Low jersey numbers for receivers, what up with that?

now that I think about it, what are the rules for jersey numbers?

kickers 1-19?
qb 1-19?
rb 20-49? could you have an rb 1-20?
receivers 10-20 and 80-89? could a wr wear 1-9?
ol 50-79?
db 20-49?
lb 50-59 and 90-99? could you have 40-49?
dl 50-69 and 90-99
te 40-49 and 80-89? how about 1-39?

anybody know?

http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/index.nsf/Documents/0-jers-nums

NFL expanded it due to problems accomodating the number of players carried at certain positions. Typically in training camp there were never enough numbers for receivers and occasionally some WR would keep his number into the season.

I couldn’t find an article explaining exactly why, but several referenced 2004 as the year it came in to effect.

I did find this chart in one article, but could not confirm it anywhere else so it might not be accurate.

• Quarterbacks, punters, and kickers: 1-19
• Running backs: 20-49
• Wide receivers: 10-19 and 80-89
• Tight ends: 10-19 and 80-89 (or 40-49 if those ranges are taken)
• Centers: 50-59 (or 60-79 if that range is taken)
• Offensive linemen: 60-79
• Defensive linemen: 60-79 and 90-99
• Linebackers: 50-59 and 90-99
• Defensive backs: 20-49

Why is Hester 23?

I just realized “where” should be “wear”-believe me, I know the difference, must have had a brain cramp.

on account of some teams have certain numbers retired. they try to stick to the numbering system for order’s sake, though.

I’ve read somewhere that 10-19 numbers were given to WRs who perform punt or kick off returns. But I guess that was wrong.