I’m obsessed with NFL players and their numbers. It has been that way for a while now. It started with my favorite player, who is a defensive lineman wearing the number 91. Let me tell you a story.
When I was a little kid, I used to sneak in late at night to watch games on TV. He was my favorite player and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He ran, blocked, tackled, and seemed to make plays all over the field. He was like a superhero in cleats! He was the reason why I wanted to become a defensive lineman when I was growing up.
Nowadays, I get to know which number each NFL player wears. I love how the numbers really define each player’s character, their performance, and the impact they have on the field. It’s always fascinating to see which jerseys certain players don. Take for instance, the number 12. That usually belongs to the quarterback, and it carries a lot of responsibility since they’re the ones calling the plays. Even if the other players do their jobs, it’s often up to the quarterback to make it all come together.
Every position has its own numbers, too. You might be familiar with the running backs wearing 22 and 33, wide receivers wearing the number 83 or 11, defensive linemen wearing 91 or 70, linebackers wearing 51 or 59, and cornerbacks wearing 24 or 25. And there are so many more numbers! It’s all quite impressive how all of these numbers express so much about the players and their roles within the game.
Even if you’re not a football fan, the jersey numbers still say a lot about the players. Numbers are those distinct factors that make each player stand out and they are what make the game we love so special. Even watching highlights on the news or at a bar, you can identify certain players that leave you awestruck, just by their number alone.
I’m also a fan of the retired players who’ve left their numbers as their legacy. You know them such as Jerry Rice’s number 80, Walter Payton’s number 34, Joe Namath’s number 12 or Dan Marino’s number 13. Once the player retires, the team sometimes retires the number in their honor. People forever remember their contribution to the sport.
What a powerful thing numbers can be! I mean, not just any numbers, but the numbers of professional athletes who cover and fill these fields with passion, drive, and unforgettable moments. Which number of your favorite players do you remember?