The NFL approved the Philadelphia Eagles’ proposal for players to wear the No. 0, following a trend started by college football in 2020. Any non-offensive or defensive lineman can wear the number in the NFL starting in 2023.
This is a potentially big moment for Green Bay Packers aesthetics because several of the single-digit numbers are retired in Green Bay. Currently, only No. 6 and No. 8 are available. No. 2 could be available if Mason Crosby doesn’t return. Needless to say, No. 0 could be in high demand.
Which player for the Packers should get the new number? Let’s speculate.
Keisean Nixon, an All-Pro returner last season, already looks intrigued.
Jordan Love? New era, new number? He otherwise wears No. 10. Could wearing No. 0 could be a fitting tribute to his late father, Orbin?
Second-year receiver Bo Melton wears No. 80 but might want to drop the eight.
Punter Pat O’Donnell already has the “0” in his name, and punters are allowed to wear the new number.
New long snapper Matt Orzech needs a number.
What about a draft pick? Georgia tight end Darnell Washington, who visited the Packers this month, wore No. 0 in college (here’s a rendering).
Star players have to pay back money to change numbers, but maybe a player such as Christian Watson or Aaron Jones or Rashan Gary would be willing. Who knows.
The best bet is a draft pick. Maybe even the team’s top pick. With limited single-digit options available in Green Bay, a top rookie might see No. 0 as the best option with the Packers.
