After decades of being known as the NFL’s loneliest number, the previously-banned No. 0 jersey will see plenty of run across the league in 2023.
Prior to receiving the vote of approval at this spring’s owners meetings, the No. 0 jersey, worn by only 15 players, had been cast aside following a rule change in 1973. But, with the restriction now lifted, several stars, including the returning Calvin Ridley, who was the first to take up the “Agent Zero” mantle, have since made the change.
With Week 1 officially upon NFL fans, lets take a look at the players who will wear the rare No. 0 this coming campaign:
Running Backs
D’Andre Swift, Eagles: A fresh start in Philadelphia following three seasons with the Lions appeared to inspire the dynamic Swift to switch from the No. 32 entering Year 4.
Also: *Nyheim Hines, Bills (Out for season; knee)
Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley, Jaguars: After missing the 2022 season due to a one-year suspension for gambling, Ridley will look to put his face and new number back on the map in Jacksonville after a promising four-year run with the Falcons wearing No. 18.
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Also: Marvin Jones Jr., Lions; Parris Campbell, Giants; Braxton Berrios, Dolphins; Zach Pascal, Cardinals
Linebackers
Roquan Smith, Ravens: The recently-extended Smith announced in May his switch from the No. 18, his jersey after joining Baltimore in a mid-season trade from the Bears. He previously wore No. 58 for 4 and 1/2 years in Chicago.
Brian Burns, Panthers: With Burns still in search of his own lucrative extension, the fifth-year pro will start the season in Carolina donning a new jersey after previously wearing No. 53.
(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Also: Devin Bush, Seahawks; Marcus Davenport, Vikings; Lorenzo Carter, Falcons; Jonathon Cooper, Broncos; Yaya Diaby, Buccaneers (R); Byron Young, Rams (R); Daiyan Henley, Chargers (R)
Cornerbacks and Defensive Backs
Adrian Amos, Jets DB: An eight-year pro who signed with New York this offseason, Amos will wear No. 0 for the first time in Year 9; previously, the 30-year-old wore No. 38 with the Bears and No. 31 with the Packers.
Sean Murphy-Bunting, Titans CB: After a standout four seasons on the Buccaneers, Murphy-Bunting will now play a key role in Tennessee’s secondary, and will be the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0.
Also: Shaquill Griffin, Texans CB; Greg Newsome, Browns CB; Ugo Amadi, Saints DB; Samuel Womack III, 49ers CB, Jakorian Bennett, Raiders CB (R)
