NFL Jersey Numbers by Position: What Numbers Can Players Wear?
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- Quarterbacks wear 0–19; linemen wear 50–79.
- The 2021 vote opened single digits to most skill positions.
- The 2023 vote allowed No. 0 for most positions.
- Kicker/punter and defensive-lineman rules for 0 are unconfirmed.
This guide covers NFL jersey number rules by position and the 2021 and 2023 changes. We could not read the rulebook itself, so some ranges come from news summaries.
NFL jersey numbers by position
| Position | 2021 rule (NFL.com) | Current range (2026 summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | 1–19 | 0–19 |
| Running back | 1–49, 80–89 | 0–49, 80–89 |
| Fullback / H-back | 1–49, 80–89 | 0–49, 80–89 |
| Wide receiver | 1–49, 80–89 | 0–49, 80–89 |
| Tight end | 1–49, 80–89 | 0–49, 80–89 |
| Offensive lineman | 50–79 | 50–79 |
| Defensive lineman | 50–79, 90–99 | 50–79, 90–99 (sources differ on 0) |
| Linebacker | 1–59, 90–99 | 0–59, 90–99 |
| Defensive back | 1–49 | 0–49 |
| Kicker / punter | 1–19 | 0–49, 90–99 (unconfirmed) |
The left column is from NFL.com's report on the April 2021 vote. The right column is from a 2026 summary by Legion Report. We could not read the NFL rulebook itself, so treat the right column as a guide, and check kickers and punters and defensive linemen with the league.
The 2021 rule change
NFL owners approved a rule on April 21, 2021 that opened single-digit numbers to running backs, tight ends, fullbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs and linebackers. Before then, single digits were limited to quarterbacks, kickers and punters. The Chiefs proposed it, reportedly after practice-squad sizes grew in 2020. Players who switched for 2021 might have to buy out their old number's jersey stock, and those who switched for 2022 did not, according to the Broncos' report.
The 2023 rule change
Owners approved No. 0 on March 28, 2023 at the Eagles' proposal, according to news summaries. Number 0 became legal for the first time since 1973 for most positions. Legion Report says it is allowed for every position except offensive line, while another report says it excludes defensive linemen too. The same summary says the number 00 has been banned since 1973. Kickers and punters also gained the 20s, 30s, 40s and 90s, per one summary.
| Year | Change | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Position ranges tightened; 00 banned | Legion Report |
| 2021 (Apr. 21) | Single digits for RB, WR, TE, FB, DB and LB; Chiefs proposed | NFL.com, Broncos.com |
| 2023 (Mar. 28) | No. 0 allowed for most positions; Eagles proposed | Search summaries |
Who wears No. 0 in 2026?
| Player | Team | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Gonzalez | New England Patriots | Cornerback |
| DeMarvion Overshown | Dallas Cowboys | Linebacker |
| Jonathon Cooper | Denver Broncos | Linebacker |
| Keon Coleman | Buffalo Bills | Wide receiver |
| Renardo Green | San Francisco 49ers | Cornerback |
| DeMarcus Lawrence | Seattle Seahawks | Linebacker |
These come from ESPN rosters on October 25, 2026. They show that cornerbacks, linebackers and receivers wear 0.
Why do numbers depend on position?
The 1973 system gave each position a tight number range so officials and fans could tell a lineman from a receiver at a glance. Offensive linemen are the main reason the ranges remain: they must wear 50 to 79 because they are ineligible receivers. The 2021 and 2023 changes loosened the ranges for everyone else.
What this means when you buy a jersey
A jersey's number tells you the position group more often than not. A 1 or a 0 can now belong to a cornerback, linebacker or receiver, not just a quarterback or kicker. Always match the number to the player's name on the listing, and check that the player is still on the roster before you order a name and number.
Can players change numbers?
Players generally keep their number when they change positions. The exception is a move from an eligible-receiver position to offensive line, which requires a number from 50 to 79. The reverse is allowed: Devin Hester kept 23 when he moved from cornerback to wide receiver, according to Legion Report.
Retired and unissued numbers
Teams also set their own rules. Many keep numbers out of circulation or retire them. See our team guides: Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers. Browse NFL jerseys to find a player by number.
Nike makes the NFL's uniforms, and player numbers on Nike jerseys follow these rules. This guide is current for the 2026 NFL season.
NFL retired numbers by team
Retired NFL jersey numbers are decided by each team, not the league: there is no league-wide retired number list, so retired numbers in NFL teams differ. These are the eight teams we cover, with the numbers each has retired. NFL uniform rules and the NFL jersey rules on position ranges still apply to every other number.
| Team | Retired numbers | Which numbers | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | 14 | 3, 5, 7, 28, 34, 40, 41, 42, 51, 56, 61, 66, 77, 89 | numbers guide |
| San Francisco 49ers | 12 | 8, 12, 16, 34, 37, 39, 42, 70, 73, 79, 80, 87 | numbers guide |
| New England Patriots | 8 | 12, 20, 40, 57, 73, 78, 79, 89 | numbers guide |
| Seattle Seahawks | 5 | 12, 45, 71, 80, 96 | numbers guide |
| Buffalo Bills | 3 | 12, 34, 78 | numbers guide |
| Denver Broncos | 3 | 7, 18, 44 | numbers guide |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 3 | 32, 70, 75 | numbers guide |
| Dallas Cowboys | None formally | Ring of Honor instead | numbers guide |
Retired numbers NFL fans ask about, such as the Bears' 14, are explained in each team's numbers guide.
FAQ
What numbers can NFL quarterbacks wear?
0 to 19 under the 2023 change; 1 to 19 before.
Can NFL players wear No. 0?
Since 2023, most positions can. Offensive linemen cannot.
What numbers can linebackers wear?
0 to 59 and 90 to 99.
Why did the NFL change its number rules?
The Chiefs proposed the 2021 change to give teams more flexibility with number assignments.
Is No. 00 allowed?
No, according to a 2026 summary, which says it has been banned since 1973.
Sources
- NFL.com, NFL passes rule expanding eligible jersey numbers (2021)
- Denverbroncos.com, owners approve change to jersey number restrictions (Apr 21, 2021)
- Legion Report, NFL jersey number rules by position (2026; secondary)
- Pro Football Talk, NFL passes expanded jersey number rule (search summary only)
- ESPN rosters, Oct 25, 2026