Patrick Mahomes Elaborates On How Expanded Jersey Number Rules Are Affecting The Quarterbacks

The NFL relaxed its regulations in 2021 about which players might don single-digit numbers, permitting defensive players to do so. Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Chiefs, is not a fan.

Patrick Mahomes Elaborates On How Expanded Jersey Number Rules Are Affecting The Quarterbacks

Longtime supporters were already aware that receivers needed to wear numbers between 10 and 19 or 80 and 89. Wearing a number between 40 and 59 or 90 and 99 was required for linebackers. Now, aside from offensive and defensive linemen, a player wearing number seven, for instance, may play almost any position on the field.

Quarterbacks share the feelings of fans who want to see the league revert to the previous system of jersey numbering. Back when the extended jersey number guidelines were initially introduced, Tom Brady voiced his disapproval of them. Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Chiefs, is openly expressing his disdain nearly three seasons later.

On Monday night, Mahomes informed Peyton and Eli Manning that because there is now a greater diversity of jersey numbers, it is more difficult for quarterbacks to recognize the individuals they need to read.

“It’s even crazier now because everybody can wear the single digits,” Mahomes said. “We actually go in every week and we really emphasize the numbers because when you’ve got a number like No. 7 playing middle linebacker, that can really mess with your tells for the o-linemen. It looks cool, I’ll give everybody that, but it makes it a little difficult for the QB.”

“You get these guys who rotate in, and you’ll get a DB who’s in the 40s and a linebacker in single digits,” Mahomes said. “Having to really recognize that quickly.”

Once at the line of scrimmage, quarterbacks usually try to determine which coverage the defense is in and, depending on alignment and movement, who could be blitzing or dropping into coverage. When players are sporting unique numbers, that gets harder.

Mahomes offers some fascinating perspective on how the new jersey numbering regulations may interfere with a quarterback’s ability to make snap choices when playing football. It’s odd, though, that more NFL signal-callers haven’t voiced similar grievances.

 

 

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