Meanings Behind the NFL Jersey Numbers

The jersey numbers of NFL players, in many cases, are assigned by the team, adhering to the positional numbering restrictions afforded by the rules. However, there have been some special stories of players wearing a number per their request for meaningful reasons. In this edition, we will explore some fascinating stories as to why the number fits the player.

Ben Roethlisberger, the renowned quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, chose to wear the number 7 jersey throughout his illustrious career. His decision to don this particular number stemmed from his deep admiration for legendary quarterback John Elway, who played for the Denver Broncos. Elway, a two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, served as a role model for Roethlisberger, and wearing Elway's number 7 jersey was a way for him to express his respect and emulate his idol.

Ben Roethlisberger (3rd from the left -- wearing sweatpants) while his number is being retired at Yager Stadium before the Bowling Green game on October 30, 2007. Also pictured the two other Miami football player to have their number retired: Bob Hitchens (far middle)and John Pont (2nd from the left). Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Roethlisberger's admiration for Elway extended beyond just his number choice. He adopted many of Elway's playing styles and leadership qualities, striving to replicate Elway's success on the field. Roethlisberger's dedication to honoring Elway's legacy was evident throughout his career, and the number 7 jersey became synonymous with his own accomplishments.

At the root, Elway had an interesting story on why he wore the number 7. When John arrived to play at Stanford, he was disappointed to find out that the number 11 that he wore in high school was not available. The only numbers available were 7 and 12, and Elway opted for the less common 7.

It seemed like all of the top NFL QBs of the 70s had worn 12. Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, Bob Griese, Terry Bradshaw, and Ken Stabler. These guys accounted for nine of the first 14 Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks.

Scarcity and Uniqueness: Elway appreciated that the number 7 was not widely used among athletes at the time. He felt it gave him a distinct identity and set him apart from others.
Personal Preference: Elway simply liked the number 7. He found it aesthetically pleasing and felt a connection to it.

De Andre Hopkins chose jersey number 10 when he went to the Arizona Cardinals after a trade as a reminder. Hopkins Tweeted that he chose the number as a reminder that his cousin chose a lifestyle of selling drugs and got busted and was sentenced to serve ten years in prison for the crime. It was a pivotal moment in time for DeAndre, who made the decision right there to concentrate on playing football, going to Clemson and eventually the NFL. The number represents honor to his cousin and the choice he personally made.

Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, wears the unique jersey number 15 for a couple of reasons:

A Symbol of New Beginnings: When Mahomes joined the Chiefs in 2017, his preferred number, 5, was already taken by kicker Cairo Santos. Instead of choosing another commonly used number, Mahomes opted for 15, signifying his readiness to embrace a new chapter in his football career.

A Distinctive Identity: Mahomes recognized that 15 was an unconventional number for a quarterback, and he welcomed the opportunity to stand out from his peers. The number became a symbol of his individuality and daring style of play.

A Personal Connection: Mahomes has mentioned that he has always had a personal connection to the number 15. He believes it represents his creativity, adaptability, and ability to make big plays on the field.
Over the years, Mahomes has made the number 15 his own, etching his name among the NFL's elite quarterbacks. The number has become synonymous with his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and ability to lead his team to victory.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce present President Joe Biden with a commemorative jersey during an event celebrating the team’s Superbowl LVII championship, Monday, June 5, 2023, on the South Lawn of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz), Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Jim Otto,the legendary center for the Oakland Raiders,  had donned the number 50 while he played in college for the Miami Hurricanes.

As Pro he changed it uop and wore the unique jersey number 00 for two primary reasons:

A Play on His Name: Otto's nickname was "Aught-Oh," a play on his last name and the number 0. The double-zero "00" effectively reinforced this nickname and added a distinctive flair to his on-field persona.
Distinction and Intimidation: The number 00 was relatively uncommon in football at the time, and Otto's consistent performance and intimidating presence made him synonymous with the number. It became a symbol of his dominance and unwavering dedication to the game.

Otto's choice of 00 was unconventional yet memorable, reflecting his personality and solidifying his place as one of the most recognizable figures in Raiders history. The number became so closely associated with him that the team has retired it to this day.

The images used above are courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of An American football game between the 1957 Houston Cougars football team and the Miami Hurricanes at Rice Stadium in Houston. Pictured are Houston's Claude King (#22), Bob Borah (#84), and Charlie Brown (#76), and Miami's Dan Coughlin (#64), Byron Blasko (#23), Frank Nodoline (#78), and Jim Otto (#50).