:

  • Numbers 1 to 19 are worn by quarterbacks, kickers, and punters. Since 2004, wide receivers are also allowed to wear numbers between 10 and 19 if they so choose, even if there is an 80-89 number available. In the rare event that all numbers from 10-19 and 80-89 are taken, receivers are allowed to wear single digit numbers, such as Biren Ealy, current NFL Free Agent, on the Baltimore Ravens then wore a single digit number in the 2009 Preseason.
  • Numbers 20 to 49 are worn by running backs, tight ends (who may wear a number between 40-49 when 80-89 are unavailable), cornerbacks and safeties.
  • Numbers 50 to 59 are worn by linebackers and centers.
  • Numbers 60 to 79 are worn by tackles, guards and defensive linemen (the defensive ends, defensive tackles or nose guard).
  • Numbers 80 to 89 are worn by wide receivers and tight ends.
  • Numbers 90 to 99 are worn by linebackers and defensive linemen. In use since 1984.
  • Numbers 0 and 00 are no longer used, though they were issued in the NFL before the number standardization in 1973. George Plimpton wore 0 during a brief preseason stint at quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Jim Otto ("aught-oh") wore number "00" during most of his career with the Oakland Raiders. Wide receiver Ken Burrough of the Houston Oilers also wore "00" during his NFL career in the 1970s.

This NFL numbering system is based on a player's primary position. Any player wearing any number may play at any position at any time (though players wearing numbers 50-79 must let the referee know that they are playing out of position by reporting as an "ineligible number in an eligible position"). It is not uncommon for running backs to line up at wide receiver on certain plays, or to have a lineman or linebacker play at fullback or tight end in short yardage situations. In preseason games, when teams have expanded rosters, players may wear numbers that are outside of the above rules. When the final 53-player roster is established, they are reissued numbers within the above guidelines.This numbering system originated in football's past when all teams were using some variation of the single wing formation on offense. When teams switched to the T-formation in the 1930s and 40s, the numbers were taken with them to whatever position evolved from the old single wing position. The system was first used in college football and was used only informally in the NFL until 1952; under the original, somewhat informal system, the backs were numbered 1-4, and the line 5-8. Tailbacks or left halfbacks therefore had a number in the 10s. The blocking back, which evolved into the quarterback in the T formation, had a number in the 20s. The fullback had a number in the 30s and the right halfback had a number in the 40s. On the offensive line, the center was in the 50s, the guards were in the 60s, the tackles were in the 70s and the ends were in the 80s.In earlier times, defensive players would wear a number that reflected their offensive position, as many players played both offense and defense. For example, quarterbacks and halfback would usually play in the defensive backfield and so had numbers in the 10s, 20s and 40s. Fullbacks were often linebackers and had numbers in the 30s; Centers and guards were linebackers as well and had numbers in the 50s and 60s respectively. Guards and tackles played the defensive guard and tackle positions and had numbers in the 60s and 70s respectively. Ends had numbers in the 80s - split ends would be cornerbacks and tight ends would be defensive ends. The All-America Football Conference (AAFC) had a different numbering system with quarterbacks in the 60s, fullbacks in the 70s, halfbacks in the 80s, ends in the 50s, tackles in the 40s, guards in the 30s and centers in the 20s. When the AAFC merged with the NFL in 1950, the AAFC players kept their old uniform numbers which caused confusion and resulted in the NFL moving to a standard numbering system in 1952. This resulted in many established players having to change their numbers in mid-career. Most notably, Cleveland Browns quarterback Otto Graham had to switch from number 60 to number 14. Though the Hall of Famer was more well-known with number 60, the Browns ironically retired the number 14 in his honor while number 60 remains in circulation. His fellow Hall of Fame teammate, Lou Groza, was allowed to keep number 76 (also retired by the Browns) despite playing kicker until his retirement in 1967 since he was also an offensive tackle.

Squad number (2024)

FAQs

Squad number? ›

Squad numbers are used in association football to identify and distinguish players that are on the field.

How do you pick a squad number? ›

Choose the same number as your favorite athlete: Most players have a favorite in the big leagues they look up to both on and off the field. If you have a favorite big leagues player, choosing the same number as them is a great way to pay them tribute.

What is a 7 in soccer? ›

The No. 7 shirt is reserved for wingers and second strikers, though there are some examples of legendary central strikers who have worn the shirt, thus giving the number classic status.

Why is number 10 special in football? ›

10 is almost always an attacking midfielder. Their job is to act as the team's attacking playmaker, and to give support and service to tha main striker. The most famous example of this position in the modern game would be Lionel Messi. Strikers can wear the No.

What is no 9 in football? ›

The number 9 is allocated to the center forward position, which is also known as the striker. The number 9 is recognized as the biggest goal-scoring threat in the team and carries the responsibility of scoring goals for the team as frequently as possible.

What is the luckiest jersey number? ›

Seven was the most popular choice for both men and women. The survey revealed some other findings, too.

What do squad numbers mean? ›

Squad numbers are used in association football to identify and distinguish players that are on the field.

What is a 9 in soccer? ›

9 – Striker / Center Forward – Strikers have one aim: to convert passing plays into a goal. That means they'll need to be good with their heads and their feet and quick enough to turn the defenders inside out. They'll also need to be in the right place at the right time to receive passes.

What is a 8 in soccer? ›

What is a number 8? A number 8 is a central midfielder who traditionally operates as a box-to-box player, doing both attacking and defensive jobs. In the modern game, however, the role has evolved to include support play through the inside channels, with lots of matches seeing more control and less end-to-end football.

What is a false 9? ›

Effectively, a false 9 is a centre-forward who is stationed high up the pitch but has the freedom to roam around and drop back into deeper positions to receive the ball and link up play. These players tend to operate primarily in central areas, somewhere between centre-forward and central attacking midfield.

What is a false 9 soccer? ›

A false nine is a centre-forward who repeatedly moves towards the ball in deeper positions from a high starting position, often dropping to receive centrally. The main intention is to get on the ball away from the opposition centre-backs – and, in doing so, to draw players out of position and disrupt the defence.

What is number 11 in soccer? ›

Number 11. Traditionally a left-sided attacking player, either on the left of a midfield four or of a front three.

Why is number 14 important in football? ›

The fourteen is a class player, most often in the midfield and usually one that gets by with brains rather than brawn. The 14 number became famous because of Johan Cruyff, the embodiment of total football. He switched to it in 1970, previously he had been 9.

What is no 6 in football? ›

6 – Defensive Midfielder

Offensively, defensive midfielders are also solid passers. While it's unlikely a defensive midfielder will score a goal, they play a huge role in advancing the ball into the defense's territory.

What is a 4 in football? ›

4 - Central Defender. 7 - Right Midfielder. 11 - Left Midfielder. 9 - Striker. See the guidance at the top of this page to understand why you are not seeing interactive Football/Soccer images.

What is a 6 in soccer? ›

6 jersey refers to a defensive midfielder, also known as a holding midfielder. Their job is to protect the backline, retain the ball and recycle possession if need be.

Why is 69 not a jersey number? ›

Out of all the numbers that have been worn by players in NBA history, the No. 69 hasn't been worn by anyone in the league. The reason behind this is because the number is used to refer to a sexual position. Being a family-friendly league, the NBA decided to ban the number from being worn by any player.

What is the rarest lucky number? ›

11: Lucky 12

Just as 13 is considered one of the unluckiest of all numbers, 12 is considered the rare lucky number that happens to also be even. The origins of this superstition are sketchy, but some sources suggest that 12 gained its lucky rep simply because it's so nicely divisible.

Can your jersey number be 0? ›

Except for offensive and defensive linemen, players can now wear the number zero. It follows in the path of college football, where the number was first allowed in 2020. Additionally, kickers and punters cam now use any jersey numeral between 0-49 and 90-99.

What does squad 9 mean? ›

Squad Nine (also known as "Kyubantai") is one of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, headed by Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi, as it currently has no captain.

Is a squad 4? ›

SQUAD. Two teams make up a squad, which has four to 10 soldiers. In an infantry squad, the teams divide duties: one serves as a base-of-fire element, while the other serves as the maneuver element.

What is a number 5 in football? ›

In football, the number 5 is the role given to a centre-back. Therefore, centre-backs typically wear the No. 5 shirt when playing for their national teams or football clubs.

What is a number 7 in football? ›

The No. 7 shirt is reserved for wingers and second strikers, though there are some examples of legendary central strikers who have worn the shirt, thus giving the number classic status. Cristiano Ronaldo was given the No.

What does 2 and 9 mean in football? ›

If the attacking team only manages to gain 1 yard on their 1st down, the following down will be 2nd & 9, meaning 2nd down and 9 yards to go. If the attacking team does not gain 10 yards on the 4 downs, the ball turns over to the opposing team.

What is a false 8 in soccer? ›

The entire idea of the False Eight is for the player to act as a midfielder in the defensive phase but act as another striker in the attacking phase.

What does 7 and 11 mean in soccer? ›

7– Right Midfielder/Winger. 8– Central/Box-to-Box Midfielder. 9– Striker. 10– Attacking Midfielder/Playmaker. 11– Left Midfielder/Wingers.

What is a 5 in soccer? ›

(Defender) The number 5 Soccer position is represented by the team's other 'first choice' central defender or 'center back'. His partnership with his fellow central defender, number 4, is essential for the 'spine' of the team and a stable defense which does not concede goals.

What is position 10 in soccer? ›

10 was a string-pulling midfielder, typically with technique dripping from every pore, playing in the hole behind his team's central striker.

Is Jesus a false 9? ›

He's an incredibly productive player, simultaneously dropping in to receive as a 'false nine', whilst also holding full capabilities of sprinting in behind and making himself a nuisance as a natural number nine.

What is 10 in football? ›

What is a number 10? A number 10 is an attacker who operates in the spaces between central midfield and the front line. They often receive between the opposition's midfield and defence – a space commonly referred to as 'between the lines'.

Is Ronaldo a false 9? ›

as a CF Messi played false 9 and spent most of his time in the midfield. his heat map looked a lot more like a CAM than a 9. Ronaldo is more of a true no. 9 when he plays centrally.

What is a 4 3 3 with a false 9? ›

This is the development of the 'false nine'. In this form of the 4-3-3 formation, a team's central forward will drop into a slightly deeper, more creative role, linking the midfield and attack and allowing the two wide players to cause problems higher up the pitch.

What is false 7 in football? ›

The "false winger" or "seven-and-a-half" is instead a label which has been used to describe a type of player who normally plays centrally, but who instead is deployed out wide on paper; during the course of a match, however, they will move inside and operate in the centre of the pitch, in order to drag defenders out of ...

What does SS stand for in soccer? ›

In soccer, the abbreviation “SS” means Second Striker. The second striker(SS) is positioned just behind the main striker on a soccer team next to the opposition goal.

What does number 12 mean in football? ›

In American football, the sideline is sometimes also referred to as the "12th man" or "12th defender": since a player is considered down when he steps out of bounds, the sideline effectively acts as an extra defender.

Who wears 11 in the NFL? ›

11: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys. The NFC East will see some battles between No. 11s when Parson's Cowboys face A.J. Brown's Eagles. For now, the nod goes to the unanimous 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Who wears number 9 in the World Cup? ›

The South Korean football team, which tied against Uruguay and was defeated by Ghana so far in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has gone viral for one of its players — Cho Gue-sung, also known as player No. 9.

Is 22 a good football number? ›

A total of 25 players choose 22 as their jersey number, and it's heavily favored amongst defensive players.

Is 52 a good football number? ›

50-55 is the sweet spot for jersey numbers in the 50s

Every number between 50 and 55 looks good, whether it's a beast middle linebacker, an explosive edge rusher, or a stalwart center. No. 52 is the peak of this jersey number range. Ray Lewis rocked 52 all the way to a Hall of Fame career.

Can you wear the number 0 in soccer? ›

FIFA Laws of the Game state that "each player must be identified by a different number," and the number "0" is not considered a valid player number. Therefore, soccer players are not permitted to wear a jersey with the number zero.

What does 69 mean in football? ›

According to NCAA rule book, Rule 1 Section 4 Article 1 "strongly recommends" numbering as follows for offensive players: Back 0–49. Center 50–59. Guard 60–69. Tackle 70–79.

What is DM in football? ›

Defensive midfielder. Defensive midfielders are central midfield players that focus more on defence than attack. They need strength to make strong tackles and they also need stamina and some degree of passing skill as they need to support other midfielders.

What is number 8 and 6 in football? ›

The number 8 describes the position of a central midfielder who plays a more overall role in the team. A number 6 position often plays a more defensive midfield position. And a number 10 plays as a creative attacking midfielder.

What is number 2 in football? ›

Tactically the number two position in soccer is one of the two wingbacks flanking central defenders who form the core of the defensive formation of any team. However, the number 2 shirt is usually worn by right-backs in football.

What is a 52 in football? ›

In American football, the 5–2 defense is a defensive alignment consisting of five down linemen and two linebackers.

What is a 53 football? ›

In American football, the 5–3 defense is a defensive alignment consisting of five down linemen and three linebackers.

What is double 6 in football? ›

Defensive midfielder/#6

Teams usually play with one or two defensive midfielders (which is called a “double six”). The #6 can be positioned as a “holding midfielder” to cover the opposition's attacking midfielder.

What does 6 man mean in football? ›

Six-man football is a variant of gridiron football played with six players per team, instead of the standard 11 or 12. It is generally played by high schools in rural areas of the United States and Canada.

What does 3 & 6 mean football? ›

You may hear expressions such as “Third and 6.” That means that the attacking team is at its third attempt of traveling 10 yards (its third down) and still has to travel six more yards, as it traveled a total of four yards in the first and second downs combined.

Can you choose your NFL number? ›

According to the NFL website, the rule – which was proposed by the Philadelphia Eagles – allows quarterbacks to choose from numbers 0-19; defensive backs 0-49; fullbacks, tight ends, halfbacks and wide receivers 0-49 and 80-89; linebackers 0-59 and 90-99.

How do they pick baseball numbers? ›

Number assignments. The original baseball numbers were based on the lineup. The starting players would be numbered 1-8, based on their spot in the order. The backup catcher would be number 9, and the pitchers would wear 10-14 (but not 13, as it is considered unlucky).

How do football players get assigned numbers? ›

This NFL numbering system is based on a player's primary position. Any player wearing any number may play at any position at any time (though players wearing numbers 50-79 must let the referee know that they are playing out of position by reporting as an "ineligible number in an eligible position").

What do squad numbers mean in football? ›

Numbers 4 and 5: The "centre-back" and "sweeper" Numbers 6 and 7: defensive midfielders. Numbers 8 and 10: attacking midfielders. Number 11: the second striker. Number 9: the centre-forward.

Is the number 69 banned in the NFL? ›

Currently, numbers 1–49 and 70–89 are eligible while 50–69 are not. They can be used as ineligible players in eligible positions. Numbers 90–99 are generally worn on defense although in the early days of the CFL, 90s were common on offense. The number 0 (and 00) is also allowed in the CFL, unlike in the NFL.

Can you wear 00 in the NFL? ›

Except for offensive and defensive linemen, players can now wear the number zero. It follows in the path of college football, where the number was first allowed in 2020. Additionally, kickers and punters cam now use any jersey numeral between 0-49 and 90-99.

Can you wear number 69 in the NFL? ›

No, the NFL has not banned the number 69. However, the NBA apparently does not issue the number.

Can you wear 0 in baseball? ›

0 -- which other MLBers donned the digit? In Major League Baseball, players are allowed to wear zero as their uniform number (yes, it's a number. Also, it's even). It's rare, but it happens.

What is the rarest number in baseball? ›

89 -- the only number left from 0 to 99 that had never been worn in a Major League Baseball regular-season game.

Is 42 the only number retired in baseball? ›

Is 42 the only number retired in baseball? The MLB retired Jackie Robinson's number (42) on April 15, 1997. Robinson's number remains the only one to be retired across the league.

Who wears 7 in the NFL? ›

Uniform Numbers
PlayerFromTo
Jim Flower19231923
Doug Flutie19982004
Nick Foles20192019
D'Onta Foreman20212021
94 more rows

Why do tight ends wear 87? ›

NFL Films shared an interview with the brothers. In it, Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end, revealed he wears jersey No. 87 in honor of Jason, the Philadelphia Eagles center.

What do the C on football jerseys mean? ›

Players who have been named a team captain typically wear a "C" patch on their jerseys.

What are dead numbers in football? ›

There's an old betting adage in football that says a point spread of 5 points is a “dead number.” That's because it's considered difficult for an NFL final score to land on and it's surrounded by the more common score margins of 3, 4, 6 and 7.

What does number 7 mean in football? ›

The No. 7 shirt is reserved for wingers and second strikers, though there are some examples of legendary central strikers who have worn the shirt, thus giving the number classic status. Cristiano Ronaldo was given the No.

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