Uniform Number (National Football League)

In the NFL, players wear uniform numbers based on the position they play. The current system was instituted into the league on April 5, 1973, as a means for fans and officials to more easily identify players on the field by their position. Players who were already in the league at that date were grandfathered and did not have to change their uniform numbers if they did not conform. Since that date, players are invariably assigned numbers within the following ranges, based on their primary position:

   * Quarterbacks, Placekickers and Punters: 1–19

    * Wide Receivers: 10–19 and 80–89

    * Running Backs and Defensive Backs: 20–49

    * Offensive Linemen: 50–79

    * Linebackers: 50–59 and 90–99, or 40–49 if all are taken

    * Defensive Linemen: 50–79 and 90–99

    * Tight Ends: 80–89, or 40–49