The NFL made headlines with their decision to loosen the restrictions on jersey numbers. The news quickly caught the attention of many notable players throughout the league, including those on the Los Angeles Rams.
The rule allowed for skill positions like running backs, defensive backs, wide receivers and tight ends to wear single-digit numbers. This has given some of them an opportunity to revert back to the numbers they wore during their high school and college days.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Robert Woods each shared their affinity for No. 2. However, only one. can have it and the winner has since been revealed.
Woods, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, cornerback Darious Williams and safety Jordan Fuller have all opted to change their numbers ahead of the 2021 NFL season, via the team’s official Twitter:
.@Serra__Football ➡️ @USC_Athletics ➡️ LA Rams @robertwoods is back in 2. pic.twitter.com/ifIRLk5IY9
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 11, 2021
.@j_fuller4 back in that @OhioStateFB 4️⃣! pic.twitter.com/nstgYaLM4J
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 11, 2021
1️⃣1️⃣ x @Dee_Willl2 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vc1z00DA3Q
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 11, 2021
Back to his roots. @DeSeanJackson10 ➡️ 1. pic.twitter.com/yGY6DlsHTc
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 11, 2021
The No. 17 had served Woods well since returning to his native L.A. prior to the 2017 campaign. However, it is clear that the prospect of reverting back to the No. 2 that he wore at nearby Junípero Serra High School and the University of Southern California.
Woods had some fierce competition for the number in the form of Ramsey. While it remains to be seen why exactly he was awarded the change, perhaps it has to do with his seniority with the Rams.
Jackson was initially planning to wear No. 11 upon signing with L.A. as a free agent this offseason. He will now don the No. 1 that he wore during his college days at Cal.
The switch by Jackson opened up the vacancy for Williams to switch to No. 11, which he wore at UAB. Fuller is also bringing back the No. 4 he rocked at Ohio State.
Kicker Matt Gay has gone from No. 1 to No. 8 as a result of Jackson. Meanwhile, fellow kicker Austin MacGinnis will go from No. 8 to No. 18.
