NFL fans, get ready for the fun of changing the number of shirts.
Tom Pelissero, the NFL network, reported that NFL owners approved the proposal to change the jersey numbers, according to informed sources about the situation.
The proposal, presented by Kansas City chiefs, has adjusted restrictions on who can wear T-shirt numbers. Specifically, the approval unlocks the number of players eligible to carry single-digit numbers that had previously been demoted to QBs, kickers and bettors.
Extended T-shirts will allow the rolling back, tight ends, defenders, H back and wide receivers to carry the numbers 1-49 and 80-89; defensive defenders can choose between 1-49; linebackers 1-59 and 90-99; 50-79 line officers; and defensive lines 50-79 and 90-99. QBs, kickers and bettors will remain in 1-19.
The extensive training teams due to COVID-19 led to some number problems for some clubs last year, precipitating the change in the use of the number.
A lot of players could look to change the number, especially the players in the qualifying position and the defensive back who could switch to single-digit numbers they wore in college or in their younger years.
Other issues raised by clubs at Wednesday’s meeting, per Pelissero:
- The league approved extended communication from stand to official. The hope is that increasing the allowed communication will lead to fewer errors in objective calls that can be clearly seen on TV.
- A coup proposal was approved by the competition committee to limit the receiving team to players in the “installation area”. The hope is that the changes will help make it easier to recover onside.
- With the passing of the competition committee’s proposal for onside kicks, the Eagles presented their fourth and 15th alternative. Pelissero noted that Philly still believes in his proposal to add a fourth and 15th option to keep possession, but agreed to test the shot change this year. The eagles could bring their proposal back next year.
- The owners have eliminated the pre-season extensions. It was a misunderstood change. Coaches have often avoided linking pre-season games late, but the rule ensures that overtime play will not be an option in exhibition games.
- The proposal to change the employment cycles of GM and head coach – pushing back the start of interviews for all clubs until after the conference championship matches and without employment until after the Super Bowl – was put forward for more discussion by the diversity committee, per Pelissero. Buffalo Bills proposed changing the cycle.
- The owners approved a rule proposed by Chicago to ensure that all accepted penalties committed by either team during the successive attempts to try extra points are applied.
- The league approved a rule proposed by the Los Angeles Rams to add a bottom loss to a penalty for a second forward pass from behind the line and for a pass thrown after the ball returns behind the line.
According to Pelissero, a focus on the NFL competition commission report will focus on the challenge, President Rich McKay. Pelissero adds that the feeling within the coaching subcommittee is that the officials relaxed on the players who go face to face, sitting on top of people, pointing fingers, and so on. They will not focus so much on the touchdown holidays in this regard, but expect to be thrown.