Single-digit Jersey Numerals Now Open to More Postions

 By John Turney 

Dick Gordon

There have been several iterations of the numerals players can wear in NFL games. One notable change was in 1952 that required backs and ends to not wear numbers in the 50s, 60s, 70s and so on.

Otto Graham had to switch from No. 60 to 14. Mac Speedie and Dante Lavelli were ends that had numbers in the 50s and had to change to numerals. Those two chose numbers in the 80s.

There was another big deal in 1973 when the standardized numerals were expanded so that players had to be issued numbers by their positions. Before that, there was a lot of diversity in numbers—receivers could be found wearing numbers in the 20s, 30s and 40s as well as in the 80s for example.

There were other changes later, one of them was adding numbers in the 90s in 1979. Another one of the changes was in 2004 allowing wide receivers to wear numbers from 10 to 19. 

That was called the "Keyshawn Johnson rule" because Johnson had been allowed to wear number 19 when he was drafted by the Jets, but that was an exception because no numbers in the 80s were available.

Now, with this new rule, it is a free-for-all. Lots of players can wear single digits -- receivers, running backs, linebackers. Only a few positions can't like linemen.

One of the standardized categories defined in 1973 was who could be issued a single-digit number. At that time it was only quarterbacks and kickers and punters.

There was a time that Archie Griffin the two-time Heisman winner petitioned the NFL to wear number 1 because of his religious faith and his belief was he could worship Jesus Christ by wearing the numbers, as in "Jesus is number one in my life."

He was denied.

The year before the 1973 rule change the Rams signed a wide receiver named Dick Gordon who had played out his option with the Chicago Bears. As per the Rozelle rule—which allowed NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle to determine compensation to the team losing a player in free agency from the team who signed the player.

Rozelle determined that Gordon was worth a first rounder and when the Rams knew that value was set they signed him. Prior to that teams hesitated because though he may be worth more than a first, George Halas wanted more, even a player from the team who signed him plus a high pick.

So, Rozelle set it and the Rams jumped likely thinking a guy coming off back-to-back Pro Bowls was worth that and he could add some productivity to their receiving corps of Jack Snow and Lance Rentzel and some very young non-productive players.

Gordon was a very good player who'd been All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 1970 and a Pro Bowler the year after -- when he played out his option.

Disgruntled in the Windy City because he felt underpaid and also contended there was racial bias by the Bears organization. Gordon wanted out.

In Chicago, Gordon wore no. 45 but when he arrived in Los Angeles he wanted a change. he wanted a single-digit number and not only that, it had to be a prime number. He initially chose no. 7 which he didn't get.

It wasn't going to happen because the Rams had retired that number—it had belonged to Hall[of-famer Bob Waterfield and no one was going to get it. 

So, when equipment manager Don Hewitt informed him of that, Gordon chose no. 5—another prime number. He could have taken 2 or 3 as well but 5 it was.

Dick Gordon in 1972

With the choice, he became the first Rams non-quarterback to wear a single digit since 1949. 

Now, of course, Jalen Ramsey wears it. 

Gordon got to wear in in 1973 as well even though there were new rules but veteran players were grandfathered in. They could wear numerals worn before the new rule. 

The signing of Gordon turned out badly as it turned out. He did virtually nothing in 1972 and 1973. He was oft-injured and in 1973 he had a dispute with a coach on the sideline and rookie head coach Chuck Knox released him.

He was signed quickly by the Green Bay Packers and got his wish in terms of the number he was to wear -- he was issued the no. 7 and played a couple of games for the club but did nothing.

But it didn't last long. The following season he had a cup of coffee with the San Diego Chargers and they assigned him no. 88—not a single-digit prime number.