Marshon Lattimore has worn No. 23 since entering the NFL ahead of the 2017 season. Lattimore spent the first 7.5 seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints, where he was a former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and a four-time Pro Bowler.
On Tuesday, the Saints traded Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. However, the Commanders already have someone wearing No. 23: second-year running back Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Rodriguez, who began this season on the practice squad, has been elevated to the 53-man roster three times and played a pivotal role in Sunday’s win over the Giants. Rodriguez ran for a team-high 52 yards and was on the field throughout the fourth quarter.
So, while Rodriguez has the number, he’s not stopping the newly acquired Pro Bowl cornerback from getting it. The Commanders announced that Lattimore will wear No. 23.
2️⃣3️⃣ pic.twitter.com/bv9XCKdbTn
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 6, 2024
As for Rodriguez, he spoke to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post and explained why giving up the number was no big deal.
.@CROD_JR on giving Marshon Lattimore No. 23: “He’s a vet. I’m not about to sit here and tell him I need to freaking thousands of dollars for a number. I’ve only been here two years. … At the end of the day, I’m the same guy. Same me, just a different number.”
— Nicki’s Backup Account (@NickisBackupX) November 7, 2024
It’s easy to see why this team is so close. Everyone buys into head coach Dan Quinn’s team-first mindset. Rodriguez has proven that this season, which is evident in his decision to give up his number.
